Haute Event: 24th Annual Showboats International Rendezvous With Ulysse Nardin

The 24^th Annual Showboats International Rendezvous raised more than $1 million for Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County. The formal gala, which was held at Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach and hosted by Donald and Melania Trump, was the highlight of the four-day fundraiser.

Luxury Swiss watchmaker Ulysse Nardin accelerated the fundraising efforts by contributing more than $200,000. Ulysse Nardin, the leader in timepiece invention and innovation, honored 16 members of the Fleet Admirals Club with one-of-a-kind timepieces. Appropriately named The Admiral, the exclusive timepieces went to well deserving individuals; each of the members have pledged an annual donation of $50,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County for at least five years. Amongst the 16 philanthropists honored are distinguished business leaders such as Wayne Huizenga, Rick Case and Douglas and Linda Von Allmen.

Each recipient’s name was engraved into his or her timepiece and presented on stage by Ulysse Nardin CEO Patrik P. Hoffmann.

“We are honored to have taken part in such a wonderful charity event with some of South Florida’s most generous philanthropists,” Hoffmann said.

The spectacular evening was further decorated by a live auction, gourmet dinner, and entertainment by the Doobie Brothers. The auction saw exclusive timepieces from Ulysse Nardin including five “Classico” watches that were auctioned for $25,000 each. The winning bidders had the option to add a personal touch to their winnings, adding an engraving of an image of their choice to the back of the timepiece.

The new “El Toro” timepiece—the first of its kind available worldwide—went to the highest bidder for $75,000, $20,000 above its retail value.

“The big-heartedness of the community has been inspiring and we look forward to participating in the event again next year,” Hoffmann said.