Photo Braman

2009 marked the 50th anniversary of Porsche’s MINI brand, and Braman MINI ensured the MINI’s birthday bash was everything but!  It was “Start Your Engines!” at Braman MINI’s 50th Anniversary Birthday Bash to benefit The Lord’s Place this past Sunday at the Palm Beach International Raceway.MINI automobiles converged from as far as Jacksonville, Florida to attend – many in convoys. The largest MINI convoy of over 60 MINI’s left from Braman MINI in West Palm Beach to get to the track.

“Imagine a row of over 60 MINI’s travelling on Flagler, PGA Blvd. and the Beeline Highway – you should have seen the onlookers waving in excitement!” stated Kim Duprille, one Braman MINI owner who was part of the convoy.  On arrival to the motoring event, they and hundreds of others were treated to an open track day to put their cars through the paces on PBIR’s pro drag strip and slalom course. All day go-kart racing and watching performance and professional race cars make laps around the 2-mile PBIR Road Course were enjoyed by all.  Over 100 door prizes included T-Shirts, car washes and copies of the ‘Italian Job’ blockbuster featuring the MINI Cooper.

Blogs from Facebook to Twitter and all in between were alive with buzz about the event and bloggers on MINI Club sites such as Sunshine MINI’s shared drag strip times and chat pronouncing “Great Event”, “Great Turnout”, “Beat your time by a hair”, and even “Just got home and I’m wiped” were evident late through Sunday evening.

Car show competitions and entertainment by the hit band Ever So Klever kept the crowd lively and a Kid’s village kept the young ones interested and engaged.

“We had a blast” stated Neil Archer, President of the popular Wheels Across the Pond Club who was seen on many Slalom runs.

“Awesome” pronounced Jacksonville Area MINI’s (JAM) Club President Debbie Jeffrey. “I drove 298 miles for this and wow!” she concluded. Jeffrey’s JAM Club scooped up several prizes, including the MINI Club with the Mostest $500 prize for most contestants participating (handicap modified).Vlad Kleynburg also propelled JAM top gram the “Most Competitive Club” trophy by picking up the most wins club member wins with his ‘best drag’ and ‘best in show’ wins.  Jose Nasciomento grabbed first place trophy on the Slalom course in his MINI and kids medal winners included Nedrick McKoy, Natalie & Christian Orth, Luke Rinehart and Noah McCoy in Kid competitions.

“Helping The Lord’s Place is a great activity for our staff and management to be involved with” stated Vince Cerone, Braman Motorcars General Manager and COO. “The funds raised at this event represent not only our contribution, but that of every Braman customer. There is a percentage of every car purchased that goes to a good cause to help others and we could not do so without a healthy business and loyal customer base” Cerone continued.

Funds raised from the event will help supply hot meals to homeless men, women, and children while they connect with community resources at our Engagement Center.  Job Training and Placement program participants will not have to walk in the heat of summer to find work but will be able to receive a bus pass from Cafe Joshua. Individuals and families at our residential campuses will receive the personalized support services they need to be able to stabilize their lives and work toward their goals of exiting homelessness.  The Lord’s Place is dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness by providing innovative, compassionate, and effective services to men, women, and children in our community.

Jan Phillips, director of administration, human resources, and volunteers stated that “all of the clients who volunteered for the event had such a great time and now want to know when they can do it again!”

“Kudos to the Braman family for a fun-filled day. You guys worked very hard to put on a great event. We are pleased to have Braman Motorcars as one of our community partners. Together as a community we can end homelessness one person, one life at a time. ” Phillips concluded.