Wilde Jaguar Sarasota Partners with Van Wezel Foundation to Raise Over $300,00 at Annual Gala

    SARASOTA, FL, March 29, 2018 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Van Wezel Foundation, in partnership with Wilde Jaguar Sarasota, announced that over $300,000 was raised at the 17th Annual Van Wezel Foundation Gala, held Feb. 16, 2018, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

"We are so excited about the incredible success of this year's Annual Gala," said Van Wezel Foundation Chief Operating Officer Jim Selinski. "Many thanks to Wilde Jaguar Sarasota for partnering with us on this important fundraiser."

Wilde Jaguar Sarasota teamed up with the Van Wezel Foundation in a drawing by chance to win a 2018 Jaguar XE. With a donation of $100, ticket holders had the opportunity to be one out of 1,000 in the chance drawing. This year's winner, Joyce Bowers, was announced onstage after a performance from gala headliner, Barry Manilow. On Saturday, March 24, Bowers took home her new 2018 Jaguar XE, in the color of her choice.

All proceeds raised from the 17th Annual Van Wezel Foundation Gala benefit the Van Wezel Foundation, who operates to enrich the community and foster arts education, while supporting the needs of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

"We are proud to be a frequent partner with the Van Wezel Foundation," said Wilde Automotive Family President Mark Wilde. "The Wilde Automotive Family is passionate about supporting arts education to impact the next generation in our community."

About the Van Wezel Foundation
The Van Wezel Foundation operates as a partner, but independently, of the city owned and operated Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Established in 1987, the Foundation is a charitable non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has directed millions of dollars in support of the Hall's capital improvements, programs and ongoing educational efforts. For more information, visit: vwfoundation.org.

About the Wilde Automotive Family
Wilde Jaguar Sarasota, located at 4821 Clark Rd. in Sarasota, is a full-service Jaguar dealer and active member of the Wilde Automotive Family. The Wilde Automotive Family is a family-owned and operated business founded by Harold L. Wilde. His automotive career began in 1945 in Michigan, where he opened a two-man used vehicle sales operation. Today, the Wilde Automotive Family has grown to include 12 dealerships in Wisconsin and Florida, with more than 700 employees. Harold Wilde's legacy continues under the leadership of his wife, CEO Mary Ann Wilde; his son, Mark Wilde, president; CFO Dean Palmer; and Harold's daughter, Tracie Pierce, director of marketing. For more information, visit: wildecars.com.

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