Hublot Helps Ray Allen Raise $500,000 for Diabetes Research
Last week we brought you an exclusive sneak peek at the Ray Allen Limited Edition Collection by Hublot. Today we’re bringing you photos from the collection’s official unveiling and auction!
On January 27, the collection – which is comprised of three 1-piece limited edition watches – was auctioned off at the Ray Allen Golf Classic Dinner. The sale of the Ray Allen King Power, Ray Allen Big Bang and Ray Allen Classic Fusion raised $191,000, funds which will be donated to the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation and JDRF for diabetes research.
Hublot kicked off the day with Allen and his wife Shannon at La Gorce Country Club on Miami Beach. A number of Allen’s Miami Heat teammates teed off for the Ray Allen Golf Classic, including Chris Bosh, Alonzo Mourning and Rashard Lewis.
After the tournament, Shannon and Andria Holtz hosted the Ray of Hope Luncheon, where more of the Heat‘s star players came out, including LeBron James, Chris ‘Birdman’ Andersen and Roger Mason, as well as Heat wives and girlfriends, including Dwyane Wade’s fiancé Gabrielle Union. During the lunch, Shannon discussed her fight to cure diabetes and her son Walker’s daily battle.
The day was capped off by the Ray Allen Golf Classic Dinner, where Allen hosted a live auction of Hublot’s three special edition timepieces. The watches sparked fierce bidding, so much so that Hublot agreed to create another Ray Allen King Power for the second highest bidder. Hublot also had several additional timepieces on sale at the event, with 15% of proceeds going to both foundations. The timepieces can also be purchased at Hublot’s Bal Harbour boutique, with 15% of proceeds going to the cause through Monday. With Hublot’s contribution, the event raised close to $500,000 in total.
Rick de la Croix, Hublot’s exclusive partner in the Americas, commented, “I am honored to be a part of this collaboration with Ray Allen. Not only is Hublot able to raise funds for a worthy cause, but we are able to collaborate with a great man, father, athlete and partner. I couldn’t be more proud of the timepieces we created together and am thrilled to be a part of finding a cure for this disease that effects Walker Allen and so many others everyday.”
Shannon also commented, “We are elated that our inaugural Ray Allen Golf Classic and Ray of Hope Ladies Luncheon, our first event in Miami, was such an enormous success. The support that we received from our presenting sponsor and partner, Hublot, exceeded every expectation. Grateful, thankful, honored… these words do not accurately express our gratitude for their commitment to raising awareness and funds for the JDRF and DRIF in honor of our son, Walker.”
Photos courtesy Hublot.
