CFLA Raises $500 for Children’s Charity

Members of the CFLA board include (L to R): President Wendy Kleefisch of Brevard Executive Limousine, Vice President Greg Palie of GNS Transportation, Directors Greg Moulton of Signature Transportation Group and Mo Sajjad of Alladin Tours, Treasurer Barbara White of VIP Transportation Group, and Secretary Tannia Osario of Super Shuttle Orlando — Nearly 40 members and supporters of the Central Florida Livery Association (CFLA) traveled from as far as New York for its annual holiday party, including CD Editor Madeleine Maccar. The association’s traditional meeting space at the Clarion Hotel Orlando International Airport was decked out in its festive finery, which included a CFLA-branded backdrop festooned with candy canes, a miniature Christmas tree, presents, and even a sprig of mistletoe—and numerous attendees were similarly dressed to the nines in head-to-toe holiday colors, sparkles, and even light-up attire.

But the cornerstone of the event was a table that became even more packed with presents as the evening celebration wore on. President Wendy Kleefisch of Brevard Executive Limousine is a longtime supporter of the local charity Toys for Kids, and she once again embraced the CFLA holiday event as an opportunity to benefit the region’s children in need with a fundraising raffle and toy drive.

L to R: Maria Palie of GNS Transportation, Marlo Denning of Elegant Limousines, and Greg Palie of GNS Transportation “I’m very thankful that the CFLA can continue to support Toys for Kids,” Kleefisch said. “Philanthropy and this charity are so important to me, and I’m proud that we raised $500 during our holiday party—and that it’s all for putting smiles on children’s faces.”

Chauffeur Driven Editor Madeleine Maccar with Louis Hawkins of Florida Loyalty Transportation, winner of a pass to the 2019 CD Executive Retreat in Austin Kleefisch was determined to make sure the evening’s party-goers left with some presents of their own, too: Everything from gift cards to show passes, from home goods to bottles of wine, and from the poinsettia centerpieces to an artificial—and fully decorated—tree were raffled off as the evening progressed. Among the winners was Louis Hawkins of Florida Loyalty Transportation, who won a pass to the 2019 Chauffeur Driven Executive Retreat in Austin May 5-8.

Between sending another round of gifts home with the evening’s guests, the party offered plenty of opportunities to enjoy the warmth of industry peers, friends, and supporters, as a buffet dinner, conversations, and photo-booth props encouraged everyone to make new friends and catch up with longtime associates. Kleefisch also made sure to thank the evening’s sponsors and attendees alike, adding to the warmth and gratitude of a night that ultimately aimed to bring smiles to many local children’s faces.

The next CFLA event will be its January 8 meeting.

Visit cfla.org for more information.

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