Business

NAIAS: Glitz, Glamor and Giving Brings $5.2M to Detroit

Published

10 years ago

January 16, 2016

DETROIT, MI (FNN NEWS) – America’s Comeback City held nothing back tonight as $5.2 million were raised for children’s charities at the 2016 North American International Auto Show’s Charity Preview at Detroit’s Cobo Center.

Tonight’s number brings a grand total of more than $105.2 million raised for Southeastern Michigan children’s charities since Charity Preview was established by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association in 1976. More than $48 million of those funds was raised in the last 10 years alone.

A highly energized auto industry – fresh off an incredible week of more than 50 worldwide and North American product unveilings – joined together with a revived Detroit community at the largest single-night fundraiser in the world. In all, some 13,075 people attended the premier black-tie gala, presented by Axalta Coating Systems.

NAIAS Chairman Paul Sabatini said that the Charity Preview culminated an amazing week in Detroit.

“This week we celebrate the brilliance of the auto industry; tonight we celebrated the heart of the auto industry,” said Sabatini. “That Charity Preview was established by a group of Detroit-area auto dealers, and has grown to one of the most high-profile events in the nation, makes it even more special to me.”

Proceeds from Charity Preview directly benefit a wide range of children’s charities, supporting services for children of all ages, from birth to 18. Beneficiaries of the Charity Preview include: Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Boys Hope Girls Hope of Detroit, The Children’s Center, Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, Judson Center, Detroit PAL, March of Dimes, and the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

Business

Florida National News YouTube Channel Surpasses 1 Million Views, Matches Facebook’s 1M Milestone in 2025

Published

1 day ago

April 12, 2026

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News (FNN) has reached a major digital milestone, surpassing 1 million views on a 20-minute YouTube video, marking a significant moment in the network’s continued audience growth and online impact.

The video has shown renewed momentum over time, trending twice—first in August 2017 and again in April 2026, when it gained an additional 470,000 views.

Florida National News (FNN) continues to experience a strong and steady rise in digital viewership across its social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Audiences are increasingly engaging with FNN’s trusted news coverage, community storytelling, and original video content.

On February 12, 2025, FNN also surpassed 1 million views on Facebook, with a 30-second video reaching over 1.2 million views, further highlighting the network’s expanding digital footprint.

Today, both FNN’s YouTube and Facebook platforms have achieved million-viewer status, solidifying FNN’s position as a growing digital news leader.

This milestone reflects FNN’s expanding reach and impact, connecting with millions of viewers and delivering content that informs, engages, and empowers communities.

VIEWERSHIP MILESTONE SIGNALS EXPANDING DIGITAL REACH

FNN officials say the 1 million-view benchmark represents more than just a number — it signals growing trust and interest from audiences across Florida and the nation.

While individual FNN videos have consistently generated tens of thousands — and in some cases hundreds of thousands — of views, surpassing the 1 million mark underscores a broader trend of rising visibility and relevance in a competitive digital media landscape.

The network’s Instagram platform has also seen strong performance, recently exceeding 350,000 views, further reinforcing FNN’s multi-platform growth strategy.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR FNN?

Building on this momentum, FNN plans to:

Expand original video programming and live coverage
Increase audience engagement across all social platforms
Strengthen partnerships and community-based storytelling
Accelerate growth toward the next milestone beyond 1 million views

Network leaders say the goal is not just higher numbers, but deeper impact — connecting with audiences in meaningful ways while continuing to grow as a trusted digital news source.

Business

PR Veteran Dina Allende Closes Boutique Agency After 25 Years, Joins United Way Miami

Published

1 month ago

March 2, 2026

FNN NEWS

MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — After 25 years leading her own boutique public relations firm, veteran communications strategist Dina Allende has announced the closure of Clique PR and her transition to a full-time leadership role with United Way Miami.

Allende now serves as Associate Director of Communications at United Way Miami, joining the organization as it continues its century-long mission supporting Miami-Dade County through initiatives focused on education, health and financial stability.

Clique PR was founded in the months following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks — a period Allende described as both uncertain and transformative. The firm grew into a respected boutique agency representing clients across arts, entertainment, tourism and international business sectors.

Before launching her agency, Allende built her communications foundation with respected institutions including WPBT, Walt Disney World and Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

Through Clique PR, she represented high-profile events and organizations such as the Miami International Boat Show, Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Miami International Film Festival, the Latin America and Caribbean Air Transport Association, and INCAE during a Central American Presidential Summit where she saw Barack Obama in person.

Additional clients included Regulator Marine, Loud And Live and Sonesta Resorts in South Florida. She also collaborated on signature cultural events including Grovetoberfest, Wynwood Life and House of Horror Haunted Carnaval.

Among the most memorable milestones in her career, Allende handled publicity for 14th Dalai Lama, receiving a personal blessing she describes as unforgettable. She also worked alongside Miami New Drama Artistic Director Michel Hausmann and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz to help expand the reach of theatrical storytelling in South Florida.

Allende said the most meaningful part of her 25-year career has been the professional relationships and friendships built along the way.

“Closing Clique PR is not a step away from purpose. It is a step toward a deeper commitment to it,” Allende said.

United Way Miami, which recently marked 100 years of service, focuses on strengthening the community through strategic investments that expand educational opportunities, improve health outcomes and promote financial stability for families.

“United Way Miami’s mission aligns fully with what has always driven me — connecting people, elevating stories and helping meaningful work reach the audiences it deserves,” she said.

Allende expressed gratitude to the colleagues, journalists, collaborators and clients who supported her throughout her career, saying her next chapter is built on the foundation created over the past quarter century.

“This next chapter is possible because of all we have built together,” she said.

Business

2026 PGA Show Takes Over Orange County Convention Center

Published

3 months ago

January 23, 2026

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Florida National News is on site all week covering the 2026 PGA Show as it takes over the Orange County Convention Center, transforming Orlando into the global epicenter of the golf industry.

The annual event draws thousands of industry professionals, athletes, media, and golf enthusiasts from around the world to preview the latest innovations shaping the future of the sport.

Global Golf Industry Converges in Orlando

The PGA Show brings together exhibitors and attendees from across the globe, showcasing cutting-edge golf equipment, apparel, technology, and services. From club manufacturers and gear designers to course operators and teaching professionals, the show serves as a central meeting point for every sector of the golf world.

Attetion, Technology, and Interactive Experiences

This year’s PGA Show features immersive activations, including state-of-the-art golf simulators, interactive training tools, and expanded indoor and outdoor driving range experiences. Technology continues to play a major role, with advancements in swing analytics, performance tracking, and course management on full display.

The show floor also highlights sustainability efforts and innovations aimed at growing the game for future generations.

Florida National News Provides Front-Row Coverage

Florida National News will deliver comprehensive coverage throughout the week, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access, exhibitor highlights, and firsthand looks at the products and experiences defining the next era of golf.

Readers can follow along for daily updates, photos, and feature stories straight from the heart of the PGA Show

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– Todd Grasley and J Willie David, III contribute to this report.
News@FloridaNationalNews.com