From the Team · Rides to Remember · Event Marketing

A Ride to Remember

Alli Nemec on her first client project at SOAR Media;  the annual Rides to Remember Gala with Ferrari of Atlanta.

The Assignment

Collaborating with Ferrari of Atlanta

One of my first experiences working directly with a client at SOAR Media gave me the opportunity to collaborate with Ferrari of Atlanta on their annual Rides to Remember Gala. As someone who has always been passionate about charitable work and community-driven events, this project was a meaningful opportunity to put my skills and experience toward a cause that truly mattered.

The Lead-Up

In the months before the gala

In the months leading up to the gala, I worked as part of the social media team while also contributing to graphic design and event planning. I participated in planning meetings, helped coordinate event details, and worked alongside the team to ensure everything was prepared for the big day.

The Community

The people behind each contribution

One of the most rewarding parts of the experience was connecting with the Atlanta community and seeing how many individuals and businesses came together to support the event. From donating auction items and services to volunteering their time, each contribution played an important role in bringing the gala to life. Getting to know some of the people behind those donations also gave me a more personal perspective when creating social media content. Rather than simply announcing an auction item or sponsor, I was able to share the stories and people behind each contribution through thoughtful captions and graphics.

The Approach

Templates, deadlines, and creative direction

As someone who enjoys organization and planning, I took an intentional approach to managing the social media content leading up to the event. I created foundational templates and organized content based on upcoming deadlines, allowing us to quickly and consistently share sponsor announcements and auction items as donations came in. This helped ensure that each contributor received timely recognition while keeping the event’s social media presence cohesive.

I also had the opportunity to contribute to the creative direction of the gala through mood boards and visual inspiration. Being included in these conversations was especially meaningful as someone new to the company. It was rewarding to see my ideas valued and incorporated into the planning of such a significant event.

Gala Week

The final push

As the gala week approached, the months of preparation quickly turned into a final push to bring every detail together. I joined the team on-site to assist with setup, coordinate deliveries and vendors, run last-minute errands, and make sure everything was in place before guests arrived. From the smallest details to the overall atmosphere, our goal was to create a seamless experience for attendees while bringing the Western-chic vision of the gala to life.

The Night

Seeing everything come together

On the night of the event, seeing everything come together was incredibly fulfilling. After spending months planning, designing, coordinating, and creating content, it was rewarding to finally experience the event alongside the community that made it possible. Even more meaningful was knowing that the evening was supporting organizations and children who benefit from the work of these charities.

One of the most memorable parts of the evening was having the opportunity to speak with some of the children and families connected to the organizations being supported. Hearing their stories and seeing the impact of the community’s generosity put the entire event into perspective.

The feedback from attendees was equally rewarding. Hearing guests talk about how beautifully the space came together and how fully they felt transported into the Western-inspired atmosphere was a reminder of just how much thought and collaboration goes into creating an experience like this.

What I Took Away

Bigger than a single event

Being part of the Rides to Remember Gala allowed me to grow professionally while contributing to something much bigger than a single event. From social media and graphic design to event coordination and community engagement, I was able to see how each piece of the planning process works together to create a meaningful experience.

Most importantly, I learned that some of the most rewarding work comes from knowing that what you are creating has an impact beyond the event itself. Being able to contribute to a night dedicated to giving back—and to see the community come together around that mission—made this truly a ride to remember.

Author: Alli Nemec