SOAR Media Agency's Heartfelt Involvement in Rides to Remember Festival & Gala
At SOAR Media, we believe in using our talents to make a positive impact on the community. With our wealth of experience and expertise in event management, we were honored to once again play a significant role in the Inaugural Gala Dinner and 17th Annual Rides to Remember festival, a remarkable event hosted by Ferrari of Atlanta. Despite some rainy moments, the festival and Gala were resounding successes. Our dedicated team was there every step of the way, contributing to the event’s triumph.
From Concept to Closing:
Our involvement in both events was all-encompassing, from helping plan, securing sponsorships, and managing all marketing channels, to assembling goodie bags, staffing there on the big day, and creating after-action plans. Our commitment extended across every facet of the event, ensuring its seamless execution and remarkable success.
We contributed significantly to various aspects, showcasing the diverse skill set of SOAR’s talented team:
1. Website Development: Our comprehensive approach began with a thorough audit of the existing site, followed by the meticulous design of visuals to create a captivating and user-friendly interface. We then translated these designs into a functional and engaging online platform, ensuring festival-goers had all the information they needed. Our commitment extended to site maintenance and registration management, simplifying the attendee experience, continuing to update the site as developments occurred.
2. Brand Development and Graphic Design: Our creative team developed the new Rides to Remember festival and gala brand playbooks (each with their own distinct styles). They then designed everything from signs and nametags to voting cards, the event website, and social media tiles.
3. Sponsor Outreach and Fulfillment: We worked to secure the support of local businesses, researching and reaching out through text and email campaigns and physical mailers. Over 100 businesses joined us on this journey, becoming monetary sponsors or generous donors to the Gala auction or Car Show prizes. We then worked to ensure fulfillment of each sponsor’s packages.
4. Email Marketing: Our strategic email marketing campaigns – which SOAR’s team wrote, designed, and sent out – ensured that important festival updates reached attendees promptly. We kept families, volunteers, and drivers consistently in the know.
5. Social Media Management: Across Facebook and Instagram, we ignited a digital buzz that resonated within the community, fueling anticipation. SOAR was the driving force behind social calendars, creative design, captivating captions, post scheduling, and community management for these accounts.
6. Influencer Marketing: We also recruited and collaborated with influencers that helped to grow the awareness of the event. We brought Andy De La Vega (Instagram’s @mcqueen_atlanta) on board, allowing guests to take pictures with the beloved’s children’s character Lightning McQueen and adding joy to the event. See some of the photos taken on Rides to Remember’s website!
7. Event Entertainment: We also ensured the event’s entertainment factor by setting the stage with lively DJ services and enriching the experience with activities like face painting, bouncy houses, magician and balloon animals, and a wildly popular video game truck for the attending children. Each element was thoughtfully tailored to elevate the overall festival experience.
8. Event Management: Our comprehensive event management included orchestrating various elements, such as diverse food truck options and tasteful furnishings, along with adorning the venue with meticulously arranged floral bouquets. Additionally, we enlisted a skilled drone photo/videographer to capture stunning aerial views.
$110,000+ Raised Providing a Day of Joy with $110,000 Going to Local Charities:
Together with Ferrari of Atlanta, we helped bring a day of pure joy to hundreds of attendees facing pediatric cancer. The event was not only about showing off cool cars (though let’s admit, it was a little about that…) but also about sharing smiles and forging connections.
Most importantly, Rides to Remember raised over $110,000 for charity, benefiting three incredible organizations: CURE Childhood Cancer, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House, and Camp Sunshine. These funds will go a long way in supporting families facing pediatric cancer during their challenging journeys.
Looking Ahead:
As we reflect on the success of this year’s festival and Gala, we look forward to the future with renewed determination. Our goal is to set our sights even higher, making each subsequent Rides to Remember event more impactful and unforgettable. SOAR Media Agency is proud to have been part of the Rides to Remember family for a third year in a row, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Ferrari of Atlanta and all the sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who made this event a triumph of compassion, unity, and generosity.
If you’re planning an event and need expert event management services, contact SOAR Media Agency today. As you can see above, we’re equipped for any step of the equation you need assistance with – or the whole dang thing! Together, we can create memorable experiences that bring our communities together.
Chris Lawton, SOAR's web development expert, brings over 39 years of experience in information technology. Chris served as the architect and director of IT and Enterprise Architecture for a US company in the US and Europe, where he was responsible for business systems across the continent. He led the team in implementing innovative solutions that streamlined business processes and improved efficiency. Additionally, Chris worked at Coca-Cola in Atlanta, where he was the architect developing and implementing strategies that enhanced website performance and ensured optimal user experience for 650 global websites and their infrastructure.
SOAR got its start with its Aussie founder, Olivia Malifa. Olivia has over 18 years of experience in the marketing industry. She has worked in all capacities and from all angles, serving as a marketing manager in both corporate and private businesses for over a decade before starting her own successful consultancy firm. Through her work in agency, Olivia discovered her true passion for combining creativity and strategy to serve a diverse range of clients across multiple industries.
SOAR's co-founder and COO, Anthony 'Anton' Forbes-Roberts is an executive, advisor and investor with over twenty-five years of leadership in Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurial ventures, and nonprofits. His marketing experience includes leadership positions at Ogilvy Worldwide and Carlson Companies, in a career where he has designed, built, and/or sold programs driving over $500M in annual revenue. Anton's expertise in strategy & operations helps SOAR Media build, support and optimize its unique 'one stop' marketing services model on behalf of its clients.
Andrew Armanasco is a key member of the SOAR team, specializing in new business development, account management, and relationship management. Andrew holds a degree in Business from Tulsa University and has been in the industry for several years. He has worked throughout the Americas and the European Union, helping businesses with community development, land acquisition, manufacturing, expansion, sales, and distribution.
Behind every successful brand is one fundamental element: engaging experiences. As an Atlanta-native, Brand Marketing Strategist (Senior Account Manager), Kate Kisner has 13+ years of developing world-class events, acquisitions, brand concepts, and launches. Adept at developing methods to enhance visibility and market share by turning followers into clients, out-earning competitors, and increasing profit margins with forward-thinking, holistic brand experiences.
Moriah Deal is SOAR’s account manager with an impressive background in all areas of Public Relations and Marketing. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Science from Kennesaw State University, with a minor in Marketing. Since then, she has brought her skills to many industries. Moriah has written Healthcare PR copy with WellStar and the Georgia Pharmacy Association, done digital marketing for a carpet manufacturer that targeted Commercial Event and Hospitality spaces, facilitated social media marketing for a non-profit, and worked in graphic design and event management for a plumbing marketing department.
Delfina Booth is an interdisciplinary professional who excels in writing, marketing, and social media. She received her Bachelor's in Literature, Media, and Communication and Master's in Global Media and Communications from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Delfina is always creating; her academic background includes building two fantasy computer games, directing three short films, and studying abroad in Mexico City twice.
Logan Wilson brings a wealth of marketing expertise to SOAR Media, where he excels in crafting impactful strategies and innovative campaigns. As the Marketing Coordinator for the Seattle Seawolves, Logan handles social media, advertising, promotional design, sponsorships, and data analysis to drive marketing success. Combining his marketing skills with a deep passion for sports, fueled by his sister’s rugby career, Logan thrives on the excitement of game days and engaging fans. His dedication to excellence in every project reflects his commitment to both the sport and his role.
Jamie is our senior account manager, with a master’s degree and over 15 years of experience across a number of industries. She excels at guiding clients to success, having overseen accounts for major brands like Nike, Adidas, Starbucks, and Tommy Hilfiger. Originally from Texas, Jamie has lived in California and D.C., and now resides in Washington. In her free time, she enjoys family activities, traveling, outdoor running, yoga, and kayaking.
Pago brings over two years of freelance experience in video and photo editing. In his role, he takes pride in bringing imagination to life by creating and refining compelling visuals to match our clients' needs. When not working, he enjoys quality time with his wife, their dog, and a good night's sleep.
Chance Wenglewski is a graphic designer and illustrator with five years of experience under his belt. He loves contributing to the creative process of using his art to take that project to the next level and leave an impact. In his free time, Chance stays active with regular visits to the gym, training for rugby season, and exploring his passion for tattooing.
Lain is a creative force at SOAR Media, with proven success in marketing teams. She has developed a flair for creating visually compelling narratives and building cohesive brand identities. With her expertise in graphic design, multimedia, and brand identity development, Lain creates unique, memorable brand experiences that capture audiences' hearts and catapult client success.
Amanda Lako is SOAR’s marketing intern with a passion for creativity and marketing. In December 2024, she graduates with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and a concentration in Data Analytics. Amanda merges her energy for marketing and her analytical skills to bring fresh perspectives to the team and new ideas to the table. In her free time, she loves to read, travel, and try new restaurants!
Our newest intern is a passionate, smart, hard working professional looking to start her career as an entry-level marketer for a high-performance organization with opportunity for growth. Zoe Franklin is currently pursuing a BBA in International Business and Marketing with a Minor in Japanese Language and Literature at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. Set to graduate in Spring 2025, Zoe is excited to enter the world of business and showcase what she has to offer.