Nuance Marketing Goes to Toronto to Support the Rally for Kids With Cancer

Toronto was the most recent destination for my agency, Nuance Marketing's support of our client AutomotiveStreetStyle.com and their owner, former Toronto Raptor Jerome "Junkyard Dog" Williams. It was my first time in Toronto and I was overwhelmed by the kindness and friendly nature that pervaded with the residents of this fly international city.

Johnnie & Jerome "JYD" Williams in Toronto

AutomotiveStreetStyle.com was supporting Solutions With Impact, a cause based marketing company that was throwing their inaugural Rally for Kids With Cancer Scavenger Cup. It was a huge success and raised over $1 million. All proceeds went to the Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto.

Fundraising drivers led a racing team to gather donations prior to the event draft. Drivers also brought the use of their luxury and exotic vehicle to participate. Some of the most exclusive vehicles in the world were exhibited.

Lambo in front of Cosmopolitan Hotel

Ferrari Enzo

Drivers partnered with celebrity navigators in their luxury vehicles to race through Toronto to complete challenges in a scavenger hunt format.

Goldie Hawn and Edward Cates

Ving Rhames and Edward Cates

The largest fundraiser received first draft at the kick off "Draft Party" held at Toronto's ultra chic Muzik. The AutomotiveStreetStyle.com trailer was a part of the red carpet activities. Ving Rhames went in the first round to a team that raised over $250,000. Jerome "JYD" Williams was also recruited in the first round as a celebrity navigator riding in a Audi R8.

AutomotiveStreetStyle.com Trailer at Muzik

Race day was kicked off with a brunch at the swank Harbor 60 Steakhouse. The AutomotiveStreetStyle.com Trailer was the centerpiece of the action hosting the Team Serengeti as they distributed swag shades to participants.

Serengeti Sunglasses hands out swag at Harbor 60.

Mid-day we moved the AutomotiveStreetStyle.com trailer to the Hershey Center where Lexus was conducting an obstacle course for the Scavenger cup participants.

Shelby Cobra

Celebs: Goldie Hawn, Alfonso Ribeiro, Kevin Sorbo, Kristy Morgan, Damon Allen

Following the day's activities, the weekend was concluded with a first class gala at the home of Williams Telecommunications magnate Jim Williams. Jim participated as a fundraising driver and his entire family extended enormous hospitality to the crowd of over 500 people. Canadian Idol host Ben Mulroney served as MC and R&B artist Jully Black and band performed and commanded the room.

Closing Gala where Jully Black Performed

Overall, I walked away from Toronto feeling like I visited a country that has gotten race relations and diversity right. I've heard Toronto characterized as a "clean New York" but that fails to recognize what is special about this great city. There is a metropolitan and distinctly urban feel to the city and a sense of European style and fashion. Also there was an effortless blending of global cultures.

Repeatedly I heard from the proud residents that "Toronto is the most international city in the world." While I don't know if that is exact. I'll say that it is indeed a splendid city that I hold in high regard and look forward to returning.

Edward Cates, Alfonso Ribeiro and Jerome "JYD" Williams

Palin for VP? Is McCain Even Trying?

Governor Sarah Palin has been officially tapped for the position of VP runningmate for Senator John McCain. The 44 year old Governor of Alaska will be the focus of the GOP convention next week.

Are you kidding me? Is McCain even trying to get in the game. At the time of this post McCain's website didn't have any updates at all. A Palin supporter blog has captured the groundswell of her grassroots following. She has had an extensive VP YouTube campaign and for most of the GOP supporters seems to revitalizing what is sure to be a failed attempt to fan a smoldering flame.

Palin has had a strong grassroots following advocating for her VP candidacy. Further, Palin is under investigation in her home state by exercising her "Governor's Perogative". Check out the video below.






Either way. Game on! Go get 'em Barack and Joe.

I can hear Barack saying to Joe, "Go take care of my light weight."

Lil Wayne Uses The Secret?

Lil Wayne hasn't said it but he has exhibited that he is a master of "The Secret". The multi-platinum artist reached double platinum status in 9 weeks. How does he do it? The law of attraction I suspect.

The Secret began as a movie and grew into a global phenomenon by sharing what is positioned as an ancient knowledge of the "Law of Attraction". In essence the Law of Attraction defined in the Secret shares that your thoughts drive and create reality. In essence if you visualize, think and speak about something it comes into being.



How does this fit with Weezy F. Baby? I remember when Jay-Z announced his retirement and Lil Wayne came out with The Carter II. Cash Money was going through it's own challenges. On one of Wayne's tracks he said, "I'm the greatest rapper alive since the greatest rapper retired." and I remember thinking that it was a bit of a stretch. Nope simply him exercising "The Secret" at work.

Granted Lil Wayne started a grind that has been unparalleled in recent years. He was lacing cameo's on everyone's tracks and amassing mixtape tracks by the pound. Over time his respect was raised significantly and the whole Greatest Rapper Alive moniker seemed a bit more appropriate.

Still don't buy it. What about his breakout hit "A Milli". He releases C3 and sells "a milli" copies in the first week. The Secret at work again? Perhaps.

Lastly on the track "3 Peat" from The Carter III, Wayne boasts about how he used the "Law of Attraction" to hook up his mother as a result:

Yeah when I was fourteen I told my mom we will see better days
And sure enough I got Miss Cita in a better place
When I was fourteen I told my mom we will see better days
And sure enough we did exactly what I say

Years ago, I would have never thought Lil Wayne would be in my list of one of the Greatest Rappers Alive but he's grown on me.

I don't endorse The Secret in any way but I am trying to figure out Lil Wayne's meteoric rise to stardom.

What are your thoughts. Leave a comment and subscribe.

Submitted by Edward Cates, info@nuancemktg.com