Miami, FL, Friday 15 May 2026. The fifth SAMA Board Meeting of 2026 was held on the second Thursday of May at the usual World Trade Center in Miami venue. Officers present in April were Daniel Álvarez (president), and Joaquín Ruhi (vice president). Also present were SAMA president emeritus Paul Borden and board directors Eduardo Hapke and Maria Ravani. Tony Serrato represented his brother Marcello (SAMA treasurer).
A possible new venue for Hot Wheels Fun Day 2026
Although Baptist Hospital’s Miami Cancer Institute declined to host the Hot Wheels Fun Day for 2026, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital‘s main Miami Hospital Campus has expressed an interest in taking up the mantle and continuing to make this an annual event. At this point in time, only preliminary discussions have taken place. SAMA has no further dates nor details to share at this time. We will certainly be bringing you additional information as it becomes available to us.
We would be remiss if we didn’t offer our heartfelt thanks to Albert Collazo, Hispanic Communications Director for Ford. Mr. Collazo played an integral role in setting up contacts between SAMA and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital that, we hope, will lead to a fruitful future partnership
A reminder about 2026 dues
As the 2026 calendar year enters its second quarter, only a handful of SAMA members have paid their annual membership dues for 2026. We thank you for that, and issue this reminder to the remaining members who have not yet paid to please do so. For your convenience, you may opt to pay via Zelle. This is set up under the email noreli@prestigeautous.com . The traditionalists among you can still pay via mailed check. Please note that we have held our annual dues to $100 for an Individual nontransferable Membership. Corporate/Business transferable Membership remains at $200.
