A Rally to Remember

Honoring Phil and the Spirit of Community

Today, we hosted the Impact & Influence Magazine Spring Rally—and it was absolutely epic. From start to finish, the day was a celebration of passion, connection, and the open road, made even more meaningful by a tribute that touched every one of us who attended.

Our journey began in El Dorado Hills, where a dynamic lineup of machines and their drivers gathered, ready to hit the road. Among the cars in attendance were a BMW 335i, Corvette Z06, Ford Mustang Bullitt, Infiniti Q50, Tesla Model S P100D, and a Mercedes E350—each bringing its own character and roar to the experience.

We set off through the scenic curves of Salmon Falls, then cruised along the winding beauty of Highway 49, the vibrant green hills rolling endlessly beneath a clear spring sky. As we passed through Lotus, the group’s energy was electric, fueled by the thrill of the drive and the camaraderie of those who share a love for cars, business, and life itself.

After an exhilarating hour-and-ten-minute cruise, we arrived at the breathtaking Villa Toscano Winery in Amador County. There, amidst rolling vineyards and rustic charm, we gathered for an afternoon of fine wine, delicious food, and rich conversation. Stories about life and business flowed effortlessly, laughter echoed through the courtyard, and friendships deepened under the warm California sun.

But this rally was more than just a drive—it was a moment of remembrance. One of our attendees joined us today in celebration of what would have been her late husband’s birthday. Phil was a car collector, a man who lived for the road and the joy of the drive. Today marked her first rally without him by her side, and in honor of his legacy, we dedicated the event to Phil.

Though none of us had the privilege of knowing him personally, through the heartfelt stories shared by his wife, the laughter, and the quiet moments of reflection, it felt as though Phil was right there with us. His passion, his memory, and his love for cars and community became a part of our journey. That was Phil’s gift to all of us—a reminder of the bonds that connect us, the memories that live on, and the power of coming together to honor those we love.

As the sun dipped low over the lush, green hills, we raised our glasses to Phil, to the road ahead, and to the incredible day we shared. I can’t wait to do it all again next year.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us—and to Villa Toscano Winery for making the day so special.