Keno Brothers Selected as Auction House of Choice for 2016 Elegance of Hershey Provenance, Authenticity and History Combine for New Dynamic as Concours Enters 6th Year
- HERSHEY, Pennsylvania
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- November 19, 2015
Keno Brothers Fine Automobile Auctions has been selected as the Auction House of choice for the 2016 Elegance at Hershey, (http://theeleganceathershey.com/ ) elevating the annual classic car weekend to a new level of celebration and sophistication within a three-day event. Modeled after the finest concours programs in Europe and America, The Elegance is a genteel garden party featuring the world’s hand-picked collector cars, arrayed around the classically manicured gardens of The Hotel Hershey® and will be held June 10-12, 2016 -- with the event’s inaugural auction to be held on Saturday, June 11th within a choice venue on the hotel premises.
Under the curation of Leigh and Leslie Keno, Co-CEOs and Founders of Keno Brothers Fine Automobile Auctions( www.kenobrothers.com), The Elegance at Hershey Auction will be the first of the Keno Brothers’ auctions to align with a major Concours event, following their “Rolling Sculpture” auction, which along with a Symposium, will be held November 18-19 in NYC. The alignment with Hershey embarks on a multi-year commitment to provide provenance and authenticity to a program already well-versed in the very same passions.
According to Leslie Keno, the partnership with Hershey is a perfect fit, as the two brands share a desire to broaden each of their successes within the high stakes collector car arena. “Leigh and I had the opportunity to gain a full experience last year at Hershey, as Co-Grand Marshalls and show entrants, and couldn’t have been more impressed with the levels of professionalism and high caliber competition that Hershey showcased,” said Leslie Keno.
“We are proud to join such a prestigious event,” commented Leigh Keno. “We’re all about history and treasure finding – and The Elegance prides itself on the very same desires – the town alone reflects a long historic legacy and we couldn’t be happier to enter a new chapter that we hope will too become a tradition.”
Recognized for nearly two decades for their knowledge of antiques on PBS’s “Antiques Road Show,” the Keno Brothers are bringing the very same proficiency to automobiles. “It’s not just about the design, it’s about knowing and understanding the story behind each piece and its originality and authenticity,” said Leigh. “My brother and I have had a deep passion for automobiles since our childhood as our father was a car collector, and we’ve never lost sight of the intrinsic value of a great car.”
Michael Rich, Chairman of The Elegance at Hershey, brings his own legacy to the Concours as he oversees the ever growing event which first began under his2 father’s tutelage and is extending each and every year. “When the Keno Brothers approached us about aligning an auction with our annual event, it seemed like a natural next step in the growth of the overall weekend,” said Rich. “We’ve gotten to know both Brothers, and the expertise and esteem they bring to the table establishes an extended credibility that couldn’t be purchased. We’re excited to create a new addition to our show and open the channels for even more collectors to get to know everything we have to offer.”
The weekend in Hershey is a celebration of a bygone era when the automobile stirred our imaginations and quickened our hearts; and in addition to the Keno Brothers Fine Automobile Auction, will include:
- The Grand Ascent, a vintage hill climb exhibition in the European tradition, where drivers pilot some of the finest historic race cars up the historic back road to The Hotel Hershey®. Modeled on similar events such as England’s Goodwood, and paying homage to ongoing events such as Mount Equinox and Pikes Peak, The Grand Ascent appeals to enthusiasts and curious spectators alike. Sanctioned by the Vintage Sports Car Club of America (VSCCA), the two-day hill climb event includes a sponsor/vendor area for marketing to participants and the general public.
- Gala Dinner and Charity Auction – this year’s theme will be “Artistry in Motion,” and will recognize the spectacular work of famed automotive photographer Michael Furman. Proceeds will benefit the causes for which the Elegance at Hershey was founded: Finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes by supporting JDRF and keeping the history of the automobile alive by supporting the AACA Museum and the AACA Library and Research Center.
- The Concours d'Elegance Garden Party - featuring the world’s finest collector vintage and antique cars, and will also include various ‘lifestyle demonstrations’ and tasty samplings from the Hotel Hershey.
About Keno Brothers Fine Automobile Auctions
Keno Brothers Fine Automobile Auctions (www.kenobrothers.com ) is a new venture focused on exceptional collector cars, founded by famed auctioneers and appraisers Leigh and Leslie Keno along with COO Technology and Digital Lead, Bradley Farrell, also a collector. The Keno brothers have been immersed in the world of classic cars from a very young age and have a passion for discovering unexpected rarities. They enjoy racing and rallying historic cars and have served as judges at prestigious auto events, including a decade of service with the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The company is dedicated to offering a unique online buying and selling experience, with the highest level of security and transparency throughout the purchasing process.
About The Elegance at Hershey
The Elegance at Hershey, a 501 (C) (3) organization based in Hershey, PA, was established in 2010.In its first four years, The Elegance at Hershey has donated over $800,000 to its three charities,JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), The AACA Museum and the AACA Library &Research Center. Contributions are facilitated by significant sponsor support. Together with a greatteam of volunteers and donors The Elegance is excited to move forward with the 2016 event. The event will be held on June 10-12, 2016. For additional information, visit www.theeleganceathershey.com .