Luxury Swiss watchmaker, Hublot and Miami HEAT’s Ray Allen raised $191,000 with the auction of three special edition timepieces created to benefit Diabetes Research Institute Foundation and JDRF. The watches, which include the Ray Allen King Power, Ray Allen Big Bang and Ray Allen Classic Fusion, were auctioned off at the Ray Allen Golf Classic Dinner at La Gorce Country Club on Miami Beach. 

The day began with the Ray Allen Golf Classic golf tournament, where HEAT players from the past and present including Chris Bosh, Alonzo Mourning and Rashard Lewis hit the green to show support for Allen and the cause. Shortly after tee off, the Ray of Hope Luncheon, hosted by Shannon Allen and Andria Holtz commenced, during which Miami HEAT's own LeBron James, Chris 'Birdman' Andersen and Roger Mason stopped by and took photos with many awestruck fans. The HEAT family showed their support for the luncheon with a number of HEAT wives and girlfriends Gabrielle Union, Destiny Jones, Faith Haslem, Jenine Howard and Chris Riley in attendance. During the lunch, Shannon discussed her fight to cure diabetes and her son Walker's daily battle. 

USA - Hublot & Ray Allen team up for Diabetes Research

Shannon expressed her gratitude during the luncheon, stating: "We are elated that our inaugural Ray Allen Golf Classic and Ray of Hope Ladies Luncheon, our first event in Miami, was such an enormous success. The support that we received from our presenting sponsor and partner, Hublot, exceeded every expectation. Grateful, thankful, honored... these words do not accurately express our gratitude for their commitment to raising awareness and funds for the JDRF and DRIF in honor of our son, Walker." 

Following the tournament, participants gathered for a sit-down dinner to complete the day where Ray Allen hosted a live auction of Hublot's three special edition timepieces. During the auction, the Ray Allen King Power was in such high demand that Hublot agreed to create a duplicate for the second highest bidder, raising a total of $191,000 benefiting both foundations. Hublot also had several additional timepieces on sale at the event, with 15% of proceeds going to both foundations. The timepieces may also be purchased at the exclusive Bal Harbour boutique, with 15% of proceeds going to the cause through Monday. The event raised close to $500,000 in total including Hublot's contribution. 

Hublot's Rick de la Croix shared "I am honored to be a part of this collaboration with Ray Allen. Not only is Hublot able to raise funds for a worthy cause, but we are able to collaborate with a great man, father, athlete and partner. I couldn't be more proud of the timepieces we created together and am thrilled to be a part of finding a cure for this disease that effects Walker Allen and so many others everyday."