Craig Zinn Automotive Group Team Member Honored with Dolphins Cancer Challenge Rookie of the Year

Craig Zinn Automotive Group (CZAG), one of South Florida's leading automotive dealership groups, is celebrating Michele Alter, fleet manager at Lexus of Pembroke Pines, who was honored with the Rookie of the Year Award by the Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Oct. 11, 2026. The recognition highlights Alter's dedication to raising funds for cancer research, a mission deeply rooted in her own family's experiences with the disease.

The recognition comes during a milestone year for the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, the largest annual fundraising event in the NFL. Since its founding in 2010, the initiative has raised more than $100 million to support cancer research and care at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System and Miller School of Medicine. Its 16th annual event in February 2026 brought together 8,657 participants and raised more than $18 million.

For Alter, the recognition carries extraordinary personal significance. A two-time cancer survivor, she was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and later faced a tongue cancer diagnosis in April 2026. Her family's experience with cancer extends across generations. Her mother is a breast cancer survivor, her nephew is a testicular cancer survivor, and her father passed away from lung cancer in May 2026. Her family's oncologists are affiliated with the University of Miami and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, making the organization's mission especially meaningful to her.

"Cancer has touched nearly every part of my family, so supporting the research happening at Sylvester is incredibly personal to me," said Alter. "To receive this recognition from an organization that means so much to me, especially with my own oncologist presenting the award, was a complete surprise. I'm grateful to everyone who has supported my fundraising efforts, and I'm more motivated than ever to continue making a difference."

Adding to the significance of the evening, the award was presented by Dr. Alejandra Perez, Alter's breast oncologist, who was selected by the Dolphins Cancer Challenge to recognize her contributions. Perez had originally encouraged Alter to participate in the fundraiser, making her role in the surprise presentation especially meaningful. Alter was unaware she would be receiving the honor.

Alter's involvement with the Dolphins Cancer Challenge began when her breast oncologist, Dr. Alejandra Perez, encouraged her to participate as part of Team Breast Intentions. Instead, Alter saw an opportunity to expand the impact by involving Craig Zinn Automotive Group. After Craig Zinn committed $20,000 to the cause, Alter took the initiative to establish Team CZAG, allocating $10,000 toward a corporate sponsorship and $10,000 toward team fundraising. Despite having limited time to organize the effort, Team CZAG raised $13,058 during its first year of participation, as announced at the recognition event, bringing the combined total of corporate sponsorship and team fundraising to $23,058 for the 2026 Dolphins Cancer Challenge.

Craig Zinn Automotive Group will continue its support as a sponsor of the 17th annual Dolphins Cancer Challenge, scheduled for Feb. 27, 2027, at the Miami International Autodrome at Hard Rock Stadium. This will mark the automotive group's second consecutive year sponsoring the initiative. Building on its initial $20,000 contribution in 2026, Craig Zinn Automotive Group has committed $45,000 to the 2027 Dolphins Cancer Challenge, more than doubling its support for the initiative.

Building on previous charitable efforts, Alter plans to organize employee fundraising initiatives, including denim days at Lexus of Pembroke Pines and Subaru of Pembroke Pines, along with Friday bake sales. The activities will encourage employees to participate in the cause while raising additional funds for cancer research and care."

Michele's strength, resilience and dedication to helping others are truly inspiring," said Craig Zinn, president and CEO of Craig Zinn Automotive Group. "Her recognition by the Dolphins Cancer Challenge is incredibly well-deserved, and we're proud to support her efforts. Cancer has affected so many families throughout our community, and we believe it's important to stand behind organizations that are working to advance research and make a lasting difference. We're honored to continue our partnership with the Dolphins Cancer Challenge.”

As Craig Zinn Automotive Group prepares for the upcoming Dolphins Cancer Challenge, Alter hopes her story will inspire others to participate, contribute and support the ongoing fight against cancer.

To support her fundraising efforts, visit dolphinscancerchallenge.com/participant/Michele-Alter-2026.