It was a cold, wet dose of reality.
As the skies opened above them last night, more than 220 chief executives and business leaders huddled together at the St Vincent de Paul Society's CEO Sleepout at Luna Park.
By 7 o'clock the mostly male participants had arrived to vie for dry spots armed only with sleeping bags and cardboard sheets.
Brian McCarthy, the chief executive of Fairfax Media, which publishes the Herald, and the Fairfax publisher Lloyd Whish-Wilson found a dry patch under an awning. The NSW Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney, scored a prime piece of real estate in the dodgem car pitch.
St Vincent de Paul's community development co-ordinator, David Starr, said the search for a dry spot mirrored what the city's homeless would be doing. "Some would be in hostels but a lot would be sleeping anywhere they could find, alcoves and doorways, just to get out of the rain."
The entrepreneur Dick Smith, who raised $11,669.78 in donations, wanted to experience homelessness rather than simply writing a cheque. "Giving money, especially if you're well-off, doesn't hurt very much, but tonight is going to be hard … I've been very fortunate in life, and any time I've slept outside it has been voluntary."
By early yesterday evening about 12 millimetres of rain had fallen on the city and the downpour was expected to continue throughout the night.
By yesterday the event had raised $461,663, well in excess of the $250,000 organisers predicted last month. The money will go towards 37 homeless shelters, including a new purpose-built shelter for families and women, due to open later this year.
The chief executive of St Vincent de Paul, John Picot, said the economic downturn might have inspired the high number of participants this year. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Friday, June 19, 2009
CEOs brave long wet night for good cause - 18th June 2009
As Dick Smith bedded down at Sydney's Luna Park to experience what it's like to be homeless on a wet wintery night, he recalled a dismal experience more than 40 years ago that gave him the confidence to start Dick Smith Electronics.
Joined by the likes of Fairfax Media's Brian McCarthy, the NRMA's Tony Stuart, and DMG Radio's Cathy O'Connor, more than 200 company heads braved a steady downpour on Thursday night to take part in St Vincent De Paul Society's annual CEO sleepout.
Mr Smith chose a damp spot at an outdoor eating area near Luna Park's Coney Island to prepare his bed for the night - a mere sheet of cardboard beneath a rain-soaked tarpaulin.
"It's a bit wet," he admitted.
Describing his sleeping bag as "just a normal one", he said he wasn't worried about the cold, and had no intention of seeking warmer conditions in a close-by building throughout the night.
"The whole idea of this is to get an idea of what it is like to not have a nice warm house to go back to," he told AAP.
"Donating money is easy for CEOs. Most CEOS are well off.
"The idea of this is to experience how 22,000 people live each night of the year."
When he was 22-years-old, Mr Smith said, a night out in the cold taught him a lot about taking risks.
Accompanied by Paddy Pallin founder Bob Pallin and a third man, the trio got lost while on a bush walk in the Blue Mountains.
"The walk was three days long and in the roughest country. It was very cold. You could never do (the walk) in the rain," Mr Smith said.
However, there was an unexpected storm.
"We had to swim in the Colo river and we couldn't get through to where we were going to get picked up.
"We had to lie down in sopping wet sleeping bags.
"I thought we were going to die."
He says he believes the experience taught him an invaluable lesson.
"Taking that risk taught me to be responsible.
"That's how I could start my business and not go broke.
"Young people have to take risks and learn their boundaries."
Bedding down near Mr Smith was NRMA CEO Tony Stuart. Decked in cute pyjamas stamped with the NRMA emblem, Mr Stuart took a call from his 11-year-old son before he prepared for the long night ahead of him.
"He's concerned for me," he said.
Fairfax Media's Brian McCarthy defied his doctor's orders to take part in the CEO sleepout.
Two weeks ago he caught a cold.
"I feel very happy, it's for a good cause," he said of the sleepout.
"For us it's just one night. For people who are genuinely homeless, they have to do it every night."
DMG Radio CEO Cathy O'Connor said she wasn't concerned she was unlikely to get a good night's sleep.
"It's just one night of your life for a good cause," she said.
"I'm not one of those people who selfishly guards sleep.
"If I have a bad night it won't be the first."
AAP's Clive Marshall, who hails from the United Kingdom, was not bothered by the rain, but was realistic about what lay ahead of him.
"It's likely to be a long night," he agreed.
This year's sleepout has so far raised more than $500,000 - double what organisers originally anticipated.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Website
CEO Sleepout
Joined by the likes of Fairfax Media's Brian McCarthy, the NRMA's Tony Stuart, and DMG Radio's Cathy O'Connor, more than 200 company heads braved a steady downpour on Thursday night to take part in St Vincent De Paul Society's annual CEO sleepout.
Mr Smith chose a damp spot at an outdoor eating area near Luna Park's Coney Island to prepare his bed for the night - a mere sheet of cardboard beneath a rain-soaked tarpaulin.
"It's a bit wet," he admitted.
Describing his sleeping bag as "just a normal one", he said he wasn't worried about the cold, and had no intention of seeking warmer conditions in a close-by building throughout the night.
"The whole idea of this is to get an idea of what it is like to not have a nice warm house to go back to," he told AAP.
"Donating money is easy for CEOs. Most CEOS are well off.
"The idea of this is to experience how 22,000 people live each night of the year."
When he was 22-years-old, Mr Smith said, a night out in the cold taught him a lot about taking risks.
Accompanied by Paddy Pallin founder Bob Pallin and a third man, the trio got lost while on a bush walk in the Blue Mountains.
"The walk was three days long and in the roughest country. It was very cold. You could never do (the walk) in the rain," Mr Smith said.
However, there was an unexpected storm.
"We had to swim in the Colo river and we couldn't get through to where we were going to get picked up.
"We had to lie down in sopping wet sleeping bags.
"I thought we were going to die."
He says he believes the experience taught him an invaluable lesson.
"Taking that risk taught me to be responsible.
"That's how I could start my business and not go broke.
"Young people have to take risks and learn their boundaries."
Bedding down near Mr Smith was NRMA CEO Tony Stuart. Decked in cute pyjamas stamped with the NRMA emblem, Mr Stuart took a call from his 11-year-old son before he prepared for the long night ahead of him.
"He's concerned for me," he said.
Fairfax Media's Brian McCarthy defied his doctor's orders to take part in the CEO sleepout.
Two weeks ago he caught a cold.
"I feel very happy, it's for a good cause," he said of the sleepout.
"For us it's just one night. For people who are genuinely homeless, they have to do it every night."
DMG Radio CEO Cathy O'Connor said she wasn't concerned she was unlikely to get a good night's sleep.
"It's just one night of your life for a good cause," she said.
"I'm not one of those people who selfishly guards sleep.
"If I have a bad night it won't be the first."
AAP's Clive Marshall, who hails from the United Kingdom, was not bothered by the rain, but was realistic about what lay ahead of him.
"It's likely to be a long night," he agreed.
This year's sleepout has so far raised more than $500,000 - double what organisers originally anticipated.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Website
CEO Sleepout
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Media Man Australia Director Joins and Presents at Bondi Chamber of Commerce
Today Media Man Australia director and founder, Greg Tingle, joined and presented at the Bondi Chamber of Commerce monthly event held at Easts Leagues Club.
Following the feature presentation by Matt Freedman (founder and director of Sticky Tickets and Redback Solutions), Adam Treharne from the chamber board spoke about business and the benefits of the Bondi Chamber of Commerce.
Sandra Lie from Infusion Networking moderated prize give aways from members to members!
Sonja van den Boshe from TwinLife was the lucky winner of the Media Man Australia publicity package including interview and profile.
It was a most worthwhile, interesting and positive occasion, and attendees learned and shared their knowledge on matters such as Emarketing, the internet, and couldn't help but to pick up some solid information about the how news media and publicity compliment the marketing components of business.
In the coming weeks and months the Bondi Chamber of Commerce will be facilitating more networking events and feature the matching up of business owners and operators in a strategic fashion which will set the stage for win - win outcomes for all.
Mr Fredeman will be participating in the CEO Sleepout at Luna Park on the 18th June. The event is organised by St Vincent de Paul Society. Matt's efforts are well worth supporting, as are that of the numerous CEO's who will be participating.
Easts Leagues Club staff and management were most friendly and helpful, and the coffee and breakfasts were top notch.
If your a business person in the Bondi region the Bondi Chamber of Commerce is a fantastic place to network with fellow entrepreneurs.
Websites
Bondi Chamber of Commerce
Easts Leagues Club
Redback Solutions
Sticky Tickets
CEO Sleepout
Infusion Networking
TwinLife
Property News Media
Media Man Australia
Following the feature presentation by Matt Freedman (founder and director of Sticky Tickets and Redback Solutions), Adam Treharne from the chamber board spoke about business and the benefits of the Bondi Chamber of Commerce.
Sandra Lie from Infusion Networking moderated prize give aways from members to members!
Sonja van den Boshe from TwinLife was the lucky winner of the Media Man Australia publicity package including interview and profile.
It was a most worthwhile, interesting and positive occasion, and attendees learned and shared their knowledge on matters such as Emarketing, the internet, and couldn't help but to pick up some solid information about the how news media and publicity compliment the marketing components of business.
In the coming weeks and months the Bondi Chamber of Commerce will be facilitating more networking events and feature the matching up of business owners and operators in a strategic fashion which will set the stage for win - win outcomes for all.
Mr Fredeman will be participating in the CEO Sleepout at Luna Park on the 18th June. The event is organised by St Vincent de Paul Society. Matt's efforts are well worth supporting, as are that of the numerous CEO's who will be participating.
Easts Leagues Club staff and management were most friendly and helpful, and the coffee and breakfasts were top notch.
If your a business person in the Bondi region the Bondi Chamber of Commerce is a fantastic place to network with fellow entrepreneurs.
Websites
Bondi Chamber of Commerce
Easts Leagues Club
Redback Solutions
Sticky Tickets
CEO Sleepout
Infusion Networking
TwinLife
Property News Media
Media Man Australia
Monday, June 15, 2009
Leading Media Companies Put $1 Million Of Advertising Up For Grabs
In times when money is tight, the first of the corporate budget to feel the brunt of belt-tightening is advertising and corporate philanthropy - but there is one industry and event that plans to buck this trend.
Media Assisting Youth will auction $1 million worth of advertising packages at their annual MAYDAY event, with the intention to exceed last year’s efforts and raise over $700,000 for four youth focused charities.
MAYDAY will be hosted by MC, auctioneer, all-round funny guy and Gruen Transfer host, Wil Anderson, at one of The Merivale Group's finest venues, Hemmesphere, on Wednesday 27 May from 6.30pm.
MAYDAY's commitment is to rally the media and advertising industry to support innovative and effective organisations that work with disadvantaged and under-privileged young people in the community, Kerry McCabe, MAYDAY founder said.
The four chosen beneficiaries for this year's MAYDAY event are Youth Off The Streets - Aboriginal Support Services, Musicians Making A Difference, KidsXpress and Newpin, he said.
Even in a tough economic climate, MAYDAY provides a distinctive and sustainable fundraising vehicle to help those who are really in trouble.
This industry has the character and empathy to maintain it's commitment to those in need - a clear demonstration of this was the hugely successful Victorian Bushfires Telethon, hosted on the Nine Network, Mr McCabe said.
MAYDAY operates from a nil cost base with 100 per cent of all proceeds going directly to the selected youth charities. The MAYDAY board and sponsors donate their time and expertise to the cause, supported by their respective corporate entities.
MAYDAY's inaugural event in 2007 generated $300,000, with more than $700,000 raised last year following unprecedented support from media owners, media buying agencies and advertisers. Additional MAYDAY activities throughout the year generate in excess of $2,000,000pa of media, cause related marketing and in-kind support.
For the last two years we have conducted a live auction on the night of the event, however this year we are requesting interested advertisers make bids before the event, with the winning bids confirmed prior to the event and the total raised confirmed on the night, Mr McCabe said.
Nominated charity Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD) will showcase their talent to an audience of media industry leaders and marketing executives. To enable everybody to get involved this year there will also be a few exclusive money can't buy consumer items up for auction.
Marketers or media companies wishing to bid on media packages over the coming weeks should contact Melanie Banister at melanie.banister@ninemsn.com.au.
Ends
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SELECTED CHARITIES:
Youth Off The Streets supports homeless and drug addicted young Australians as they work to turn their lives around.
Musicians Making A Difference work with youth communities all over the country to help change lives through music.
KidsXpress is an expressive therapy program aimed at empowering children by encouraging self expression through the use of music, art, dance and drama therapies.
Newpin is a preventative, early intervention program, offering intensive work with families facing potential or actual child-protection issues.
MEDIA SUPPORTERS INCLUDE:
TV: Seven, Nine, Ten, MCN, FCM, XYZ Networks, SBS
Press: Fairfax, News Corp
Magazines: News Magazines, ACP, , Pacific
Radio: Austereo, DMG, ARN, MRN
OOH: EYE, APN, Adshel, JC Decaux
Online: News Digital Media, Ninemsn, Fairfax Digital
Mobile: Hutchinson - 3
Please direct all media enquiries to:
Hannah Furness, Red Agency
M: 0409 348 250
E: hannah.furness@redagency.com.au
Media Man Australia Profiles
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Media Assisting Youth will auction $1 million worth of advertising packages at their annual MAYDAY event, with the intention to exceed last year’s efforts and raise over $700,000 for four youth focused charities.
MAYDAY will be hosted by MC, auctioneer, all-round funny guy and Gruen Transfer host, Wil Anderson, at one of The Merivale Group's finest venues, Hemmesphere, on Wednesday 27 May from 6.30pm.
MAYDAY's commitment is to rally the media and advertising industry to support innovative and effective organisations that work with disadvantaged and under-privileged young people in the community, Kerry McCabe, MAYDAY founder said.
The four chosen beneficiaries for this year's MAYDAY event are Youth Off The Streets - Aboriginal Support Services, Musicians Making A Difference, KidsXpress and Newpin, he said.
Even in a tough economic climate, MAYDAY provides a distinctive and sustainable fundraising vehicle to help those who are really in trouble.
This industry has the character and empathy to maintain it's commitment to those in need - a clear demonstration of this was the hugely successful Victorian Bushfires Telethon, hosted on the Nine Network, Mr McCabe said.
MAYDAY operates from a nil cost base with 100 per cent of all proceeds going directly to the selected youth charities. The MAYDAY board and sponsors donate their time and expertise to the cause, supported by their respective corporate entities.
MAYDAY's inaugural event in 2007 generated $300,000, with more than $700,000 raised last year following unprecedented support from media owners, media buying agencies and advertisers. Additional MAYDAY activities throughout the year generate in excess of $2,000,000pa of media, cause related marketing and in-kind support.
For the last two years we have conducted a live auction on the night of the event, however this year we are requesting interested advertisers make bids before the event, with the winning bids confirmed prior to the event and the total raised confirmed on the night, Mr McCabe said.
Nominated charity Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD) will showcase their talent to an audience of media industry leaders and marketing executives. To enable everybody to get involved this year there will also be a few exclusive money can't buy consumer items up for auction.
Marketers or media companies wishing to bid on media packages over the coming weeks should contact Melanie Banister at melanie.banister@ninemsn.com.au.
Ends
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SELECTED CHARITIES:
Youth Off The Streets supports homeless and drug addicted young Australians as they work to turn their lives around.
Musicians Making A Difference work with youth communities all over the country to help change lives through music.
KidsXpress is an expressive therapy program aimed at empowering children by encouraging self expression through the use of music, art, dance and drama therapies.
Newpin is a preventative, early intervention program, offering intensive work with families facing potential or actual child-protection issues.
MEDIA SUPPORTERS INCLUDE:
TV: Seven, Nine, Ten, MCN, FCM, XYZ Networks, SBS
Press: Fairfax, News Corp
Magazines: News Magazines, ACP, , Pacific
Radio: Austereo, DMG, ARN, MRN
OOH: EYE, APN, Adshel, JC Decaux
Online: News Digital Media, Ninemsn, Fairfax Digital
Mobile: Hutchinson - 3
Please direct all media enquiries to:
Hannah Furness, Red Agency
M: 0409 348 250
E: hannah.furness@redagency.com.au
Media Man Australia Profiles
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
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