More than $600,000 raised in CEO Sleepout
THE Gold Coast has been praised for digging deep after a tough year and raising the most amount of money ever during a city fundraiser.
More than 200 Coast CEOs and civic leaders joined the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout and raised more than $600,000 – double the charity’s goal amount.
The city’s bosses huddled together in Cbus Stadium at Robina on Thursday night and continued to raise money well into the next morning.
Gold Coast Vinnies CEO Sleepout founding ambassador Karen Phillips said it was incredible to see a room filled with more than 200 people passionate about helping those doing it tough.
“I just think it’s incredible to see such a diverse range of CEOs, civic leaders and companies big and small, come together,” Ms Phillips said.
“And a year after Covid, how good is this city?”
Ms Phillips said there were dozens of new faces at the Sleepout including this year’s top fundraiser Village Roadshow CEO Clark Kirby.
Mr Kirby dominated the leaderboard by raising $36,876, almost $20,000 more than the second highest amount raised.
“It was a true privilege to be a part of this wonderful initiative that was established and developed by some incredibly passionate local individuals,” Mr Kirby said.
“I’m extremely proud of our Village Roadshow Theme Parks team and our success was down to the incredible support from our business partners and friends who recognise the magnitude of the homelessness issue on the Gold Coast and Australia wide.”