Make-A-Wish® Australia was a winner at the RE/MAX Australia annual awards gala held on 22nd February at Sofitel Brisbane.
A charity initiative is a highlight of the night each year, raising money for the network’s partner charity, and this year it was a return to the popular live auction format.
Auctioneer Dene Tucker led from the stage to motivate the 500-plus crowd to some spirited bidding and raise an outstanding total of $17,100.
With three excellent auction items on offer, Mr Tucker began with the silver Apple iPad (9th Generation), which had been kindly donated by RE/MAX preferred partner, First Focus.
Second up was a BlinkPlus video production package; featuring 20 Blink Plus video credits, a DJI Osmo Mobile SE Gimbal, and a choice of in-person training on the Sunshine Coast or virtual training for those located outside Queensland. Jarryd and Ryan Fisher, RE/MAX Aspire, claimed the prize.
RE/MAX partner, BlinkPlus, is a DIY video production service that allows agents to create cinematic videos for their listings and they were active at the awards gala capturing footage for RE/MAX Australia. This went to Nikita and Dan Kinnane, RE/MAX Select.
Then the big one… SOLD to Travis Gill, RE/MAX Advantage, with an incredibly heart-warming winning bid of $13,000: an opportunity to grant a Make-A-Wish wish PLUS a group balloon flight. Along with the all-important wish contribution, the prize included a Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon experience, a premium package of an epic balloon ride for 12 with a champagne breakfast at Harvest Restaurant, Star Casino.
“While there is no price you can put on a child’s wish, all bids will make a significant difference,” RE/MAX Australia Managing Director said at the start of the evening.
And later, “There are over 900 kids on a Wish Journey with Make-A-Wish Australia, and with every donation, gift and bequest, MAW is one step closer to making the wish of every eligible Australian child come true.
“Tonight, we have helped achieve this by raising much needed funds for one more child to have their wish granted.
REMAX Australia has been donating to Make-A-Wish since 2012, to help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses, with RE/MAX offices individually and collectively working throughout the year toward raising an annual goal for the charity.
Through the generosity of the network, the amount raised at the awards gala exceeded the value of the auction items.
“As I said at the start of the evening, you can’t put a value on the actual wish! Thank you to all bidders and congratulations to the winners,” Mr Davoren said, “and to that lucky group of 12 who will have a fantastic morning out, floating above the clouds in a RE/MAX hot air balloon.”
