23 March 2015
Once again The Funding Network has matched supply and demand for social good with its collective-giving model.
TFN’s first event of the year achieved an outstanding result – with the most funding pledged at a TFN event to date.
Macquarie Wealth Management and the Macquarie Group Foundation hosted the private client event on 10 March, which saw over $212,000 pledged (including $100,000 match-funded by the Macquarie Group Foundation under its staff support policy) for four grassroots non-profit organisations: School for Life Foundation, 40k Foundation, Substation 33 and the Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation.
At a pivotal moment of the pledging session, just as it was slowing down, one guest murmured: “…if I could just get a glass of red, I’ll happily pledge the last $2,000 they need to get to $50,000”. In a split second, TFN’s host and Macquarie Group Head of Wealth Management, Bill Marynissen, dashed out of the room and returned in record time with the wine, to the genuine delight of the audience.
During their six-minutes pitches School for Life entrepreneurs Annabelle Chauncy OAM and Dave Everett OAM spoke about their work building schools and sustainable enterprises in Uganda. Tony Sharp talked about recycling electronic waste in Queensland and providing career opportunities for long-term unemployed. Clary Castrission OAM pitched a groundbreaking technology application that will scale the provision of kids’ literacy and numeracy education in rural India. And Ralph Kelly gave a stirring presentation on the mission of his foundation to reduce alcohol-related violence after the tragic death of his son Thomas.
All the pitches made a lasting impression on the audience in their own way. From the moment pledging commenced the generosity flowed, from small to large, starting at just $100 and coming from both the children of guests and more seasoned foundations, demonstrating the egalitarian nature of TFN.
Since its inception, TFN has held 10 events in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and has raised over $1.5 million, plus significant in-kind support for 40 grass roots organisations. The events have introduced over 1,300 people to the joy of collective giving.