A successful charity auction at this year’s Elite Retreat on Hayman Island has raised more than $30,000 for Steve Carroll’s Digital Live bike ride, supporting the children’s charity Hands Across the Water.
During the auction, there were a host of items up for grabs including a private flight, a bottle of Grange Hermitage, a Mr Cricket Cricket Bat and an original signed picture of The Altman Brothers and Luis D. Ortiz.
The money raised will be allocated towards their team’s target for the upcoming charity ride, which aims to support children in Thailand.
Mr Carroll said he was thrilled with the result.
“This is going to make an incredible difference to kids living in homes and orphanages over in Thailand,” Mr Carroll said.
He said auctioneer Andy Reid, played a crucial role in the event’s success.
“Andy did an amazing job in extracting money from the real estate people that were there,” he said.
“Reid’s energetic approach and skill were instrumental in encouraging generous bids from the audience.”
Mr Carroll said one of the most significant contributions came from Matt Hall, a keynote speaker at the event and renowned pilot.
He said Mr Hall donated a flight experience that raised the lion’s share of the final amount.
“Between Matt and Andy Reid, we’ll make a massive difference to a lot of kids living in homes and orphanages over in Thailand,” Mr Carroll said.
The Digital Live bike ride, which the auction supported, is an annual event that brings together real estate professionals for a charitable cause.
Next year will see two rides, in February and March, marking the 6th and 7th editions of the event.
“These two rides will take us past $2 million raised,” Mr Carroll said.
“This money provides the opportunity for children to go to school.
“Without it, the kids don’t get educated, and education is a poverty breaker.”
Mr Carroll said an interesting trend has emerged in recent years, with an increasing number of father-son and father-daughter duos participating in the ride.
“Real estate is such a busy career that sometimes before you know it, your kids have grown up,” he said.
“Doing something like this is a great catch-up for all those footy matches and cricket games you missed because of open inspections.”
The Digital Live bike ride, which covers 500 kilometres, has seen over 100 real estate professionals participate since its inception.
Many riders return for multiple events, drawn by the unique experience and personal growth opportunities.
“When I talk to the riders and ask what’s so special about the ride, they often mention friendship, perspective, and feeling lucky that we live in such a privileged country like Australia,” Mr Carroll said.
