More than 130 media and marketing professionals gathered in Sydney last week for the Bench Media Charity Trivia Night, raising $25,000 for Youth Off The Streets.
Held at Club York Sydney, the event brought together professionals from across the media, marketing and advertising industry, including B&T, for an evening of trivia, fundraising and community impact, all in support of vulnerable young people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.
The Trivia Night forms part of Bench Media’s ongoing partnership with Youth Off The Streets, with the agency alternating each year between its Charity Trivia Night and Coastal Charity Walk fundraising events each year.
Funds raised from the evening will support Youth Off The Streets’ programs, helping young people access education, housing support, counselling and pathways to employment. If you weren’t able to attend but would still like to support this cause, you can make a contribution here.
Bench Media CEO and co-founder Ori Gold (pictured above) said the event was a reminder of what can be achieved when an industry rallies behind a common purpose.
“Every day our industry competes for clients, pitches and market share. But nights like this remind us that some causes are far more important than competition,” he said.
“To see more than 130 people give up their evening to support vulnerable young Australians was incredibly humbling. The generosity in the room was remarkable and we’re grateful to everyone who contributed.
“One of the things that struck me when I first learned about Youth Off The Streets was the way many vulnerable young people are forced to navigate a fragmented support system. Youth Off The Streets plays such an important role in bringing together the support, guidance and opportunities young people need to build a better future.”
Kylie Sharp, the education DFSV prevention and support team lead of Youth Off The Streets, thanked everyone involved for their support.
“The young people we work with can often carry years of unspoken trauma. What they need more than anything is someone who shows up consistently and doesn’t walk away from them.
“The generosity of Bench Media and everyone who came together on Thursday night means we can keep doing exactly that – being there before crisis hits and walking alongside young people until they find their footing again. That support is everything.”
UnLtd impact account director Kath Solly said the event highlighted the positive impact the industry can have when it comes together for a meaningful cause.
“Bench’s dedication to helping young people facing disadvantage has been evident in every conversation, idea and activation. Seeing them embrace Youth Off The Streets with such genuine care reflects the very heart of UnLtd – bringing charities and industry together to build meaningful partnerships that create lasting impact for young people.”
Bench Media thanked Club York Sydney for generously donating the venue for the evening, allowing more of the funds raised to go directly towards supporting young people through Youth Off The Streets.
The agency also acknowledged the ongoing support of Youth Off The Streets and UnLtd, whose partnership has helped grow the initiative and strengthen the industry’s contribution to tackling youth homelessness.
The evening concluded with fundraising activities, raffle draws and prizes. Bench Media would also like to thank Hisense, Perion, IAS, Convo Media and SCA for donating prizes, as well as the volunteers and everyone who attended who contributed to the evening’s fundraising efforts.
