On Friday 22 March, the media, marketing and creative industry hoisted the sails for good at the UnLtd Big Splash regatta, generating over $60,000 to help children at risk.

The second Big Splash event saw ten highly competitive teams race head to head across Sydney Harbour on Elliott boats whilst generating much needed funds for UnLtd’s charity partners working to break the cycle of youth disadvantage.

Lead by a professional sailor on each boat, the sailors got to learn some expert tips before it was all hands on deck for a series of intense races that saw the all-female team from Quantcast sail to victory.

Whilst the sailors were working off a sweat, the guests on the spectator boat enjoyed a more leisurely cruise cheering on their teams and enjoying the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour.

The event was kindly sponsored by Sizmek and teams competing included: ARN, Domain, Facebook, OMD, PHD, Quantcast, Sizmek, The Guardian, The Trade Desk and Verizon Media.

Sizmek APAC commercial director, Paul Kent said: “UnLtd does a wonderful job of bringing the media industry together to help raise money for charities that have such a positive impact on many young people’s lives every day.

“Paying it forward is one of Sizmek’s key values so we’re very proud to support such a worthy cause.

“We believe it’s important to take time out of our day-to-day to focus on giving back to the community and use our combined resources and networks to create positive change for young Australians.”

Jamie Lobina, Chair Ambassador for Whitelion, one of UnLtd’s charity partners also attended the event to share his powerful story about the importance of young people having support from organisations like Whitelion and UnLtd.

UnLtd CEO Chris Freel commented: “Last week I visited Lake Cargellico and Dubbo, spending time with our charity partners in their communities.

“I saw first hand the difference we are making as an industry.

“I met with young people who come from six generations of unemployment, living in massively overcrowded housing, surrounded by violence, drugs and alcohol abuse, being given hope and purpose by some amazing charity programs that we help to fund.

He added: “We are helping to break the cycle and events like this allow us to do that. Thanks again to all involved.”