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From meeting motorsport superstar Daniel Ricciardo to securing a one-on-one mentoring session with business trailblazer Shelley Sullivan, the conference’s auction attracted bidders from all over the network, with a focus on helping Australians facing housing insecurity.
“The visible homelessness within the Australian community is just the tip of the iceberg. Only six per cent of the 122,000 people experiencing homelessness are actually sleeping rough,” said Natalie Hortz, Ray White’s head of organisational development and committee member of a newly established foundation created to combat homelessness.
“As an industry, we’re privileged to play a part in creating homes, workplaces and opportunities for Australians,” Hortz said.
“But with so many Australians missing out we have to ask ourselves the question - how can we be there to support those who need help?”
“Our industry is powerful and we’re in a position to help drive this change,” Hortz continued.
“At Ready25 on 21 August, it was announced that an industry-led foundation would be launching in September to channel the property sector’s influence and reach, to drive awareness, raise funds and build long-term change for people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.”
Back to our roots
It all started at The Shed on Sunday 10 August, when our first charity auction - to raise money for the Crows Nest Historical Society - was called by Ross Whiston of Ray White Gawler East. With prizes like a Swans and Collingwood jerseys, a Gin pack, Ray White Shop golf pack, and a priceless morning tea with our Chairman, Brian White, it's no surprise the team was able to raise over $4,000.
Start your engines: who wants to meet Daniel?
In the lead-up to Connect 2025, agents-cum-Formula 1 fans bid in an exclusive online auction for a once-in-a-lifetime meet and greet with racing favourite Daniel Ricciardo. This special experience, offered before the conference officially began, generated strong interest and competitive bidding.
Two lucky groups came out on top and over $11,000 was raised from the online auction alone.
Silent auction - bidding throughout Connect
During Connect 2025, attendees took part in the highly anticipated silent auction, which ran throughout the conference. Prizes included:
Signed AFL guernseys from iconic players
Tickets to READY25, including a meet and greet with Olympic gymnastics legend Simone Biles
An exclusive mentoring session with entrepreneur and model-turned-businesswoman Shelley Sullivan
Live auction - a 3,000 person spectacle on the final day
The conference closed with an exhilarating live auction on its final day, where bidding wars broke out over two standout prizes:
Two Oasis box tickets for an unforgettable VIP experience
A run with endurance athlete and charity champion Nedd Brockmann at his upcoming Uncomfortable Challenge
Haesley Cush, Ray White veteran and auctioneer extraordinaire, moderated the 3,000 attendees in his classic auction style and trill. Bids were quickly raised to heady heights as the attendees fought it out in a fun, albeit chaotic, auction - where the corporate auctioneers wrangled the bidders in the huge conference hall.
The live auction raised $14,500.
Give to Win - big prizes for a small donation
For just $25 per entry, the Give to Win challenge gave participants the chance to raise vital funds for homelessness and go in the running to win some truly incredible prizes, including a signed Daniel Ricciardo Enchanté cap, luxury hotel stays, 100,000 Virgin Velocity points, and more.
To enter, participants paid the entry fee and shared a photo of their favourite Connect memory.
Over $50,000 raised
The Connect Charity auction raised over $50,000 for homelessness across three days, with money going to the soon to be launched, A Home For All Foundation, as well as Nedd Brockmann’s partner charity, Mobilise.
Ray White is proud to be a launch partner for A Home for All Foundation and is looking forward to sharing more about the Foundation in September.
