Industry rides the waves for good; inaugural UnLtd Big Kahuna event raises over $55,000
The inaugural UnLtd: Big Kahuna surfing competition has raised over $55,000 for children at risk.
On Friday 29 March, over 100 people from the media, marketing, creative and tech industry took over Queenscliff Beach for the first ever surfing competition for Adland. The event saw twelve teams of four take part in a surf-tag event whilst the spectators were treated to yoga lessons by Publift, sand sculpture competition by Be Centre and free ice-cream by Pepitas.
Powered by The Trade Desk and sponsored by ESPN, Impact and Publift, the teams participating included Domain, Facebook, Impact, IPG Mediabrands, OMD, PHD, Pubmatic, Quantcast, Spotify and The Trade Desk.
After three heats, the final saw Facebook, IPG Mediabrands, Quantcast and The Trade Desk show off their surfing skills with Team Facebook taking home the inaugural Big Kahuna trophy.
The other important winners of the day were Ana and Jon-Jon Du Toit, children of Hugo Du Toit from The Trade Desk who took home the Be Centre Golden Bucket sand sculpting trophy for their ‘Crab City’ sand sculpture.
The event was conceived by Mitch Waters and Ed Wilson from The Trade Desk, together with Heath Irving from Unruly and Tim Hosking from Google.
Says Mitch Waters, senior vice president of South-East Asia, Australia and New Zealand for The Trade Desk: “It was inspiring to see the advertising industry come together to support such a worthwhile cause. The competition was intense, but it was equally rewarding to see so many people from our industry on the water, many of whom have never surfed before, to support UnLtd.”
The event raised over $55K towards UnLtd charity grants program helping children and young people at risk.
Says Chris Freel, CEO, UnLtd: “The Big Kahuna epitomised everything that we love at UnLtd. It brought our community together over an activity so important to Australians, at an iconic venue, to help young people at risk. It also raised over $55k as a first time event which is amazing. Thanks to all those involved in driving, supporting and participating. You rock!”
