Maritimo supports kids' charity

Australian manufacturer, Maritimo and its founder, Bill Barry-Cotter, have launched a program of fundraising initiatives which will provide support for selected charities throughout Australia over the next twelve months.

The first of Maritimo's philanthropic initiatives, "A once in a Lifetime Experience" live auction package which includes an opportunity to co-pilot Maritimo's World Champion Offshore Race Boat, proved a real winner recently for the Starlight Children’s Foundation annual fundraising event, the Starball, in Sydney.

The package was put up for auction at the Foundation’s ball and the bidding started at $4,000 quickly rising and surpassing the winning bids on all other items offered on the night with a winning bid of $18,000.

Maritimo’s sales and marketing manager, Greg Haines, said the thought of co-piloting a boat capable of speeds around 175mph had certainly captured the imagination, so much so that the national project co ordinator for the event, Loren McBride, approached Maritimo and asked if it would  be possible to provide a second package as the under bidder was so disappointed at missing out.

The answer was a very positive yes and the second package raised another $18,000.

"An amazing $36,000 had been raised enabling five to six 'wishes' to be granted," said Mr Haines.

Bill Barry-Cotter said he was delighted with the result and very pleased that Maritimo had been able to make such a meaningful contribution to Starlight and ‘to help with the wonderful work that they do’.

Mr Haines said Bill had had a very successful career and wanted to give back to the community in a meaningful way and sees the company providing this sort of assistance to selected charities as a good way to do that.

The Starlight Children's Foundation was the first selected with the Melanoma Institute of Australia the second.

“The Starlight Children’s Foundation is a very worthwhile cause and our next charity event will be the Melanoma Institute of Australia’s annual fundraising dinner at the Sydney Hilton in November.”

Mr Haines said Maritimo was investigating appropriate events to support in Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth and would provide backing for four to five events in the next 12 months.