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Century 21 has raised $23,000 for the Shake It Up Australia Foundation through its inaugural charity golf day, organised to support Parkinson’s disease research.
The Swing for Parkinson’s Golf Day, organised by the network’s Duporth branch in Queensland, united local businesses, corporate sponsors, and golf enthusiasts to support research on Parkinson’s disease.
Century 21 in Duporth’s commitment to support Parkinson’s research started seven years ago, when the agency owner and operator Damien Said met Gary Gillett on the cricket field.
The agency initially began supporting Gillett, who operates Trek Ready Himalayas, a foundation that assists charities and fundraising, as a corporate sponsor.
Century 21 Duporth marketing manager, Stuart Kerr, said what started as a small association between friends has since evolved into a deeper commitment for Century 21 Duporth.
“Additionally, some people on the corporate team now have relatives who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s; this is close to their heart, so they lend their support behind it, ” Kerr said.
Recognising golf’s popularity within the real estate community, Century 21 Duporth saw an opportunity to elevate its fundraising efforts beyond corporate sponsorship.
With strong backing from Century 21 Australia’s corporate leadership, including chief executive Ray Ellis and Queensland state network manager Ian Carter, the initiative gained momentum.
“We had several other managers and present principals of Century 21 Queensland branches attend on the day, and the Queensland manager came as well,” Kerr said.
The Swing for Parkinson’s Golf Day featured 18 holes, with local businesses sponsoring each hole at $500.
Each sponsored hole went directly to the Shake It Up Australia Foundation, contributing to the $23,000 raised on the day.
Over 30 local businesses set up displays and networked with the participants as they passed by, encouraging them to bid on items donated to the silent auction and the money prize board.
The fundraiser saw support from over 35 businesses which donated various items, including signed cricket bats, vacation stays, golf equipment, and financial planning vouchers.
The event featured both live and silent auctions, with Carter, an experienced property auctioneer, leading the bidding for key items.
Kerr said there was an overwhelming interest in supporting the cause through the tournament, with teams from local businesses, corporate representatives, and Century 21 Queensland branches.
“There were just also a lot of locals that heard about the day that liked golf and wanted to support the cause, so they got in contact with us and showed up” said Kerr.
“We still had to say no to a bunch of teams, just because we couldn’t facilitate the amount of people that wanted to sign up.”
Gillett said Century 21’s dedication to the Swing for Parkinson’s Golf Day and its commitment to fundraising research for Parkinson’s disease were to be recognised.
“This has been the catalyst to take us to a new level with our exposure and fundraising.”
“The added exposure for Shake It Up Australia to a whole new network of businesses, and in turn these businesses now have an association with a Parkinson’s charity.”
Gillett, whose family has been personally affected by Parkinson’s, also shared his firsthand experience with the disease.
In Australia, approximately 219,000 people are living with Parkinson’s disease.
“It’s the second most common neurological disease in Australia after dementia, and its prevalence is higher than many cancers,” Gillett said.
“An estimated 13,400 Australians with Parkinson’s are of working age (under 64), and approximately 50 Australians are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every day.”
Following the success of the golf day, discussions are underway to establish a formal Century 21 foundation in Australia to host annual events dedicated to further charitable causes.
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