)
TEN of Australia's top executives have gone under the hammer for charity, auctioning off a series of one-on-one business mentoring sessions in an effort to raise money for disadvantaged youth.
The MentorMe auction coordinated by ChildFund Australia kicked off this week, with bidders across the country vying for a slice of time with the likes of Carnival Australia executive chairman Ann Sherry and Sue Ismiel and Daughters founder and global brand ambassador Sue Ismiel.
Also up for grabs are sessions with advertising guru and Gruen Planet personality Todd Sampson (pictured), Allens former chief executive partner Michael Rose and Pacific Magazines group publisher for fashion and health Jackie Frank.
ChildFund Australia CEO Nigel Spence says the auction is a unique chance to connect with some of the biggest names in Australian business, with proceeds set to create opportunities for young people and families in poor communities throughout the Asia-Pacific.
"This is a rare opportunity to be mentored by some of Australia's most respected and influential business leaders, while also having an impact on the lives of children living in extreme poverty," says Spence.
"All of the mentors have a story to tell and a wealth of advice to share, from start-up entrepreneurs to financial sector gurus to media moguls.
"By auctioning their time, they are not only helping young professionals here in Australia but supporting vital small business projects in our region."
Cliff Rosenberg, managing director for LinkedIn Australia, New Zealand and south-east Asia, says it was an easy decision to offer his time for the auction and stresses the importance of investing in the wellbeing of the next generation.
"I strongly believe the onus is on all of us to shape a better future for generations to come," says Rosenberg.
"I'm absolutely supportive of anything we can do to invest in and develop future talent."
Bidding for the MentorMe auction will close on March 16.
)
)
)
)
)
