CEOs sleep out

THE fundraising success of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has continued over the past week, with new pledges lifting the total amount of money raised in Western Australia to $596,000.

Last Thursday, 107 chief executives spent the night at the WACA Ground, sleeping rough in the open air, in the name of raising money for the homeless.

The top fundraisers were led for the second year running by Burswood chief executive Barry Felstead, who raised $47,091.

Governor designate Malcolm McCusker and his wife, Tonya, raised just over $28,000, while WA Business News executive chairman Elton Swarts raised $22,555.

The WA turnout this year was a step-up from the 99 CEOs who slept out in last year’s inaugural event, and the St Vincent de Paul Society is keen to see even more participate next year.

Also pitching in was Fortescue Metals Group chief Andrew Forrest, who slept under the stars for the second year running.

St Vinnies WA chief executive John Bouffler told the participants that Mr Forrest had contributed $2,000 to every other CEO in the Sleepout – a total of $212,000.