The Entertainment Group Celebrates 30 Years of Fundraising
The Entertainment Group, Australia’s pre-eminent site that helps Australians gain access to thousands of amazing offers on premium dining, travel, shopping and entertainment, is celebrating its 30 year anniversary. For three decades, the Entertainment Group has created a local community with its Membership program by bringing together Members, Fundraisers, and Merchants and providing value in a way that no one else can.
Fundraising is at the heart of what the organisation does and the business is motivated by the opportunity to help its fundraising partners make a difference. Bringing together more than over 15,000 merchants and raising $110 million for not-for-profit fundraising partners since its inception, the Entertainment Group (formerly known as the Entertainment Book) has been helping Australians to live their lives to the fullest while providing vital contributions to organisations in need.
This month, at the time of marking its 30th anniversary, The Entertainment Group’s $110 million has been raised for over 50,000 fundraisers, with $1million this year alone. Charities, schools, hospitals, rotary and sporting clubs, community groups, as well as research foundations and surf lifesaving clubs are just a few of the entities who receive 20% of the proceeds of every Entertainment Group membership they sell.
Entertainment memberships give patrons the chance to try a number of Australia’s most prestigious and loved establishments. Dining hot spots include ESQ, Glass Brasseries, nel , Pilu, Pony lounge, Public Dining Room, Ormeggio, Berowra Waters Inn and Din Tai Fung. In travel, Emirates, Hawaiian Airlines, Europcar and Vibe Hotels are just some of the hotels on offer. Entertainment partners include Event Cinemas, Belvoir Theatre, Palace Theatres, Strike and Hoyts. Discovery is encouraged, and all offers can be sorted across key categories with some very well recognised merchants on offer. Businesses Catalina, Hyatt Hotels, Event Cinemas and Australian Chamber Orchestra are just some of those that have been around since day one.
“We are delighted to mark this momentous milestone of 30 years,” said Heidi Halson, The Entertainment Group’s Founder and CEO. “Entertainment is all about discovery and encouraging people to try new places. We’re often told people find restaurants and experiences they never would have heard about otherwise. Not only are we helping people stretch their budget further, we’re providing sizeable contributions to organisations in need. At a time when average Australians are struggling to pay their bills, we are glad that we can bring together communities to give back.”
Over the past three decades, fundraising partners for The Entertainment Group have included: Cancer Council, Animal Welfare League, McGrath Foundation, RSPCA, Fred Hollows Foundation, Australian Red Cross, Lifeline, Make-A-Wish, Lifeline, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Endometriosis Australia, Heart Foundation, Lost Dogs Home, The Stroke Foundation, Guide Dogs, Australian Red Cross, National Breast Cancer Foundation and more.
Quick Facts:
– The Entertainment Program has helped raise over $110 million dollars for over 50,000 fundraising organisations since 1994 and $1 million this year alone
– Entertainment memberships contain over 15,000 popular businesses, comprising a number of Australia’s most prestigious and loved establishments
– In the past 12 months the hospitality industry partners have seen a combined influx of revenue of $370m.
– The average family saves over $960 per year using their Entertainment Membership
– $82m saved by customers in FY24
– $370m spent at businesses/partners in FY24
– The Cancer Council, The RSPCA and The Animal Welfare League have raised the most since 1994 with the Entertainment Group contributing over $1 million each in vital funds, since 1994.
– The compelling offers available on The Entertainment App include up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers and many more opportunities from over 15,000 participating merchants, totalling at over $20k in value
The Entertainment Group relaunched in 2018, adding a digital app to its line-up. Australians can now download the offerings that were once available in the hard copy book straight onto their phone. The Entertainment Book makes every dollar customers spend go further for not only themselves but also their communities – 20% of every membership sold goes to the fundraiser.
“What many people don’t realise is that the hospitality industry really benefits from the business the Entertainment Book brings to them,” says Heidi. “One of the key challenges for the hospitality industry is getting people to dine out more often and the Entertainment Group does just that.”
“Funding from the community helps ensure McGrath Breast Care Nurses can continue providing free support to families impacted by breast cancer. There are 233 McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia who have supported more than 143,000 families since 2005.
We are grateful for the funds raised by Entertainment Group and the support from members and merchants over the last 13 years and look forward to growing this initiative, as we work towards ensuring no one goes through breast cancer without the free care and support of a breast care nurse.” Tracy Bevan – Ambassador & Director, McGrath Foundation.
“Since 2013, Endometriosis Australia has been raising awareness, funding research for endometriosis, educating the community and advocating for those affected. We are committed to empowering patients with the knowledge to be in control of their healthcare and promoting patient-centred care solutions. Endometriosis Australia has been fundraising with Entertainment since 2016 and has been a hit with our supporters, offering them great savings while supporting our cause. The support from their team was outstanding, helping us enhance our programs and support those affected by endometriosis.” Natalie Rupil – General Manager, Endometriosis Australia.
“As the only national non-profit solely focused on Childhood-onset Heart Disease (CoHD), HeartKids has made a lasting impact on the lives of over 80,000 children and families impacted CoHD for over 40 years. We’ve been fundraising with Entertainment since 2004 and through their platform, we have been able to boost our fundraising without too much effort. The support from the Entertainment team has been exceptional and their dedication to helping us reach as many families impacted by CoHD as possible is inspiring. Thanks to Entertainment, we’ve raised thousands of dollars, allowing us to reach even more families.” Rebecca Cannell – Events Coordinator, HeartKids.
“Catalina joined what was then the Entertainment Book in 1995, a year after we opened. Back then I saw it as an opportunity to attract new diners, and I still do, 29 years later. It’s also great knowing that by our inclusion, we continue to play a small part in fundraising. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a win for everyone involved – members, merchants and the community.” Judy McMahon – Director, Catalina.
The compelling offers available on The Entertainment App include 50% off and 2-for1 offers and many more opportunities for its community to discover more everyday.
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