Charity TV Fundraiser Faces Collapse, Leaving Debts
Adventure All Stars Promises Unfulfilled as Founder Faces Scrutiny
A television program designed to raise funds for charities worldwide has left a trail of unpaid debts and broken promises, with numerous organizations claiming they never received pledged donations. The fallout centers around Troy Gray and his company, Charity TV Global, and the now-defunct show, Adventure All Stars.
Charities Left Empty-Handed
Rach Mac, founder of Broken Crayons Still Colour Foundation, a domestic violence charity, says she was initially thrilled when Gray contacted her. Troy approaches us and says we think what you do is amazing, we want to help give you exposure,
she recalls. However, that promise turned sour. After raising $60,000 with two volunteers, she received nothing. According to a 2023 report by the National Council of Nonprofits, unpaid pledges represent a significant challenge for smaller charities, often forcing them to divert resources from core programs to pursue recovery efforts.
The show, which aired on Channel Seven, required participants to raise at least $10,000, with a portion covering production costs and the remainder intended for the chosen charity. While initially successful, problems began to emerge in 2023 as charities started inquiring about missing funds.
A Pattern of Unpaid Debts
Jane McMillan, founder of Leukaemia Support Queensland, says her organization is owed $96,000. She traveled to Adelaide to confront Gray, but found only an abandoned office. We’re a voluntary organisation… I just get upset that anybody could take money away from anybody, let alone a charity,
she stated. Racing2Rehome, a greyhound rescue charity, claims it is missing $208,000.
Channel Seven Distances Itself
As concerns mounted, Channel Seven removed all episodes of Adventure All Stars from its streaming platform, 7plus. A spokesperson stated that Seven declined a new season proposal from Charity TV Global in July 2024 and did not provide funding for previous seasons. The network has since distanced itself from the program.
Gray’s Response and Legal Battles
Troy Gray maintains his innocence, claiming that COVID-19 and declining philanthropic support led to the company’s financial difficulties. He asserts he exhausted his personal finances and his children’s trust fund to keep the business afloat. He also alleges that charities turned against him, damaging his reputation. However, South Australia Police state they received no reports from Gray or Charity TV Global. Gray lost a default judgment to Mac and Broken Crayons for over $60,000, which remains unpaid.
“This is not the ending we envisioned. It’s heartbreaking. But we are proud of everything we built, and even more proud of the lives we touched and the impact we made along the way.”
—Troy Gray
Liquidators have been appointed to Charity TV Global, and the company is now in liquidation. The future remains uncertain for the charities and participants left with unpaid debts and shattered trust.
