Newcastle’s business and accounting community have come together to enhance education pathways for young people in the region at the annual Bean Counters Ball, raising over $27,000 at this year’s event.
The Bean Counters Ball is a joint initiative between local members of the Certified Practicing Accountants Australia (CPA) and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) to raise funds to support education and youth in the Hunter community.
Since it was established in 2011, the ball has raised close to $180,000. Funds provided are donated to their two charity partners, Samaritans Student Accommodation offering supported accommodation, education and employment opportunities to young people; and Hunter TAFE Foundation providing scholarships supporting youth education in business, accounting or finance.
Bean Counters Ball Chairperson, Joshua Robb said the ball is an important opportunity for local professionals to get together and make a significant impact on the lives of young people.
“Bean Counters Ball has built a true sense of identity in the local area as a headline event for the legal and finance community over the past eight years. Through the generosity of the community, we have continued to raise money to help young people who might experience financial pressures, personal or lifestyle challenges,” Joshua said.
In its eighth year, a record number of people were involved this year, with 320 people attending the black-tie event under the big top, hosted by Garth Russell and featuring acts from Circus Avalon and The Freetones at the Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre (NEX) on Friday 2 November 2018.
“We truly believe that in working together, we are directly improving the lives of youth in the Newcastle region. We appreciate the value of education and its ability to change lives and transform communities,” Joshua said.
“We are proud to continue to support Samaritans Student Accommodation in Newcastle which provides a safe place for students to live while they are completing their education. This service supports young people in developing the skills needed to maintain a permanent and stable living arrangement. Many of the young residents have been at risk or have experienced homelessness.”
On the night guests witnessed a moving speech from Izzy, a young person currently residing at the accommodation service, who explained how support from the ball provides young people with the opportunity to change their life.
“Money raised from the ball helps Samaritans to provide essential services, including support staff, internet, utilities and more. It costs between $12,000-$16,000 per year to support each young person living at Samaritans Student Accommodation and Izzy shared how young people like her have benefited from the proceeds, with safe accommodation changing the trajectory of their lives,” Joshua said.
In 2018, the Bean Counters Ball also presented scholarships to accounting students through the Hunter TAFE Foundation.
“The Bean Counters Ball also supports the Hunter TAFE Foundation as they administer the Bean Counters Ball scholarships program. These competitive scholarships are awarded to recipients who are studying accounting or intending on completing higher education in business, finance or accounting and who would benefit from financial assistance,” Joshua said.
Summer Christe attended the ball to share her journey as a previous recipient of the Bean Counters Scholarship.
“The scholarship increased my confidence and helped me to grow a lot personally as well as affirming for me, my chosen career path. One of the absolute best things about the scholarship is the opportunities it presents to meet new people who are enjoying their career and making a positive difference in their own way,” Summer said.
This year, major support for the Bean Counters Ball was received from gold event sponsors Rapsey Griffiths, Jirsch Sutherland, Merchant Business Brokers, Jenkins Legal, MCG Quantity Surveyors, Peter Drayton Wines, NEX and Daniels Recruitment. A further nine local organisations also supported the event through silver sponsorship, as well as 46 prize donors.
IMAGE | Local accountants gather to raise money for two good causes at the Bean Counters Ball.
