Bean Counters Ball raises $35,300 for charity partners at 10th anniversary event

Bean Counters Ball raises $35,300 for charity partners at 10th anniversary event

The tenth Bean Counters Ball was hosted recently, on Saturday 14 May 2022, raising a total of $35,300 for charity partners Hunter TAFE Foundation and Samaritans.

The event, a joint initiative between local members of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and CPA Australia, has raised almost $200,000 since its launch in 2011 and can now add an additional $35,300 following the successful event earlier this month.

Deemed the 2020, 2021 and 2022 Bean Counters Ball, the event was held at The Newcastle Exhibition Centre (NEX) with ticket sales recording 380 guests.

The theme of the ball was Gin & Jazz and guests found themselves in the mood immediately with jazz band, Half Nelson crooning as guests arrived. Attendees were also treated to gin cocktails from Newy Distillery throughout the night to keep the theme alive.

Once inside, guests were welcomed by emcee Dan Cox from ABC Newcastle and entertained by the music of The Freetones.

Chair of the Bean Counters Ball and Deputy Chair of the CPA Australia’s Newcastle & Hunter branch, Gerhard Bierman was proud the event was finally able to go ahead.

“This event has been a long time coming and we’re so grateful it was finally able to go ahead thanks to the work of our committee and sponsors,” Gerhard said.

“Our main focus was raising money for our two charity partners, Hunter TAFE Foundation and Samaritans as the past two years have been even more difficult for them to support their students and adolescents.”

Guests were treated to a speech from representatives from both Hunter TAFE Foundation and Samaritans.

Caitlin Danvers was a recipient of the Bean Counters Ball scholarship from Hunter TAFE Foundation and delighted audiences with how the charity has supported her during her studies in accounting.

Caitlin was followed by Thea Crick, a student living in the Samaritans Student Accommodation which provides accommodation and support for young people between the ages of 16 and 25 who are at risk or have experienced homelessness.

Thea’s story is not unique, and she reminded guests of the importance of the Ball and how the money raised to continue to support students like herself find stable accommodation while studying.

The speeches didn’t stop there, with the Young Achiever Award, sponsored by Hunter Young Professionals (HYP) awarded to Sarah Hovanyecz from Osborn Law.

Sarah serves as a Non-Executive Director for Hunter Prelude and sits on the committee for Lake Macquarie Women in Business Network and was presented the award due to her ongoing commitment to charities in the Hunter.

Co-Chair of the Bean Counters Ball and Chair of the local Newcastle and Hunter chapter of Chartered Accountants, Hayden Asper said he and the committee were blown away with the generosity of the guests on the night.

“We sold out of mystery wine, lucky dip prizes and raffle tickets all before 9pm,” Hayden said.

“We can’t thank the attendees and sponsors of the Ball enough for their kindness and generosity which has helped as raise much needed funds for our two charities.”

“We’re hoping we can beat our fundraising goal in 2023 and will definitely have more raffle tickets next time!” Hayden concluded.

IMAGE | The tenth Bean Counters Ball committee.

Bean Counters Ball

Established in 2011, the Bean Counters Ball is an annual charity event that raises funds to provide much needed support for young people in the Hunter region.

The Ball is an initiative of local members of Certified Practicing Accountants Australia (CPA Australia) and the Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CAANZ), with all funds raised donated to local charities Samaritans and Hunter TAFE Foundation to support young people pursuing education pathways.

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