Newcastle’s business and accounting community came together to enhance education pathways for young people in the region at the annual Bean Counters Ball, raising $28,700 at the 2017 event.

In its seventh year, record numbers of more than 300 people attended the black-tie event hosted by Garth Russell and comedian, Akmal Saleh at the Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre (NEX) on Friday 27 October, 2017.

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 $150,000, with all funds raised provided to supporting their two charity partners; Samaritans and Hunter TAFE Foundation.

Bean Counters Ball Chairperson, Chad Stead, says the ball is an important reminder that competing organisations can put their differences aside to help those in need.

“CPA and CAANZ are the two leading accounting bodies competing in the same market, however once a year we put our differences aside to give back to charities that support youth and education,” Chad said.

“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.

“Half of the funds raised 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 are experiencing homelessness.”

In 2017, the Bean Counters Ball presented four 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,” Chad said.

This year’s scholarship recipients include Kristiana Gorgievski, who received the Associate Degree of Accounting Scholarship; Jessica Heemskerk received the Bean Counters pathway scholarship; and

Ashley Boyd and Brendan Murtagh were awarded a Bean Counters Achievement Award.

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 and Reckon. A further nine local organisations also supported the event through sponsorship.

IMAGE | Jessica Heemskerk speaking at the Bean Counters Ball.