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 $30,000 at the 2021 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 our community.
Since it was established in 2011, the Ball has raised over to $210,000 with funds provided 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, Bernadette Smyth, says 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,” Ms. Smyth said.
In its ninth year, record numbers of 340 people attended the black-tie event, hosted by Dan Cox and featuring acts from Autumn Productions and The Freetones at the Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre (NEX) on Friday 25 October 2019.
“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.
“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,” Ms Smyth said.
