The annual fundraiser, Bean Counters Ball, which supports youth and education in the Hunter Region, has raised $35,300 for its charity partners, Hunter TAFE Foundation and Samaritans.
The tenth Bean Counters Ball was hosted at the Newcastle Exhibition Centre on May 14, with ticket sales recording 380 guests.
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.
The Ball’s theme was Gin & Jazz featuring jazz bands Half Nelson and The Freestones, and Newy Distillery provided the gin cocktails.
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…the past two years have been even more difficult for them to support their students and adolescents.”
The event also featured speeches by representatives from both Hunter TAFE Foundation and Samaritans.
Recipient of the Bean Counters Ball scholarship, Caitlin Danvers, told the audience how the charity had supported her during her studies in accounting.
A student living in the Samaritans Student Accommodation, Thea Crick, also addressed the audience reminding guests of the importance of the Ball and how the money raised would continue to support students like her to find stable accommodation while studying.
Other presentations included a speech from Sarah Hovanyecz, the recipient of the Young Achiever Award, sponsored by Hunter Young Professionals.
Hovanyecz works at Osborn Law, serves as a Non-Executive Director for Hunter Prelude and sits on the committee for Lake Macquarie Women in Business Network.
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 by the generosity of the guests.
“We sold out of mystery wine, lucky dip prizes and raffle tickets all before 9 pm,” Hayden said.
“We can’t thank the attendees and sponsors of the Ball enough for their kindness and generosity, which has helped us 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.”
Hayley McMahon