Frocked up and ready to party in the name of a good cause

There were frocks galore and not a calculator in sight at the sixth annual Bean Counters’ Ball on October 28.

Jirsch Sutherland was a gold sponsor of the charity event, which raised $22,500. The funds help support accounting students who are struggling financially. Since the first ball was held in 2011, more than $120,000 has been raised.

Jirsch Sutherland Partner Bradd Morelli says Jirsch Sutherland has sponsored the ball for most of the years since it started.

“Jirsch Sutherland is a proud supporter of the ball. It’s a very worthy cause that enables us to assist the young people who want to follow us into a career in accounting, but may not have the means or support to concentrate on their studies,” he says.

“We have supported the ball not only by way of gold sponsorship, but also by the purchase of two tables, not to mention my colleague Hayden Asper’s time as a committee member.”

Funds raised by the ball during the past six years have helped establish the Bean Counters’ Pathway, Associate Degree of Accounting Scholarships through the Hunter TAFE Foundation as well as support the Samaritans Student Accommodation and mentor programs.

The ball is a joint initiative between the Certified Practising Accountants and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand associations, with both groups pooling their resources to organise and conduct the event.

Bradd says almost 300 guests from the Hunter’s accounting and business community attended this year’s ball at the Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre. “The event celebrates more than the profession of accounting, it promotes the value of our craft to the community and encourages others to pursue it as a profession.

“This year we had the opportunity to hear from one of the recipients of a scholarship as well as a mentor. Hearing from students who have been housed in the Samaritans Student Accommodation and received scholarships that result from the charity event always serves to remind those in attendance that the night isn’t just about having fun, but about assisting locals who are struggling and simply need an opportunity to change their lives for the better.”