Bennett Thrasher PC, Atlanta’s 11th largest certified public accounting and consulting firm, announces their commitment of $100,000 to the Educational Foundation of the Georgia Society of CPAs in support of undergraduate educational scholarships. The commitment creates five annual Bennett Thrasher Scholarships, which will be matched by the Georgia Society of CPAs for a total endowment of $200,000. One-half of the donation is being made through the Bennett Thrasher Foundation, which serves as the philanthropic voice for the firm’s associates.
“We were asked, and made, our large commitment early in the Educational Foundation’s campaign. We did so due to our responsibility as a local leader, but also simply because of the need that exists,” stated Co-Founding Shareholder Kenneth L. Thrasher. “That is, in recent years the number of students majoring in accounting has been greatly reduced. We saw this as an excellent investment opportunity in the accounting profession and an expression of loyalty to the association that promotes the CPA profession to Georgia students.”
Funding educational scholarships is not new for the partners and employees of Bennett Thrasher. The five new Bennett Thrasher Scholarships formed with the Educational Foundation will bring the total number of annual scholarships funded by the firm to seven. That is, Bennett Thrasher has been funding two scholarships, one each at the University of Georgia and Auburn University accounting departments, for the last four years.
The first Bennett Thrasher Scholarships through the Educational Foundation will be awarded in the spring of 2008 in the amount of $1,500 each. One scholarship will be awarded to an accounting student from Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Oglethorpe University and the University of Georgia, with the final scholarship to be awarded at the discretion of the Educational Foundation.
“It is our responsibility to give back to the local community, which has provided us with so many rewards. We are able make this donation because of our loyal clients, associates, families and friends. We dedicate this contribution to them and to the hard-working students whom it will benefit,” stated Co-Founding Shareholder Richard A. Bennett.
Established in 2003, the Bennett Thrasher Foundation is unique in that it is primarily directed by associates, i.e. non-shareholders, to carry out its mission. In 2007, the Foundation provided 16 organizations in the local community with volunteer time and monetary donations totaling $241,379. Through the Foundation, Bennett Thrasher shareholders and associates give their talents, contributions and service to charitable organizations fostering the long-term development and success of individuals in the greater Atlanta metropolitan community.
“Generous contributions from leading local accounting firms like Bennett Thrasher are essential in assisting the Educational Foundation of the GSCPA complete its mission. At the same time, it is rare that the Educational Foundation receives gifts of this size. We are extremely grateful to the firm and excited about what this donation will enable us to accomplish,” said Chair of the Golden Anniversary Endowment Campaign Scott Collins.
Founded in 1980 by Rick Bennett and Ken Thrasher, Bennett Thrasher has become the 11th largest certified public accounting and consulting firm in the Atlanta area.
About The Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants
The Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants is the premier professional organization for CPAs in the state of Georgia. With over 10,000 members throughout the state, the purpose of the GSCPA is to promote the study of accountancy and applicable laws, provide continuing professional education, maintain high ethical and work standards, and provide information about accounting issues to the membership and the public. For further information, visit the Georgia Society of CPAs web site at www.gscpa.org or call 404-231-8676.