Dorset Community Foundation marked its 21^st birthday at a celebration evening with staff, trustees, donors and supporters.

The community foundation, which has awarded more than £11m in grants to Dorset’s grassroots groups and individuals over the last 21 years, has had its busiest ever 12 months.

Its Dorset Coronavirus Community Fund awarded more than £1m through 328 grants to help charities and voluntary groups overcome the challenges of the pandemic.

The celebration, held at the Royal Motor Yacht Club at Sandbanks, was a chance to thank supporters and donors as well as look to the future.

Tom Flood, new Chairman of Trustees, told guests he wishes to grow the community foundation’s new Living Legacy Fund, launched in partnership with BCP Council.

He also challenged donors to support the charity’s running costs.

Ambassador Kate Adie, pictured, the former Chief News Correspondent for BBC News, described how important the community foundation is and how its support for smaller charities and voluntary groups is more vital now than ever before.

And Sam Everard, Founder and CEO of the SAMEE charity, and Co-founder Wayne Ingram, told guests how the community foundation had provided invaluable help and finance.

Among the guests were Dorset’s Lord Lieutenant Angus Campbell, High Sheriff Michael Dooley, Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick and BCP councillor Jane Kelly.

Also present was Olympic butterfly swimmer Jacob Peters who was a recipient of the community foundation’s Young and Talented Fund, set up with Mr Campbell.

Tom Flood said he was delighted at how the evening went.

He said: “There was a very homely feel to the event, and the wonderful backdrop helped with that tremendously.

“I felt among friends and I felt everybody there wished the organisation a huge amount of goodwill.

“I was very pleased that so many people who matter to the support of the community foundation were there.

“They were very effusive in what they felt the organisation could do and what it represents.”

Director Grant Robson, pictured left, added: “It was lovely to look back at the phenomenal efforts of the last 21 years and the support we’ve been able to give through the generosity of our donors.

“But we are far from done and the event was also a passionate call to action, to any company, family or charitable trust who is looking to give back locally, anywhere in Dorset.

“We know where the need is, we know the groups and causes who are best placed to support their communities and we can ensure real impact is made with any charitable investment made with us.”

• dorsetcommunityfoundation.org.

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Dorset Biz News Gallery – 21st celebration evening for Dorset Community Foundation. Pictures: Zelda de Hollander.

Lesley Dedman and John Young

Grant Robson and Kurt Lee

Andrew Greenlees, Sam Everard and Deb Appleby

Wayne Ingram and Stuart White

Simon and Joy Cross

Bev Flanagan, Gary Lawrence, Louise and Rob Coulton

Mark Woodhouse and Martin Stanley

Malcolm Albery and Ian Rodd

Katharine Jones and John Young

Karen Budd and Linda Anderson

Colin Brady and Cariad Medway-Smith

Chris and Ann Longham

Serena Ansell and Michael Dooley

David Sidwick and Henrietta Young