CORNWALL Community Foundation out-of-county supporters have raised an incredible total of over £200,000 at a gala dinner in London, to help those most in need in the county.

Cornwall Community Foundation, which is based in Lawhitton near Launceston, is an independent charity that invests in communities to improve the lives of others in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

It mainly supports community groups who are making a positive impact in helping to overcome these challenges of disadvantage, exclusion and poverty for all ages. Since 2003, they have awarded more than £15-million, supporting more than 6,000 local organisations.

The foundation promotes, assesses, and awards targeted grants to Cornish grassroots community groups supporting the people that need it most.

On March 15, the foundation welcomed nearly 250 guests to a Gala Dinner at the Hurlingham Club in London. Attendees raised more than £200,000 through donations, auctions and a grand prize draw.

The evening was an opportunity for people who love Cornwall but live and work elsewhere, to support communities in need in the county.

In 2022, out of county support for Cornwall Community Foundation surpassed £1,000,000, providing funding for hundreds of grassroots and community groups across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 

Tamas Haydu, CEO of Cornwall Community Foundation said, “It was a pleasure to welcome Cornwall Club members and guests to our first-ever Gala Dinner in the wonderful surroundings of the Hurlingham Club. 

“We are very grateful to the generosity of our headline sponsors, the Caledonia Investment Charitable Foundation, and our Drinks Reception Sponsors, JB Estates, for their support, without which this event would not have been possible.” 

Jamie Cayzer-Colvin, Chair of the Caledonia Investments Charitable Foundation, said: “It was an honour to support the evening and to continue our association with Cornwall Community Foundation. We are proud to honour the Cornish heritage of the Cayzer family through our partnership, both through this event and through the Caledonia Investments Charitable Foundation programme which focuses on debt management and financial education across Cornwall.” 

Josephine Ashby, Managing Director of JB Estates, added: “We are enormously privileged to be able to support the CCF.  We are fortunate to live and work in a county which draws enormous focus for its stunning coast, creating a thriving tourism and holiday home industry that generates an important economy for Cornwall. At the same time, it also highlights the disparity within the county where the cost of living, poverty and homelessness is a stark contrast. The CCF provides much-needed support to grassroots groups and organisations and directly supports the Cornish community, providing much-needed relief and opportunities for future generations. Our role is to support and raise awareness to help achieve a better balance.”