The Annual SIIC ‘Thank-you’ Dinner at Willey Park: a celebration of Community, Collaboration and Impact
A total of 105 Shropshire Investors in Community (SIIC) members, staff, volunteers, Trustees and Shropshire Community Foundation (SCF) Patron, Garrison Sergeant Major ‘Vern’ Stokes, gathered to celebrate the work of the Foundation in the beautiful grounds of Willey Park on 16th June.
It was an opportunity for the Foundation to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all SIIC members for their support, to recognise the growing impact of local giving and to welcome new members.
Drinks and canapés in the beautiful Hall were followed by a delicious meal kindly supported by Oak Apple Catering with wines generously donated by Tanners Wine Merchants.
Before the meal, Selina Graham, Chair of Trustees for the Shropshire Community Foundation (SCF), shared a brief and fascinating history of the estate and Forester family history.
(SCF Chair of Trustees, Selina Graham addresses guests and members)
Over dinner and conversation, guests heard how local businesses are helping to tackle some of the county’s most pressing challenges from loneliness and mental health to supporting young people and strengthening communities.
Speaking after the event, Joanna Morris, CEO of Shropshire Community Foundation remarked:
“I was struck by the incredible energy, generosity and ambition that exists across Shropshire. It was uplifting to see so many businesses and organisations from every sector coming together, sharing ideas and building new connections, all with a genuine commitment to strengthening our communities.
What stood out most was the sense of collective purpose. The impact we are achieving together goes far beyond funding. It is about creating opportunities, supporting local people and building stronger, more resilient communities. It was a true demonstration of what can happen when businesses choose to invest in the places they care about.”
The event also highlighted the growing momentum behind SCF with representatives from over 70 existing SIIC members attending and many more registered to join in the upcoming months.
Reflecting on the evening, one member commented: “The collaboration is what stands out. Businesses working together can bring far more resources, ideas and energy to local causes than any one company acting alone.”
Another added: “The enthusiasm of everyone involved is infectious. Once you understand what the Foundation is achieving, it’s very difficult not to want to be part of it.”
Alongside supporting local causes today, Joanna Morris also highlighted the long-term endowment funds which have created a sustainable source of funding for future generations. She added:
“There is something special happening here in Shropshire. Businesses are recognising that they can play a meaningful role in supporting the communities that underpin our local economy and quality of life.
“Whether a business is just beginning its community impact journey or looking to build on existing activity, there is an opportunity to get involved. Every member strengthens our network, increases our reach and helps us direct more funding towards the people and places that need it most.”
For most attending the SIIC Annual Dinner, the message was clear: the future of local giving in Shropshire is not about individual organisations acting alone, it is about businesses coming together for the good of the county.
The evening was made possible thanks to the hard work of the staff and volunteer trustees of the Foundation and to generous event sponsorship from Halls and Handelsbanken.
“Thank you so much for organising such a wonderful evening. It was incredibly well planned and seemed to run like clockwork — a real testament to how well organised the event was.
It was also great to meet so many like-minded people and such passionate champions for Shropshire. I look forward to continuing to work with you and to supporting the foundation.” SIIC Member
