Run in conjunction with Clare Granger, the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, the Photography Exhibition & Showcase gave local business leaders, friends and supporters of Two Ridings Community Foundation the opportunity to view the impact of community organisations through 16 superb photographs, and get to hear the stories directly behind the images. 

At HADCA we were delighted that Artizan International were prize winners, and had the opportunity to showcase the amazing work they do. They explained the difference the busy Harrogate city centre cafe made to the adults with learning disabilities they supported. The project provides real-life working experience, a sense of confidence and self-esteem. Sam, pictured with his friend Will was delighted at their achievement. 

Liz from Artizan said: 

"The Two Ridings photography competition and showcase event gave the Artizan Cafe and Creative Space an opportunity to share it's joyful work widely to new audiences and then to see how that was received and embraced by everyone we met has given us such a boost as a team!
We were delighted to win first place and the funding is very well timed as we need to replace key pieces of equipment such as a dishwasher and under counter fridges and freezer. We thought this was a very clever and engaging way to be able to apply for funding and we look forward to Two Ridings next idea!"

1st Pannal Scout Group were also given an opportunity to talk about the 80 or so children and young people involved in their group and how they lead them to the activities they wanted to do. They are currently refurbishing their Scout Hall, a place for the whole community to use, and their prize money will go directly to some match funding for that. 

Congratulations also to other prize winners Scarborough & Ryedale Mountain Rescue, Chopsticks in Northallerton, The Walled Garden Whitby, and Shine 21. 

We’re delighted that local community organisations Dancing for Wellbeing, Harrogate Clothes Bank, New Beginnings Peer Support and Open Country were all highly commended and also received a small amount of funding from money raised on the evening.

Celia McKeon, the Two Ridings Chief Executive closed the evening explaining why the work of these groups, and the hundreds more Two Ridings support every year, is truly extraordinary.

“The work everyone here does is the humble, selfless work of people acting out of love. People who are volunteering, or working for very modest pay. It’s people like Pannal Scouts showing up at a scout hut week in, week out, or people leaving their phone on to respond to a 2am callout on a rainy night. People offering their time and service to create opportunities for other people that wouldn’t otherwise exist. They are doing it for human connection, for growth, for recovery. That is extraordinary.  
This work is transformational. It changes people’s lives. The act of welcoming people through a door and offering them a hot meal, or inviting them to join a dance class, or to learn a skill or to grow something - these opportunities can and do often trigger and support processes of personal transformation. It is extraordinary to realise the impact of what might seem like small gestures, simple activities. But it is real.   
“This everyday extraordinary work is the power of community action, and it enriches all our lives. We must not take it for granted“