Around 50 Smile365 members and supporters came together at Bilocca Restaurant for the annual Smile365 Summer Celebration – an evening of great food, conversation and recognition of the difference businesses are making across Hull and East Yorkshire.
Replacing the traditional summer barbecue, this year’s celebration brought members together over a three-course meal at the popular Hull College restaurant.
Most importantly, the evening gave the Smile team the opportunity to update members on the impact achieved collectively over the past year through the power of partnership.
Supporting charities when it matters
Tessa Wray, Jamie Lewis and Cat Bradshaw highlighted to Smile365 members how support is helping charities and community groups provide vital services for people across the region, with dementia support, mental health services, and much more, including provision of the Trustee Academy and Trustee Network.
The Smile Chances Fund has continued to provide emergency grants and essential items to charities and community organisations when they are needed most. These grants offer responsive support to groups working at the heart of their communities, helping them meet immediate needs and continue delivering vital help to local people.
Members also heard about the continued value of the Smile Vaults, which have (since January) saved charities more than £55,000 in hire costs. In 2025, the social value which enables charities to save funds before they raise funds is £501,000, through access to free-to-hire equipment. By reducing the cost of items that charities may only need occasionally – from event and fundraising equipment to practical resources for community activity – the Vaults allow organisations to direct more of their money towards the people and causes they support.
Celebrating people and progress
The evening also highlighted the personal support Smile provides to the charity sector.
Cat shared how it had supported a new trustee at Oldroyd’s Corner, helping build her confidence and understanding in the role. That support contributed to her being recognised at the HEY Charity Awards earlier this year, where she won an award – a proud moment for both the trustee and the organisation she serves.
It was a powerful reminder that the impact of Smile365 goes beyond financial support. Through advice, connections, encouragement and practical resources, the network helps strengthen the people and organisations making a difference locally.
Businesses working together for good
The Celebration captured what Smile365 is all about: a community of businesses choosing to use their time, skills, resources and connections to create positive change.
Every business involved plays a part in helping local charities become more sustainable, better connected and better equipped to support others. Whether through funding, volunteering, sharing expertise, donating equipment or opening doors to new opportunities, the collective effect is significant.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Celebration at Bilocca and to every member who continues to support Smile’s work. Together, the Smile365 community is helping charities across Hull and East Yorkshire do more, reach further and change more lives.
