By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
Yukon business and community leaders have been invited to Kentucky Derby-inspired celebration next month that will honor Yukon’s top citizen among seven award recipients.
The Yukon Chamber of Commerce will present its annual awards gala and auction from 6:30-10 p.m. Friday, April 22 at the Mollie Spencer Farm, 1001 Garth Brooks Blvd. Theme is “Run for the Roses.”
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Yukon Chamber CEO Pam Shelton said. “We’re asking people dress in their ‘Derby best’ to celebrate this southern tradition.
“We’re now collecting auction items and asking people to submit award nominations.”
This marks the second straight year the Yukon Chamber’s annual banquet festivities will be outdoors during the spring. In previous years, the gala was in late January or early February at indoor venues.
Highlights of the April 22nd gala will be the announcements of 2021 winners of these prestigious awards:
- H.B. Frank Citizen of the Year
- T.J. Lowery Humanitarian of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
- Non-Profit of the Year
- Small Business of the Year (1-6 employees)
- Medium Business of the Year (7-30 employees)
- Large Business of the Year (31-plus employees)
Non-Profit of the Year and Medium Business of the Year are new awards.
Nomination forms are available at www.yukoncc.com or at the Yukon Chamber office, 10 W Main – Suite 130. Nominations are due April 8.
Award recipients will be selected among nominees by a majority vote of the Yukon Chamber’s Board of Directors.
Meanwhile, the Yukon Chamber’s gala committee is seeking live and silent auction items in five primary categories:
Travel, outings and experiences, music, food; and sports tickets, memorabilia and activities.
Auction items may be dropped off by April 8 at the Yukon Chamber office.
Other highlights of the April 22nd Yukon Chamber gala will be:
Entertainment by saxophonist Michael Kleid, derby-inspired food and drinks from Yukon Chamber businesses, stick horse races, infield games, a photo booth with racehorse and jockey, and hat and bowtie contests.
Table sponsorships are $600 and $1,000; tickets are $60 each.
For more information about the 2022 Yukon Chamber Gala, call (405) 354-3567 or visit https://yukoncc.com/.
YUKON CHAMBER AWARD QUALIFICATIONS
H.B. Frank Citizen of the Year – Given to a person who represents the very best that Yukon has to offer, has extensive history of service within the community and whose tireless dedication has helped make Yukon a better place to live, work and raise a family. (2020 winner – Donna Yanda)
T.J. Lowery Humanitarian – Given to a member of the medical profession in honor of Dr. T.J. Lowery, who was a respected Yukon physician for many years. This person should exemplify the word “humanitarian” by showing dedication to his/her patients, dedication to the medical profession and a commitment to the community. (2020 winner – Dr. Jim Davis)
Volunteer of the Year – Given to a person who has invested significant time and energy to the betterment of the community on a volunteer basis. This person exemplifies the very spirit of volunteerism that adds so much to the quality of life within our community. The Volunteer of the Year does not have to be a Yukon Chamber member. (2020 winner – Manna Pantry)
Non-Profit of the Year – Given to a non-profit with 501(c)3 status that contributes significantly to the quality of life within the community by offering exemplary service, products or value, or providing unique services that enrich or improve the lives of people within the community. Must be a Yukon Chamber member.
Large Business of the Year – Given to a business that has been in operation at least three years and has more than 30 employees; contributes significantly to the quality of life in the community by offering safe, stable and equitable employment to its employees; and offers exemplary service or value by providing unique services that enrich or improve the lives of people in the community. (2020 winner – INTEGRIS Canadian Valley Hospital)
Median Business of the Year – Given to a business that has been in operation at least three years and has 7-30 employees; contributes significantly to the quality of life in the community by offering safe, stable and equitable employment to its employees; and offers exemplary service or value by providing unique services that enrich or improve the lives of people in the community.
Small Business of the Year – Given to a business that has been in operation at least three years and has 1-6 employees; contributes significantly to the quality of life in the community by offering safe, stable and equitable employment to its employees; and offers exemplary service or value by providing unique services that enrich or improve the lives of people in the community. (2020 winner – Vacca Coffeehouse)
Written recommendations must be submitted with each award nomination.
Nominations may be sent via email to pshelton@yukoncc.com, mailed or delivered to 10 W Main – Suite 130.
For more information, visit www.yukoncc.com or call the Yukon Chamber at 354-3567.
