Chamber banquet a successful event

Doc’s BBQ dishes up barbecued brisket, chicken, and all the fixins for the Chamber of Commerce awards program. JAN WHITE | HCC

By Jan White
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CROCKETT – On Thursday, Feb. 17, members of the Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce attended what was hand’s down one of their most successful awards banquets. Attendees were treated to an entertaining evening of music, food, prizes, games, and most importantly, raised approximately $25,000 for scholarships, operations and member programs.

For this year’s “Crockett Area Roundup,” the Civic Center was transformed into an Old West town, complete with a ‘saloon’ and a ‘jail’ photo op, classic movie clips from John Wayne western movies, and Board members dressed in 1800s western garb. Tables lined the walls, jam-packed with items donated for the raffle and auction, awaiting bids. Local band Barely Legal furnished background music while guests enjoyed a fabulous charcuterie table provided Margaret Broughton’s Cattleman’s Café and a classically delicious meal from Doc’s BBQ and Smoked Meats.

During the event, various Chamber Board members announced awards honoring members who contributed their time and efforts to benefit the community in 2021. The following were recognized for their service: Darryl Bennett, Andrea Hill, and Leanne Henson for their years as Board Members, Gary White for Volunteer of the Year, Cheryl Varner for Ambassador of the Year, and Dr. Christopher Haeckler as Citizen of the Year. Rising Star awards were presented to Keshia’s Café, The Loft, S2 Nutrition, and Scrumptious Fried Pies and Pastries. The Chairman’s Award of Excellence went to Leanne Henson, and Business of the Year was awarded to Crockett Medical Center.

After participating in a fundraising ‘dessert dash’ where members vied to be the first to claim their favorite dessert, an auction was held to raise additional scholarship funds. Ansel Bradshaw was the auctioneer for the evening and, as always, used his skills to encourage the highest possible bids. Then Chamber president Carey Minter announced the names of the lucky raffle winners.

The evening ended with a word from the Executive Director of the Chamber, Liza Clark, who thanked everyone for attending the event and contributing to the scholarship fund.