News Summary
The 2024 Awards Gala hosted by the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce celebrated outstanding local leaders and their contributions to the community. With the return of this vibrant event, attendees enjoyed a night filled with recognition, heartfelt moments, and a delicious dinner. Among the honorees were exceptional individuals such as Teacher of the Year Tamara Hansen and Citizen of the Year Phil Hickenbottom, showcasing the strong spirit of resilience and dedication within Tuolumne County.
Tuolumne County Celebrates Local Heroes at 2024 Awards Gala
The vibrant city of Tuolumne was buzzing with excitement on a charming Saturday evening as the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce hosted its much-anticipated 2024 Awards Gala. This fantastic event marked a heartfelt return since the pandemic put a pause on such celebrations, and it felt like a grand family reunion.
Getting the Party Started
As guests filled the Tuolumne Resilience Center, the air was filled with joy and chatter. Everyone was eager to witness local leaders being recognized for their outstanding contributions to the community. The gala was kicked off by none other than the Chamber Board President, who excitedly announced that “The Chamber is back!” This energizing declaration set a promising tone for the event, reminding everyone present of the resilience and creativity that makes Tuolumne so special.
A Night Full of Recognition
The dynamic Maryann Curmi, a beloved local actress and former radio personality, took the reins as emcee for the evening, keeping everyone entertained and engaged. Presentations were led by the Chamber’s CEO along with an active Chamber Ambassador, ensuring that every awardee received the recognition they rightfully deserved.
Among the esteemed honorees, there were many familiar names celebrated for their tireless work in the community. Special Service Awards went to cherished chamber leaders who have dedicated years to supporting local businesses and initiatives. The recipients included Monique Robertson, Dave Souther, and the dynamic duo, Dick and Carol Southern. Although two awardees, Margaret Davis and Craig Fleming, could not attend, their impact on local projects was felt throughout the evening.
Teaching Excellence Highlighted
In a particularly heartwarming moment, the 2024 Teacher of the Year award was presented to the inspiring Tamara Hansen, a kindergarten teacher at Curtis Creek Elementary School. Recognition of educators is always a special highlight in these community gatherings, and Tamara’s win drew an uproarious applause from fellow educators and supporters alike.
Citizen of the Year Shines
This year, the title of Citizen of the Year was awarded to Phil Hickenbottom from Sonora Junk Removal for his commendable projects with the non-profit organization 1PileAtaTime, proving that small actions can lead to big changes in the community.
Excellence in Government
The newly appointed Tuolumne County Sheriff, David Vasquez, was recognized with the Excellence in Government Award, showcasing his commitment to improving public safety in the county.
Spotlight on Non-Profits and Entrepreneurs
The evening also celebrated the incredible spirit of local non-profits. Nancy’s Hope, led by the dedicated Nancy Scott, was honored as the Non-Profit of the Year. Their unwavering support for individuals in need truly makes a difference in lives across the region. Meanwhile, Blake and Jessica Thompson were recognized as Entrepreneurs of the Year for their fascinating venture, Penny B’s handcrafted soaps in Columbia.
Business of the Year
The applause rumbled as the Business of the Year accolade was awarded to the popular local restaurant in Twain Harte, Local Press. Owner Cameron McClean accepted this prestigious honor, and it was clear that the community’s support was behind them.
A Night to Remember
The gala was not just about awards, as it also featured a delicious catered dinner, providing the perfect opportunity for discussions centered around the Chamber’s past endeavors and exciting plans for the future. It truly felt like the community was looking ahead together, hand in hand.
With attendees that included a blend of local business and government leaders, the 2024 Awards Gala was a successful celebration of unity, commitment, and commendable efforts made by the incredible people of Tuolumne County. Here’s to the rekindling of local gatherings and to many more inspiring stories from the heart of this wonderful community!
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Additional Resources
- Tuolumne County Chamber Recognizes Local Excellence at Awards Gala
- The 32nd Cranbrook Business Awards
- Salute Gala Provides Scholarships, Honors Educators
- An Evening of Excellence for TDHS
- Google Search: Tuolumne County Awards Gala
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
