Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Red Carpet Gala this past Saturday night in what was part of the chamber’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
Numerous local business owners, dignitaries and residents were suited and booted as the crowd packed into Centennial Hall in Lake Cowichan for a night of silent auction bidding and fine dining, amongst other things.
Chamber president Ron McKenzie kicked off the evening with a speech thanking everyone for their support to the chamber and beyond.
“I’d like to thank all the businesses and residents for their continued support, we really do appreciate it,” said McKenzie. “I would also ask you for your continued support towards the businesses who constantly donate their time and effort to helping.”
Mayor Ross Forrest, Councillor Jayne Ingram and CVRD Area F Director Ian Morrison were amongst those announced as special guests.
An auction table, which was nearly the length of Centennial Hall, was filled with goodies all donated by local businesses and stalwarts.
That included a gift basket from Tim Hortons, a two-night stay at Lakeview Park Campground from the Town of Lake Cowichan, a gift certificate of $200 from South Shore Cabinetry, an outdoor fireplace from Tracy Forrest at Countrywide Village Realty, a vase from Lake Cowichan Furniture and Appliance and gift baskets as well as a watering pot from emcee for the night Wendy Klyne.
One of the highlight’s of the night came from the speeches of this year’s Lady of the Lake candidates who each thanked the chamber for putting on the event and also displayed some knowledge of their particular sponsors.
Following that, later in the evening the trademark Oswald Awards were presented also viewed as Cowichan Lake’s version of the Oscars.
Chamber visitor centre coordinator Katherine Worsley took the title of best dressed female while Honeymoon Bay’s Dick Orman was awarded the male version.
Miss Congeniality was won by Kimberley Harvey and the Mr Fabulous prize was captured by Steve Nahirnick.
Finally, Carol Blatchford was awarded the directors’ choice prize.
The chamber has stated it raised approximately $4,000 from the night.