Attendees cheering at the 2024 Tuolumne County Awards Gala.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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