KELESEYVILLE — The stars will be shining even brighter this year, as the Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce, Lake County Record-Bee and Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa, celebrate the 10th annual Stars of Lake County Awards Celebration dinner to be held on March 18.
For the past decade the COC has recognized the best and brightest stars in Lake County, consisting of individuals, businesses and organizations that make a difference for the community.
According to Melissa Fulton, Executive Director of the LRCOC, “We have had close to 1,000 nominations (in the past 10 years). Many of these individuals would go unnoticed without this program.”
Fulton said, “There are so many unsung heroes in Lake County. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to acknowledge what they do to make Lake County a better place.” Fulton said they receive approximately 100 nominations each and every year.
Nominations are accepted until Feb. 16, and are available on the LRCOC website or at the Record-Bee. Fulton stressed that anyone can make a nomination. “If you know someone who makes a difference, please nominate them.”
Once the nominations have been received, a selection committee takes on the arduous task of selecting a winner for each category. The selection committee is comprised of about 13 individuals from all over the county.
The judges are people who know their communities, and often the nominees, too, according to Fulton, who also indicated the decision of the judges is kept a secret, even from the judges themselves, until the night of the awards gala.
The Stars celebration includes a five-course dinner, while local entertainers keep things lively until the awards presentation. Congressman Mike Thompson will be on hand to present award certificates to each winner, along with a trophy fashioned by the same company who makes the Oscars for Hollywood.
“Deep in our hearts we know & there are so many giving people in Lake County who deserve recognition for what they do,” said Fulton, “The Stars of Lake County is an exciting and truly moving experience.”
Fulton commented that when she and others first began the program in 1997 they foresaw approximately four to five years of awards ceremonies. “Now we know we can go on forever because there are so many giving people in Lake County.”
Tickets for the awards dinner go on sale March 1, and are sold out every year, often in the first week of distribution. For more information contact the LRCOC at 263-5092 or on the web at www.lakeportchamber.com.
