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Honouring volunteerism in style

Citizen of the Year Award ramps up celebration with gala and dinner dance
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Michael Sicoly will be playing at the Citizen of the Year Awards dinner

By Nicole Fitzgerald

What: Spring Gala Dinner and Dance

When: Friday, May 25

Where: Westin Resort

Tickets: $95

What makes a top notch citizen?

“Anybody who is willing to give their time voluntarily without expecting an award. Lots of people give their time, knowledge and money and it is slanted to what benefit they will get from it. Lots of people are doing things anonymously. It’s in their heart to help their fellow man. I think that is important.”

Wise words from last year’s recipient of the Whistler Citizen of the Year Award, Betty McWhinney.

She will pass on her title, as well as the honourary rockstar parking spot at the conference centre that comes along with it, at next week’s Citizen of the Year Awards dinner on Friday, May 25 at the Westin Resort.

In previous years, the celebration, which was started in 1969, was just a brief luncheon. However, Whistler Chamber of Commerce officials, who hosted previous Citizen of the Year bashes, have passed on the torch to the Community Foundation of Whistler to facilitate this important event that honours the outstanding contributions individuals have made to better their community.

The Spring Gala Dinner and Dance will celebrate this honourary citizen, rekindling the longstanding tradition.

“At this event we hope to recapture the spirit of the early years of the chamber’s annual dinner/dances and to celebrate and acknowledge in a bigger way the contributions that volunteers make to our community,” said organizer Kathy Barnett.

New this year, the celebration will also acknowledge outstanding volunteers in the community. Organizations have nominated their Volunteers of the Year, who will take part in the dinner dance.

Piano man Michael Sicoly will entertain the crowds with live music. The internationally recognized entertainer always knows how to pack a dance floor. Executive Chef Hans Stierli will get taste buds dancing with a three-course dinner at the Aubergine Grill. The award-winning restaurant recently received the 2007 Award of Excellence for its wine list by the prestigious Wine Spectator Magazine — a fifth consecutive win for the restaurant.

The cocktail reception begins at 6 p.m. with dinner following at 7:30 p.m. Presentations, awards and dancing will follow at 9 p.m.

Organizations can still nominate a volunteer for the event.

Event tickets are $95. For tickets, visit piquenewsmagazine.com.