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Volunteers are the real gems in Fallbrook

Although the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce's 2017 Awards and Installation Luncheon was titled "Fallbrook...The Hidden Gem", the event was more about the people that live here than the place itself. The event was held at the Golf Club of California on May 12.

Chamber CEO Lila MacDonald described the luncheon guests, "all friends, some are family; we give thanks for the people who unknowingly inspire others just by being themselves."

Among the volunteers who were recognized for spending countless hours devoted to the community were Anita Kimzey, art contest coordinator; Henry Favela, retiring board member; and Jeniene Domercq, chamber board secretary and past president.

Honoree and outgoing board president Martin Quiroz said, "When I joined the chamber five CO's ago, there were 350 members; we now have 500." He congratulated the new board, all of whom were re-elected. He also said, "We are in the best financial spot we've ever been in."

Also recognized were individuals and businesses with more than 25 years of membership, as well as all the chamber ambassadors who were present (20 out of 30). The Chamber Ambassador of the Year is Elaine Tedrow, who was honored for her volunteerism and leadership besides being a "promoter of all things chamber and Fallbrook".

The Chamber Member of the Year is Anne Klentz, who MacDonald said "embodies the essence of the word 'volunteer', always present, always helpful."

The Chamber Business of the Year is 100 Main. Owner Sandy Hull adds to the community by donating sales and providing fashion shows for nonprofits, contributing over $23,000 so far.

The Chamber Non-Profit of the Year is Angel Society of Fallbrook. Raising money through its Angel Shop, the organization donated $161,400 last year to other nonprofits in the community.

The Citizen of the Year Award winner, Shirley Fender, was unable to attend the luncheon, which was also missed by the Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Charley Wolk. Coverage of those awards will be provided in a future issue of the Village News.

California State Assemblymember Marie Waldron, 75th District, a strong supporter of small businesses, assisted with the award presentations and the installation of officers.

In the Chamber Shining Light Community Recognition, the names of many residents who passed away during the last 12 months were read by MacDonald. She also named the organizations those people were involved with in their lifetimes, reminding everyone that "your life is a message to the whole world".

New board president Deborah Zoller concluded the luncheon, saying that the Fallbrook Chamber is in much better shaper than it was when she first joined. The chamber members were reminded, "What you put in, you will get back 10 fold."

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