Honorees of the Distinguished Service Awards received standing ovations during the Chamber of Commerce’s gala held at the Boulder Falls Event Center Feb. 28.
The annual event is, as Chamber Executive Director Rebecca Grizzle put it, “to celebrate the incredible people and businesses that make Lebanon thrive.”
Michael Kerrigon was recognized as Man of the Year and Jenny Sheldon was named Woman of the Year. The Senior First Citizen award went to Heather McDaniel, Junior First Citizen went to Steve Patterson, and the Frankie Gray “Answering the Call” award went to Dale Hall.
Large Business of the Year was Grocery Outlet, Small Business of the Year was Whole Body Health, and Paula Newman was named Business Leader of the Year.
The gala, emceed by Randy Dobson, included a catered buffet of Asian, Italian and Mexican dishes, a photo booth, and cash raffle prize. The Lebanon Strawberry Court princesses were presented by Strawberrians, and dignitaries recognized at the event included
Oregon House Rep. Jamie Cate, Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan, Linn County Commissioner Will Tucker, Mayor Ken Jackola, City Councilor Dave McClain, City Councilor Michelle Steinhebel and City Manager Ron Whitlatch.
Chamber Awards
The Small Business of the Year award was given to Whole Body Health for not only providing health services to the community, but also for giving back to the community through donations and partnerships with nonprofits.
“They’ve made it their mission to serve beyond the walls of their clinic,” Grizzle said, adding that they’ve even founded their own nonprofit, Limitless Brain Health, for people facing brain health challenges.
“At the center of all of it is a leader who embodies passion, purpose and a true dedication to her patients and her community,” Grizzle said.
The Large Business of the Year award was presented to Grocery Outlet, a business that Grizzle described as being “deeply woven into the fabric of the community.” She said the owners are always willing to lend a hand, provide donations for fundraisers and events, and look for ways to do more for their community.
“Tonight we recognize a business that goes beyond great customer service to provide something even more valuable: community service,” Grizzle said. “They believe that success isn’t just measured in sales, but in impact in the meals they serve, the hands they lend and the countless ways they lift up those around them.”
Paula Newman, owner of Schmizza Pizza, was recognized as Business Leader of the Year because, Grizzle said, she’s not only an entrepreneur, but also a mentor, speaker, author and volunteer.
“There are leaders who build businesses and there are leaders who build people. Tonight we are honoring someone who does both and does it with heart, wisdom and an unwavering commitment to lifting others up.”
Grizzle described Newman as “a force for good within the community,” one who helps others succeed, a kind woman who leads with her heart but has the business acumen to back it up.
“She’s a living example of what happens when generosity meets wisdom, and when passion for business is matched by a passion for people.”
Every Child Linn-Benton was named Umpqua’s Nonprofit of the Year for its work providing resources to foster families and volunteers who support children.
“This organization stepped into Lebanon with a mission that is both heartbreaking and inspiring to ensure that every child in foster care is surrounded by love, support and stability,” Grizzle said.
The Frankie Gray “Answering the Call” award was presented to Dale Hall by Chamber Officer Manager Mary Garner, who said Hall is active in community clubs, advocates for Friends of the Library, serves as a Strawberrian, helps build Holidays in the Park, and is an “invaluable” volunteer with Dala’s Blue Angels.
“This year’s winner has his hands busy in this community and you can count on him for help if you need it,” Garner said.
Steve Patterson was honored as Junior First Citizen for his enthusiasm for community involvement, investment in the community through Lebanon Downtown Association, and service at local events through Optimist Club and Warrior Booster Club.
Last year’s Junior First Citizen, Andrea Weimer, said Patterson is “a rising star in the Lebanon community, demonstrating remarkable leadership and commitment through his various initiatives.”
Bill Rauch recognized Heather McDaniel as Senior First Citizen for her involvement in a multitude of contributions to the community, including but not limited to Optimist Club, Lebanon Schools Foundation Board, Build Lebanon Trails, Boys & Girls Club, Western Health and Sciences University, Tools of the Trade, scholarships and more.
“Heather made her own projects with great passion,” he said. “She helped with and belonged to many groups and added enthusiasm to many projects.”
The Woman of the Year award was presented to Jenny Sheldon, whom Betty Schmidt described as a “tireless volunteer” and community advocate. It was said that Sheldon can always be counted on to help organize events, volunteer at fundraisers, or simply be a friendly face at gatherings.
Her many involvements include but are not limited to Chamber Ambassadors, Chamber Greeters, Lebanon Strawberry Festival, New Business Generation, Optimist Club and Crossroads Communities.
“Her involvement extends far beyond formal roles and organizations,” Schmitt said. “She is always willing to help a friend, a neighbor, or even a stranger in need… Her efforts reflect her deep love for Lebanon and belief in the power of community. She is one of the kindest, most positive, enthusiastic women I know.”
Michael Kerrigone was honored as Man of the Year. Last year’s winner, Randy Dobson, said Kerrigone had learned the values of hard work, community and service at a young age.
After honing his culinary skills, he left a “luxurious” job on the east coast to pursue service to the unhoused in Salem, and later opened Hazella Bake Shop in Lebanon, “a place of warmth, community and togetherness.”
“Today we celebrate not just Michael’s professional accomplishments, but his character, his heart and his unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others,” Dobson said.
With “a heart driven by faith in action,” Kerrigone aims to make the world a better place one person at a time, Dobson said.
“He’s someone whose heart, passion and resilience have not only transformed the community of Lebanon, but also left an indelible mark on all of us who have the privilege of knowing him,” he said. “Michael embodies what it means to serve with excellence, compassion and integrity”
Organization Awards
The Lebanon Soup Kitchen honored Elder Sam Wilde as its Volunteer of the Year. Wilde was described by Nancey West as “a joy to have around and we’re very proud to have him.”
Faith Community Health Network recognized Heidi Hesser for her “dedicated service and insight” to the organization that serves vulnerable populations by providing a range of health care where needed.
Lebanon Chamber Ambassadors presented Jenny Sheldon with the Ambassador of the Year award for “jumping right in” as an active volunteer. Sheldon, in turn, honored Ambassador Chair Jenni Grove for her five years of leadership and dedication to the position, one who is the “backbone” that drives ambassadors to make Lebanon a better place.
“She’s defined what leadership, commitment and community spirit look like,” Sheldon said.
Casey Humphrey, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Santiam, named Amanda Albert as Volunteer of the Year for “single handedly” streamlining the nonprofit’s auction events, and “bringing incredible warmth and creativity” to the auctions’ decor. The club’s “Champion of Children” Supporter of the Year award went to Brian and Amy Vandetta, a pair who “consistently go above and beyond” with their support and lending a helping hand whenever needed, and are “shining examples of the best that humanity has to offer.”
The Lebanon Rotary Club honored Daniel Olvera as its Outstanding Member of the Year, for making a “significant impact” in his four years as a club member. Brandy O’Bannon explained that Olvera always signs up to help when needed, and ensures student guests are warmly received at club meetings.
“He reimagined and reinvigorated our junior rotarian program and made it his personal mission,” she said. “(Olvera) has significantly contributed to the growth and evolution of our club by helping foster a culture characterized by compassion, genuine hospitality and belonging.”
Randy Dobson announced last year’s 27 winners of the Educators Apple Award, which was implemented more than two years ago by the Gillott Home Team in association with 1847 Bar & Grill and Adam Kirkpatrick Family Dentistry. The award recognizes educators who impact the lives of students.
Resident Gamael Nassar presented a special award to Jami Cate for her leadership, dedication and service to Lebanon that have made a “lasting impact” in the community.
“(She) brought a struggling organization from its knees to its feet, and today the legacy of (the Strawberry Festival) is forever,” he said.
