‘An Evening in Tuscany’ planned for Chamber gala

Woodbury’s Chamber of Commerce is putting finishing touches on plans for its annual gala.

The event, featuring dinner, a silent auction and community awards ceremony will be held at the Prom Center in Oakdale on Jan. 23, 2009, at 6 p.m..

The new Sheraton St. Paul Woodbury Hotel is this year’s Diamond event sponsor, and Memorial Blood Centers, Woodbury Magazine and the Woodbury Bulletin are Platinum sponsors.

Guests will experience “An Evening in Tuscany” on a cold Minnesota winter evening. The Prom Center will transform with sights, sounds, tastes and smells reminiscent of Tuscany , Italy.

The annual gala is intended to celebrate accomplishments and provide an opportunity for businesses and residents alike to come together for a time of networking, camaraderie and fun.

The entire community is invited to attend this major fundraiser that helps sustain the chamber.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a social hour, live music and silent auction offering some great deals. Dinner is served at 7:30 p.m., followed by the annual chamber awards ceremony honoring business, citizen and educators of the year.

Nominations forms are available at www.woodburychamber.org and will be accepted through Nov. 17.

Tickets are $50 per person or $400 per table, and can be obtained by calling Nancy Kennedy in the chamber office, (651) 578-0722. Formal invitations will be mailed in early January.

“We’re toning things down just a bit by going with business attire versus formal ‘black-tie glam’ as in past years. We hope this change will encourage even more people to attend and support these remarkable award winners,” said gala committee chair Greg Watson, CEO of ARC Builders.

“In addition, this year all guests will be encouraged to bring non-perishable food items that will be donated to Christian Cupboard, the community food shelf based at Woodbury Lutheran Church.”

The gala committee is seeking silent auction items valued at $50 or more from area businesses including products, themed gift baskets, gift cards, certificates for services and more.

All donors will be recognized in the auction catalog and on bid sheets.

To donate an item, e-mail Nancy Kennedy at chamber@woodburychamber.org.

The Woodbury Chamber of Commerce, incorporated on Nov. 21, 1985, is a nonprofit association of local businesses organized and committed to promoting Woodbury’s economic, civic, commercial, cultural, industrial and educational interests.

Its mission is to be a leader in promoting the spirit of our city and helping to enhance a progressive business environment, as well as to serve as the business voice of Woodbury.

Today, more than 240 local businesses and community members work together to make Woodbury a better place to live, work and raise families.

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