by RAY HERNANDEZ
Kyle Chamber of Commerce
As you read this article we have just concluded another Kyle Area Chamber Awards Gala. Late into the evening a majority of attendees were still dancing the night away. The event was a top-notch black tie affair from start to finish. The recently built Stone Hall at the Texas Old Town Events Center was an impressive structure encased in large whitelimestone on the outside with plenty of style on the inside, from the massive hardwood floors to an open tiered ceiling, which showcased the open rafter design. The tone of the evening was set with glowing votive candles accenting the silk linens and the two tier glass cake holders which were home to three varieties of cupcakes crafted by our own Lehman High School Culinary Arts students led by Chef Georgie. The cupcakes were made utilizing recipes from one of Austin’s premier restaurants. A VIP reception was held from 5-6 p.m. featuring delightful appetizers from the chefs of Carino’s Italian Grill at Southpark Meadows. As the evening progressed, libations were poured featuring three wine selections provided by Twin Liquors of Kyle as well as margaritas from Texas Ritas and Pilsners from Austin Bud.
Attendees were treated to an eclectic selection of music as they meandered through a collection of silent auction items donated by Kyle Chamber members and other businesses as far away as Sugarland, Dallas and San Antonio. Speaking of other communities, we hosted business leaders from Austin, San Antonio and the Houston area that stayed in Kyle specifically to attend the Gala. The live auction was hopping with calls across the room as one attendee after another outbid each other for items such as an Earl Campbell-signed helmet from United Heritage Credit Union, a private dinner on a houseboatx from Premier Cuts featuring a meal prepared by myself and Chief Operating Officer of Seton Medical Center Hays, Herb Dyer, a Grape and Olive Wine Tour of the Hill Country and a two night stay at the award-winning Inn Above Onion Creek, and a facility rental for up to 125 guests at Ranch Estates along with four hours of professional photography. Even auctioneer Blake Hartman of Frost Bank was surprised when the bidding got fierce for a VIP package for 10 at our very own Thunderhill Raceway. Thunderhill owner Mary Ann Naumann spontaneously stepped up and offered a second VIP package for 10 for the second place bidder to enjoy.
The room was at capacity with everyone enjoying the jazz and blues sounds of a great band. When the band was not performing, some of the more animated singers came off the stage and joined the festivities on the dance floor. Dinner was a delicious culinary journey of braised steak, chicken marsala, scalloped potatoes and lightly sautéd green beans.
The highlight of the evening was the awards presentation with so many worthy nominees glowing in anticipation. When the names were called, Hope and Love 4 Kids took home the Organization of the Year honors, Cory Pack Insurance Agency for Small Business of the Year, Seton Medical Center Hays for Large Business of the Year, Anthony Baragas of Chick-fil-A for Business Person of the Year and Cindy Van Wart took home both the Ambassador of the Year and the Volunteer of the Year honors. We send out a Simply Charming thank you to all the volunteers, businesses and supporters that made this event possible.
February 15
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Kyle Bright Beginnings, 4:30 p.m.
Word of Life
February 28
“State of the City” Chamber Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. Sponsored by Pioneer Bank, featuring Kyle Mayor Lucy Johnson, Performing Arts Center
