Othello chamber honors year's citizens at banquet

Raffle raises funds for events

OTHELLO - Outstanding Othello citizens get ovations when the Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce gathers Friday.

The chamber's annual banquet begins at 6 p.m. in the Othello High School corridor.

Chamber Executive Director Jan Arriola said the theme of the annual event is hometown heroes.

During the event, the chamber gives out awards to the Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Firefighter of the Year and Teacher of the Year awards for educators in kindergarten through the sixth grade and grades seven through 12.

"They are all done through nominations (made) by the citizens of Othello," Arriola explained. "Then a committee determines the winners. It's also a fund-raiser for the chamber of commerce. It's one of our main fund-raisers of the year. We make our money normally through our raffle."

Various businesses in Othello, Moses Lake and Pasco have donated items in the raffle.

The money raised during the raffle goes toward general operating expenses, Arriola said, and helps to put on events each year, such as the Independence Day celebration, an annual golf tournament and the Teachers Breakfast, among other events.

The banquet includes live entertainment this year in the form of musical group Somethin' About Harmony and a game, Heads or Tails, in which people can win Mariners tickets, Arriola noted.

"We try to make it a little bit of fun, a little bit of entertainment, as well as honoring our winners," she said.

About 140 people are expected at the event, including 25 elementary school students hoping to honor Lisa Davis, recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award for kindergarten through sixth grade.

"This is an annual event and it has been going on for several years," Arriola said. "It's something the chamber plans to continue in the future."

Arriola hopes to see citizens turn out to help honor the winners and show community support.

Cost to attend is $35 per person.

Chamber award recipients for 2007

Business of the Year: Othello Community Hospital

Citizen of the Year: Merritt Johnson

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year: John N. Pierre

Firefighter of the Year: Erika T. Heist

Teacher of the Year (K-6): Lisa Davis

Teacher of the Year (7-12): Thomas C. Christensen