FOLEY, Ala. — The who’s-who of Baldwin County came together Friday evening to celebrate the accomplishments of 2008 at the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala.

Under the theme of “Winter Ice” chamber members and their guests dined on food from De Charme Roux and participated in a silent auction that saw items from Zaxby’s gift cards to a weekend at a beach condo.

The auction raised more than $9,000 and goes toward the Teacher Student grant program. The money funds classroom projects proposed by teacher/student teams that enrich the classroom.

“We were very happy with the turnout for the Gala,” LaDonna Hinesley of the Chamber said. “This is always an enjoyable evening for our members, and a great opportunity to say thank you and recognize the people who give so much to this organization throughout the year. It also gives us the opportunity to introduce the new ones who will be filling those roles.”

After a rousing rendition of the Gilligan’s Island theme song — words changed to reflect the chamber’s work in 2008 — Guest Speaker Sgt. Maj. Alford L. McMichael took the stage.

“We were especially honored to have Sgt. Maj. Alford McMichael as a speaker,” Hinesley said. “He relates to the youth at our local schools because his early life story is much the same as that of many local students. He didn’t have much, but it is what he was able to do with what he did have that mattered. We are fortunate that he has already spoken at Foley High School, and has committed to return on a regular basis to work with area students.”

McMichael is noted for his many contributions to the country and local communities. Among his many accolades, he was the first ever Senior Enlisted Advisor for NATO. He is the president of the 4-Drew Foundation that supports children at risk, and is a consultant for major corporations on Department of Defense issues.

“There’s a lot of things we can do in our lives that mean something and there's a lot of things we can do that we won’t even remember five minutes after it’s done,” McMichael said. “Today, I’ve had a great experience going to Summerdale, Elberta Middle School and Foley Middle school and being able to walk amongst the future generation of this community and of our society. Although they may not be perfect in many ways, they are committed to doing what's right and i think it will pan out for the next generation.”

McMichael took the time to thank Terry Burkle, vice president of the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation.

“If there was a list of angels on this earth and they had to call names they wouldn't call many before they call hers. Thank you to Terry Burkle.She is a committed and compassionate human being. The city of Foley is fortunate to have such a citizen in your midst.”

McMichael went on to talk about the programs he has implemented in his 4-Drew (Developing Responsible and Educated Women) foundation. Through this foundation, he was able to develop three more programs: the natural born ability, the network for life and the making life better program.

“I came tonight to talk to you about what's important to me and hopefully it’s important to you because it’s you and I working together that can make it important to others,” he said.”