FOLEY — Foley Civic Center was filled to capacity Friday night when the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce debuted two awards during its 69th annual Gala and Auction.

The first of the inaugural awards was Volunteer of the Year, which was presented to Cliff Horn.

“He is very quiet in what he does,” Chamber Director/CEO Donna Watts said at the presenation. “But he’s always there.”

The second new award was Small Business of the Year, which was awarded to Dykes Veterinary Clinic in Foley.

“The economic fabric of this country is woven with small businesses like this one,” Watts said.

Also presented were the Chamber’s Diplomat of the year, going to Christina Weaver of Francis Holk Jones Insurance Co. and Chairman’s Award, presented to Anthony Kaiser of Century 21 Meyer Real Estate.

Friday’s banquet included a look back at the Chamber’s accomplishments in 2012, which included the addition of 26 members, work on the Restore Act, involvement in the development of the Foley Beach Expressway, bringing political leaders to meet with residents, the continuation of its Junior Ambassador Program and the launching of the Alabama Festival of Flavor.

“We also had our most successful Balloon Festival to date, with over 80,000 people attending,” Outgoing Chamber Board Chairman Glenn Manning said.

Friday’s festivities, which were catered by Katy’s Catering, also included both a silent and live auction, with proceeds benefitting the Chamber Foundation That foundation, which was established in 2003, uses its raised funds to present teacher awards in South Baldwin schools.

Foundation Chairman Michelle Nelson explained that five years ago, the Foundation also started a free-book program in Foley feeder-pattern schools.

“Through our annual program, every child in pre-K through third grade gets a free book at the school’s book fair,” she said.

Friday’s Gala also touched on the Chamber’s Young Entrepreneur Program, a pilot program enabling six Foley High School students to start their own business.

“It takes students through the process of starting a business over an academic year,” YEA instructor Rick Miller said. “It is really great to see their ideas and hard work take wings and come to fruition.”

Also Friday was the traditional passing of the gavel, in which Manning turned Board Chair duties over to Christi Koehle, who will serve in 2013.

“2013 is a book that is yet to have been written,” Koehle said. “I would like to write a best seller.”

Check out the photo gallery containing highlights from Friday's festivities!