Chamber Gala brings extraordinary ‘award’ this year
The annual Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala is expected to bring surprises, but Saturday night’s event may have outdone itself ! First, there was no Citizen of the Year presentation, then a surprise announcement led to a local philanthropist being a shoo-in should there be a local Benefactor of the Year Award soon.
Inspired by the theme of Dalhart Derby (as in Kentucky Derby) and undeterred by the days’ snow and slush, party-goers packed into the coliseum April 5 wearing their finest spring fashions and floral and feathered headgear. Awards were presented following drinks and dinner.
Gabe Marquez, owner of Gabe’s Heating and Air, received the Early Impact of the Year Award. Gabe, a Dalhart native, started his business here in 2022 and now employs three local people.
The Volunteer of the Year was Karen Lang. She is a two-time Dalhart Elks Sweetheart, current Elks District Sweetheart, It’s All About Kids president, Strike Out Cancer founding member, Rotary Club member and song leader at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church.
A to Z Home Center was named the Treasured Business of the Year. First opened in 1967 as Diamond J Electric by John and Diana Jurajda, the family business has evolved through the years and generations to become the popular home repair store that it is today, run by Kalen and Lauren Jurajda and their sons Rhylan, Lyndon and Benson.
The traditional agricultural award was tweaked a bit this year. Instead of going to an Ag Person or Family, as it has since its 1985 inception, the award was renamed for Agriculture Influence of the Year and presented to Hilmar Cheese Company. Since opening its Dalhart plant in 2007, Hilmar has played a key role in the area’s economic system, employing about 530 local individuals in cheese and whey production.
There will be much more about each of these winners and their accolades in our annual tribute special section, which will be published next Saturday, May 12.
Next came the point in the evening usually most anticipated, with the revelation of the Citizen of the Year; however, the printed programs were notated – with no explanation – that would be announced at a later date. No further details or explanation was given.
Just as the awards ceremony was faltering to a close, Gene Rahll requested to make an announcement. The prominent Dalhart benefactor announced that he and Louise, his wife, were pledging $10 million to construct a new local nursing home. His research had indicated that complete construction would cost approximately $15 million, Rahll said, and he challenged the community to raise the remaining $5 million by Dec. 31, 2025. After the standing ovation died down, Louise commented briefly that she was as amazed – and thrilled – as everyone else
“I knew that Gene had something on his mind, but the first I heard about this was today at lunch,” she said. “I think that it’s a wonderful idea! That man just surprises me every day that I’m married to him!”
“I think we can do this. I believe we can do this. I hope we can do this.” Gene said after his announcement, referring to the community as a whole. “Some days I believe I’ll be here to see it completed. Other days, I don’t. But today, I do! So let’s do it!”
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