Chamber to celebrate excellence in Shafter

The Shafter Chamber of Commerce Banquet and Awards event is Thursday, March 14, beginning at 5 p.m., with an hors d'oeuvre hour followed by dinner and then the awards.

Before the awards presentations, the mayor of Shafter, Chad Givens will be giving the State of the City address, which highlights the accomplishments of the city the past year, as well as the future.

Givens gave a speech last year that was full of hope and promise, with several of these goals coming to fruition, such as the successful First Friday events, that brought so many young families to the downtown area.

Those being honored this year are Hitchcocks Auto Parts, Shawn Pennell, Maria Martinez, the Shafter High Pride Pantry, Bob Wiebe, Natalie Leyva and Fabian Jimenez.

Pennell, who coached the Shafter High girls basketball team for 20 years, is receiving the Education award.

The Shafter High Pride Pantry has been helping students and families since its inception a few years ago. A few staffers at Shafter High School saw a need, especially during the time of covid, and worked to fill it. They provide, at no cost, essentials for students that may need them, including toiletries, clothes, shoes, blankets, anything that will make their time in and out of school a productive one. It is entirely financed through donations from the community.

Tickets for the event are $50 and can be bought at the City Hall office.