FOLEY — South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce has something new in store for its annual Gala and Auction.

Set for Friday, Jan. 25, the 69th annual eventwill debut two new awards.

“Small Business of the Year and Volunteer of the Year,” Chamber CEO/President Donna Watts said in a phone interview.

The awards will recognize both an indivdual and small business from South Baldwin.

“We have so many great volunteers,” Watts said, explaining that the Volunteer of the Year award will recognize the volunteerism of a select invidual.

The Small Business of the Year award will spotlight a South Baldwin business that has thrived, even in the struggling economy.

“Or it could be a relavant new business,” Watts said. “Someone who’s shown innovation or resilliancy.”

Returning will be the Diplomat of the Year award and passing of the gavel to the new chairman.

Held at the Foley Civic Center, the doors and buffet will open at 6 p.m.

“Guests will be treated to live entertainment, a delicious dinner and complimentary spirits,” Chamber Marketing Director Kristin Roberson said in a news release.

Also slated for the evening are fundraisers, with proceeds benefitting the Chamber Foundation.

“The focus is education,” Watts said. “We feel like connecting businesses and education is logical.”

The evening’s fundraisers will include a silent auction.

“It’s a great shopping opportunity,” Watts said. “We’ve got everything from trips to car washes.”

But that’s not the only fundraiser at the event.

“They’ll also do the diamond hunt, where you’ll get to pick out a stone,” Watts said, explaing that the $10 fee to participate in the hunt will afford the chance to win a real diamond and keep it or exchange it for cash.

Overall, Watts explained that the event is designed to look back at 2012 accomplishments.

“The annual Gala is held to review the year and pass the gavel to the new chairman,” she said.

Oak Hollow Farm is the event’s presenting sponsor. Tickets purchased by Jan. 22 are $50 per person. After tjhat, they are $55 per person. To purchase tickets, call the Chamber office at 251-943-3291 or visit www.southbaldwinchamber.com. No tickets will be sold at the door.