By Sam Gilkey
For the News-Gazette

Check the closet for that special dress or coat.

Go through the music of your high school days. Brush up on your dance steps. You will need them for the annual awards banquet of the St. Cloud Greater Osceola Chamber of Commerce.

Mark your calendars for Sept. 29 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Osceola County Council on Aging/Barney E. Veal Center, 900 Generation Point.

“Our theme this year is Prom Night,” said Linda Pinkerton, events coordinator for the chamber. “We will be doing the decorations related to that theme and are asking those attending to dress up in some of the same things they wore at their proms between the 50’s to the 90’s.”

With a membership of 500, Pinkerton said she expects a crowd of 300 for the event, which recognizes members and what they have done in the past year.

“This is a good way to promote not only the chamber,” she said, “but have a fun night out at a one of a kind community event.”

Starting at 6 p.m., attendees will have cocktails while bidding at a silent auction. The proceeds of the auction go to the chamber’s adult scholarship fund.

“The scholarships are $250 each and are given to adults who want to better their knowledge in order to improve their job skills,” said Marikay Effler, accounting manager of the chamber. “The fund was set up several years ago and we work with the Education Foundation of Osceola County to select those who receive the scholarships.”

Pinkerton said she anticipates at least 50 different items for the auction. In addition to several large items, including a TV set, smaller gifts are put together to make up special baskets for the bidders.

The menu for the dinner will include prime rib, turkey, vegetables and tiramisu and Key lime pie for dessert. Rainbows End will play during the meal and for dancing that will follow.

“The cost for the evening is $65 a person, or $575 for a corporate table for eight,” Pinkerton said. “And this year for the first time we are opening the event up to those who are not chamber members.”

Pinkerton’s committee of 15 volunteers has been working on plans since early June.

“I have a lot of help,” she said. “It’s all falling into place. This is a lot of fun. You get to meet new people, find out what the chamber does and enjoy a special night out.”

Reservations for the banquet can be made by calling the Chamber of Commerce office at 407-892-3671.