In a sold-out gold and black-themed ballroom full of handshakes and hugs, the Kingsland/Lake LBJ Chamber’s Annual Banquet Awards honored businesses, an organization and one individual who gave beyond for their community.
After a delicious buffet served by Beaux Ingram, chamber president Andy Virdell and board members announced the 2025 winners.
Person of the Year award went to Melody Yanniell, who recently retired from Prosperity Bank after 43 years. Her husband Jay accepted the plaque for his wife, who was away on a cruise with girlfriends.
Yanniell led the chamber for eight years and is credited with saving the iconic bank mural during the building’s remodel years ago.
The Nonprofit of the Year recognition went to The Delta Phi Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) in Kingsland, whose mighty membership of about 15 women raised more than $13,000 for St. Jude’s.
The group’s volunteerism also includes support for Meals on Wheels and “Backpack Buddies” for local schools.
A youthful, tanned staff, led by Wakes2U 27-year-old owner Bryce Murphy, accepted the award for New Business of the Year.
Murphy and his team mentor youths through their summer camp lessons which stress water safety and watersports skills.
Ace Hardware, deeply rooted in Kingsland for more than 30 years, won the Business of the Year Award.
Owners Sherman and Deloris Finkle, along with general manager Chris Martin, accepted the award from Virdell.
The store’s management team saved Sharing the Harvest food pantry from eviction last fall by offering the nonprofit a spacious warehouse on Rose Hill and moving the refrigerators and food in a day.
Sponsors for the evening were Danna Tree & Lawn Services, Goliath Luxury Homes, Lentz-Gann Insurance, Servepro and Log Country Cove, the banquet’s host location.
