An awards banquet and charity silent auction sponsored by the Marion Chamber of Commerce and others will be held Friday, Jan. 19 at The Pavilion, according to a press release from the chamber.

During the 97th annual Awards Banquet and Auction, the chamber will bestow six awards recognizing the following categories: distinguished member and business, young professional leadership, citizen of the year, business/industry of the year, and lifetime achievement award.

Between the 5:30 p.m. social hour (with drinks and hors d’oeuvres) and the start of the 6:30 p.m. dinner, several charity events will take place, including a raffle for donated bottles of wine and spirits in the Wine & Spirit Pull, a silent auction and chances to win jewelry donated by Diamond Designs in the Diamond Drop. The Diamond Drop will benefit the Poshard Foundation for Abused Children in Southern Illinois, the release said.

Pianist Brock Bertling and Artstarts will perform.

Items for the Wine & Spirit Pull are being accepted through Thursday, Jan. 4. 

Sponsors include Northbridge Professional Technologies, First Southern Bank, Black Diamond Harley Davidson, Joyner Therapy Services, Ike Family Dealerships, South Porte Bank, Clearwave Communications, Watermark Auto Group and Krispy Kreme.

The cost to attend this black-tie optional event is $60 per person or $400 to book a table of eight.

To reserve your spot now, call 618-997-6311 or send an email to director@marionillinois.com.