Writer Patty Villeneuve
Photography Courtesy of Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the annual Celebration of Excellence Awards recipients. The ceremony that spotlights outstanding members of the chamber took place recently at Prickly Pear Inn & Grumpy Old Mule Mercantile.

Nominated and voted upon by their peers are David Court of the Desert Foothills Library, Curtis Arny with the Grotto Café, Sarah, Eric and Bryan Church with Bartlett Lake Marin,a and Richard Perraut with Schooley Mitchell.

“The awards are given those individuals and businesses who provide outstanding camaraderie, fellowship, business excellence, and accomplishments to our community,” said Patty Villeneuve, president and CEO of the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce.

These winners shared why they liked being a member of the chamber and what the award meant to them. Here’s what they said:

David Court
Desert Foothills Library
Impact Award

The Desert Foothills Library has been a member of the chamber for 19 years. It is an organization which supports local businesses. I see great benefit in being a member.

The library recently received the Impact Award from the chamber. This is valued highly because it reflects the importance of the library to the community. Patty and her colleagues provide many benefits to the library and the community. Our programming librarian, Ashley Ware, is an ambassador and I am proud to have her so involved with the chamber.

Curtis Arny
The Grotto Cafe
Business of the Year

Being a part of this community for the past eight years has truly been a dream come true and has changed our lives forever. There are so many amazing people who surround this community who have made such an impact on my life personally. I’m forever grateful.

The Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce has done so many wonderful things to support our community, its members and of course all the businesses. Learning that we were nominated for the Business of the Year award was such an honor. Then to be called up as the winner—words can’t describe how honored, privileged and humbled we are to have received such wonderful recognition. This award is not possible without the amazing group of people who make up the Grotto Café!

Sarah, Eric & Bryan Church
Bartlett Lake Marina
Genesis Award

Bartlett Lake Marina has been a member of the Carefree-Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce for the past 10 years and has hosted several events at Bartlett Lake Marina. A few years ago, we hosted a monthly party and we couldn’t keep the adults from using the slide on the party boat, fully clothed!

We were recently presented with the Genesis Award and are very proud to have been chosen to receive such a unique honor. We are extremely pleased that the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce has recognized our efforts for the past 25 years. The Genesis plaque will be proudly displayed in the General Store.

Richard Perraut
Schooley Mitchell
Mick Ennis Service Award

This year, the Ambassador of the Year award was re-named the Mick Ennis Service Award. Mick was a volunteer for many organizations in this community, including the chamber, Carefree Kiwanis, Retired Firefighters of Phoenix and his church. He was a friend to anyone who came across his path. Unfortunately, we lost him almost three years ago. This award is chosen by the members of the chamber’s ambassador team.

This year, Richard was chosen for serving countless hours volunteering within his community. He was also a close friend to Mick in his final days. It’s so fitting that Richard would be the first recipient of the Mick Ennis Service Award, says Patty Villeneuve, president of the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce.

Other winners of the “Best of” contest include:

Best Restaurant or Dining Experience: Bryans Black Mountain BBQ
Best Beauty & Relaxation: Charlie Green, Makeup Artist
Best Health & Wellness: Desert Foothills YMCA
Best Place to Stay: The Boulders Resort & Spa
Best Leisure & Entertainment: Thunderbird Art & Wine Festival
Best Shopping: Etania Jewelry & Boutique
Best Home Service or Improvement: Karsten’s Ace Hardware Carefree
Best Community Outreach: Tierra Madre Horse & Human Sanctuary
Best Real Estate/Mortgage/Title: Desert Dream Realty
Best Professional Service: Tech 4 Life
Best Business Service: Bertram Graphics & Signs