Sold Out — Rancho Mirage Rammy Awards Prove Popular

Berrylynn Freeby
Special to The Desert Sun
Jack Srebnik, Karen Barone, Mitch Blumberg, and Tony Barone

Forget the Oscars! A recent cocktail party at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort was filled with far more excitement during the annual ceremony awarding of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce's "Rammy" Awards.

The event sold out at 282 seats – with a long, long list of disappointed buyers, some of whom have been attending since its beginning in 1986.  

There was an air of anticipation during both the cocktail hour and the opening ceremony, where the lovely young voices of the Rancho Mirage High School Chamber Singers sang the Star Spangled Banner. They also sang their school song, which was written especially for RMHS when it was built in 2013.

Finally it was time for the big announcements and those priceless words, "And the winner is"…..

R.M. City council member Iris Smotrich presented two awards, first to Non-Profit of the Year winner, Animal Samaritans, and second to Small Business of the Year, Addiction Therapeutic Services.

R.M. City council member Dana Hobart awarded Medium Business of the Year to Catalan Mediterranean Restaurant and Large Business of the Year went to Renova Solar.

Rising Star of the Year went to Haus of Poke and Business Person of the Year went to a very excited Nicole Mendosa of Local’s Choice Printing & Direct Mail. These awards were presented by R.M. City council member Ted Weill.

The Barbara Sinatra Distinguished Citizen Award was given to Karen and Tony Barone. The Barone’s larger than life sculptures can be found throughout the valley. The rabbits, dogs, and even giant forks found at Acqua California Bistro are examples of their work. The Barones also create art in support of Animal Shelters.

The R.M. Chamber also presented its new board of directors for 2018 with R.M. Mayor Charles Townsend installing them. Chairman Jack Srebnik also passed passing his gavel to new chairman Jason St. John

For more information, contact the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce at (760) 568-9351 or visit: ranchomiragechamber.com.