Nite of Stars Lights Up The Night

Tonight looks to be a star-studded night — without a celebrity X factor.

The sixth annual Nite of Stars, hosted by the , is set to kick off the holiday season for local businesses. One of the chamber's biggest fundraising ventures, it has brought in upwards of $20,000 every year toward the continued maintenance and operation of the group.

This year's event looks to meet or exceed those of the past. Currently sold out, 200 tickets have been sold for $60 each. Many were bought in bulk by member businesses.

"A lot of businesses see this as more than just a fundraiser, but their Christmas party as well," chamber president Diana Weidinger said. "They buy tickets for all their employees to come out and have a good time."

A party is exactly what the night promises to be. Each ticket buys an open buffet, open bar, access to a silent auction and the newest addition to the event, a wine wall supplied by Garden Villas where Don Henefer Jewelers is offering wine connoisseurs the chance to win complimentary jewelry from their collection. The chance of winning $5,000 just for showing up also proves to be a huge draw.

"The $5,000 prize definitely helps sell tickets," Weidinger said.

Other prizes include private bus trips to see the Christmas lights in Eureka, visits to the Garden Villas winery and the chance to have attendee's children picked up from school by the fire department.

All of this is made possible by a wide range of sponsors. The chief sponsor, Christian Hospital, handles the majority of the cost. Crystal Creek, Handyman Hardware and Delmar Gardens/Garden Villas hold sponsorships as well.

This does not all come together over night, though. Planning for the event usually takes around five to six months. The committee responsible meets on a monthly basis until November, when meetings become weekly leading up to the day of the event. A solid showcase of membership helps in the planning to ensure anyone can attend.

While a celebration, this year's event also marks the end of 's turn as chamber president, a position she has held for the last 25 years. She plans to step down early in 2011. She will be replaced by Carolyn Marty, Managing Editor of the Suburban Journals.

Despite her impending departure from the chamber, Weidinger insists that everyone concentrate more on having a good time.

"This event means just as much to the community as it does to the chamber," Weidinger said. "It's a chance to bring people together to celebrate the holidays and share a fun night."

Nite of Stars will be held Dec. 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Paul Detrick Auditorium, 11133 Dunn Rd, at Christian Hospital.