For the majority of non-profits, fundraisers are the life blood of their organization. The same goes for the Hammond Chamber of Commerce, who hosts two major fundraisers every year: Chillin’ with the Chamber and the Community & Business Expo. Chillin’, as it is known to many chamber members, is set for Friday, June 26th from 6:00 – 8:30 pm. This year’s event offers event-goers the chance to win $10,000, a variety of door prizes, great food and drinks from some of the area’s newest restaurants and live entertainment.
Planning for the upcoming fundraiser is well underway and promises to be even better than years past. With sponsors and door prizes confirmed, food and drinks ordered and the entertainment booked, only one thing remains to be done…sell tickets! Will the economic downturn affect tickets sales? Probably not. The chamber has a secret weapon for fundraising success – Ms. Frances Chauvin.
Chauvin, a life-time member of the Hammond Chamber of Commerce, has been hitting the streets hard selling tickets to the social fundraiser, whose funds will help restore the sidewalk of the historic train depot and help fund other chamber programs and services. As a longtime resident of the Hammond community and former business owner, Chauvin’s face is instantly recognizable by local business owners.
“Mrs. Chauvin has volunteered her time and energy to helping the chamber for years,” said Special Events Chair Gary Sandifer of New York Life. “Without her help and dedication, Chillin’ with the Chamber would not be the success that it always is.”
Also known around town as the “pie lady,” Chauvin explains why she is so dedicated to continued success of the Chamber. “We are a model community to many cities in the state and beyond, and the chamber plays a big part in the success of Hammond. I have children who own businesses in Hammond and they’re members of the chamber. I want to see their businesses and all businesses in Hammond continue to enjoy success. The chamber helps provide business with that opportunity.”
She also explains why everyone should participate in Chillin’ with the Chamber, “Everyone who lives here, works here, or owns a business here benefits from the work, projects, support and services the chamber provides. By purchasing your $100 ticket, you are doing your part to help the Hammond Chamber of Commerce continue to provide benefits for everyone in the community and you will have a wonderful evening.”
Frances Chauvin moved to Hammond along with her husband, John Chauvin, and their growing family, in 1958, as new owners of radio station WFPR. They joined the Hammond Chamber of Commerce by the next year. They believed that being involved with the Chamber, and promoting the Chamber events and activities was key to the success of all area businesses, the city, and of the community as a whole.
John and Frances added an FM radio station (WHMD) to the community in 1974, and also added some of their family to the staff of the two stations. Through the years John, Frances, and others in the family, have served on the Board of Directors and many committees of the Hammond Chamber of Commerce, and the radio stations have always been active in promoting the chamber.
Frances credits her friend, Catherine Shafer, for getting her actively involved in chamber fundraising projects. Shafer and Chauvin worked together going door to door asking members of the community to participate in the various fundraisers stressing the importance of everyone's involvement. Chauvin has continued her active commitment to the Chamber. She sold the most bricks for the Cate Square renovation project, and she was honored for selling the most raffle tickets to benefit the Depot Renovation. In 2006, the Hammond Chamber of Commerce honored Frances Chauvin with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her service to the community.
Tickets for Chillin’ with the Chamber are available through the Chamber, as well as, Mrs. Chauvin. If you have questions about this or future event please contact the Chamber at 345-4457or visit hammondchamber.org.
The mission of the Chamber is to strengthen the business climate, promote community development and enhance the economic vitality of the Hammond community within the Tangipahoa Parish. For more information about the Hammond Chamber of Commerce or to become a member, please visit www.hammondchamber.org or call 985-345-4457.