Column: Dancing through the Decades – A night to remember
![](https://ogden_images.s3.amazonaws.com/www.dailypress.net/images/2025/02/06194644/Cory-guests-714x840.jpg)
Courtesy photo Chamber board member Cory Kuchenberg (second on the left) of Edward Jones, his wife Emily and their guests, Missy and Steve Kositsky were living it up in true ‘80s style at the Chamber’s Midwinter Gala.
ESCANABA — One week ago, our waterfront community gathered at the Island Resort and Casino for the Chamber’s Mid-Winter Fundraising Gala – a celebration of fun, friendship, and the timeless joy of dancing through the decades. The event not only provided an opportunity for members and guests to reconnect but also reinforced our commitment to a brighter future for the communities we proudly serve.
Our guests completely reinvented the evening, transforming a traditional black-tie affair into a dance party. Instead of formal attire, they embraced the theme of the night by dressing to represent different dance decades, bringing upbeat style and personality to the event. The shift from elegance to excitement created an atmosphere of energy and nostalgia. This spirited gathering was designed not only as an evening of celebration but also as a significant step toward advancing the Chamber’s mission of community promotion and economic development.
The success of the gala is a testament to the incredible support of our sponsors. We extend a special thank you to the Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation, our presenting sponsor, and Highline, our supporting sponsor, along with all other event sponsors whose names resonated throughout the night. Their generosity is vital important in bringing our vision to life and strengthening our community initiatives.
The evening’s festivities were brilliantly led by our outstanding emcee, Mitch Taylor of Taylored Weddings, whose enthusiasm and engaging presence kept the event lively and on schedule. His energy truly set the tone for a night filled with celebration.
We also recognized the diligent efforts of the Chamber and U.P. State Fair team who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support our members and community at large.
The gala was further enriched by the presence of many of our Chamber Board members, whose leadership, vision, and commitment continue to shape the success of the Chamber. Their support underscores the importance of dedicated governance in achieving the goals outlined in our annual workplan.
As the evening wound down, the energy only seemed to pick up, with many guests sticking around to dance and keep the fun alive even after the program ended and all the prizes were awarded. The gala celebrated our shared past and present while hinting at a bright, vibrant future along our waterfront.
We’re excited to keep this momentum going, all thanks to the incredible support from our generous sponsors, board of directors, and dedicated team and Chamber members.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this extraordinary evening. Together, we are building a brighter future–one dance, one conversation, and one community at a time.
— — —
Vickie Micheau is executive director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce