CHICOPEE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – The Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce held the Shining Stars award event on Friday evening.

The annual gala event was held at Castle of Knights in Chicopee.

The Shining stars gala honors individuals and organizations that have made a positive impact in our area.

”Everybody gets a standing ovation because the people we’re honoring, they do so much for our community so its really important for us as a Chicopee Chamber which is a very community forward organization to recognize those achievements,” said Melissa Breor, executive director of Chicopee Chamber of Commerce.

Recipients of Friday’s awards include Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, Creative Director and Owner of Ohana School of Performing Arts, Ashley Kohl, and volunteer Daryl Grabowski.