By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce raised more than $5,000 for its scholarship fund at this year’s Boots and Bow Ties silent auction held at Douglas Manor on April 28.

Dozens of people bid on a variety of items donated by area businesses in the auction and enjoyed an evening of networking over heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages provided by Alabama Crown.

This year’s event also featured a live set with Comedienne Joy and a live auction led by Columbiana Mayor Stancil Handley.

In its current form, the Boots and Bow Ties event is in its second year of existence. All proceeds from the silent auction go toward scholarships for Shelby County students.

This year, the Chamber is able to offer three $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from public and private schools in the southern region of county, South Shelby Chamber Executive Director April Stone said.

The 2016 recipients will be announced in May and will be recognized with their families at the Chamber’s June membership luncheon.

The scholarships are not limited to four-year programs, Stone said.

In addition to the proceeds from the silent auction, a portion of the proceeds from the Shelby Shindig the Chamber hosts with the Shelby County Arts Council, and the Chamber’s golf tournament, go toward the scholarship fund.

Avadian Credit Union sponsored the 2016 Boots and Bow Ties event.