Carmichael Chamber of Commerce will celebrate a new culinary Center and a new Person of the Year on April 8th.

During the new Milagro Center’s first banquet event, basketball legend, humanitarian, and former Carmichael resident Vlade Divac (pronounced “Divacs”) will be named 2016 Person of the Year. Now general manager for the Sacramento Kings, the giant community figure will receive his award at the Chamber’s annual awards night. “It’s my honor,” said the star. “I am proud to be part of the Carmichael community.”

Divac, 47, was a conquering hero for six seasons of the Sacramento Kings’ most winning years. The seven-foot Center has also scored for the LA Lakers and Charlotte Hornets. The Kings retired his purple and white jersey in 2009 and last year appointed him team mentor and manager. Divac enjoys near-royal adulation in his Balkan homeland. Through his own charitable foundation and in cooperation with other Serbian agencies, he and his wife Snezana have raised millions to aid war-damaged children. On the Sacramento scene, he supports several children’s foundations and basketball camps for under privileged children.

“I try to use my name as a positive influence,” he explains. “In talking to children, I hope to share good values for their lives.”

What’s the Vlade/Carmichael connection? The area is like home turf for Serbian-born Divac, who recently expressed nostalgia for his old Kingsford Drive neighborhood. “Although I have lived in many places throughout my career,” he said, “Carmichael will always hold a special place in my heart. I am humbled to be named 2016 Person of the Year.”

Former Carmichael Persons of the Year include sportscaster Jerry Reynolds, baseball hero Dusty Baker, Supervisor Susan Peters, District Attorney Jan Scully, radio host Kitty O’Neal, and Sheriff John McGinness.

The annual chamber fundraiser also hails achievers in business and community fields. Tiner Properties will be named Business of the Year. Founded in the 1970s, and now under the leadership of Ben Tiner (32), the Carmichael-based group is among Sacramento’s most prominent real estate firms.

State Farm Insurance agent Jennifer Knighten (33) will be hailed Young Professional of the Year. Both Tiner and Knighten are active community volunteers, serving child, health, and veteran charities.

The 54-year-old Carmichael Kiwanis Club will be acclaimed Non-profit of the Year. A portion of gala proceeds will be donated to this organization.

Anyone may attend April 8th celebrations at the Milagro Centre’s convention room. The facility is located at 6241 Fair Oaks Boulevard. Tickets are $75 to $100 per person for a three-course dinner and no-host bar. The event begins at 6 p.m. Advance reservations are required and sponsorships are invited. For information, call (916) 481-1002 or visit www.camichaelchamber.com