The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce had its best turn out ever for its annual Serve and Protect Program July 24 at Whitewater on the Horseshoe Ampitheater, and has raised more than $5,000 to aid Comal County Constables in the Canyon Lake area.

One hundred and forty guests braved inclement weather to attend the event – the biggest chamber mixer of the year.

The event coincided with the debut of the chamber mascot, the “Chamber Cat,” a catfish, appropriate for Canyon Lake. The Chamber Cat will be seen at area events, boat ramps, parks and on the Guadalupe River throughout the year, promoting safety and welcoming visitors to the area.

“The turnout was incredible, when you consider the weather,” said Jaynellen Ladd, Chamber Executive Director. “The money is a record for our Serve and Protect Program. I want to thank the community for all of those who showed up to support the program.”

Each year the chamber raises money – on a rotating basis – to benefit the Constables, the Comal County Sheriff’s Office and Canyon Lake Fire/EMS.

This year the proceeds will go to Constable for Precinct 4 Shane Rapp and Constable for Precinct 1 Ben Scroggin. Both constables patrol the Canyon Lake and Guadalupe River areas.

Rapp had requested a defibrillator for his vehicle and Scroggin had requested a digital video camera for his.

The mixer featured live music by Derek Austin and the Volunteers on the Creekside Stage at the Biergarten.

At its Web site, www.canyonlakechamber.com, the chamber posts information for area residents and locals, including links to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, for such information as daily outflow rates from Canyon Dam into the Guadalupe River, and links to Web sites for local weather reports.