It was a night of teary-eyed laughs and countless gratitudes as Auburn-area notables gathered for the annual State of the Community Dinner.

The 200 or so people in attendance listened as Auburn Mayor Keith Nesbitt, Placer County Board of Supervisors Chairmen Jim Holmes and Auburn Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Eklund presented the state of Auburn over the past year.

Nesbitt and Holmes said the city and county were working to remain within their budgets. Holmes reported the county has enacted a hiring freeze for the time being.

Eklund painted an optimistic picture of the county while urging audience members to continue to shop locally.

“The state of the community is vibrant,” Eklund said.

Later in the evening, community members, businesses and organizations were recognized in a series of annual awards presented at each year’s dinner.

The community’s most prestigious award, the Vernon Gould McCann award for community service, went to Harvey Roper.

Auburn Journal Publisher Tony Hazarian presented the award to a man whose list of community involvement includes contributions to the business community and multiple service events.

“He has worked tirelessly to unify the city business districts, and because of his quiet and considerate demeanor, he probably has another list of service projects that’s about twice as long,” Hazarian said.

When it came time for Roper to take the podium, the crowd stood to applaud him.

During his speech, Roper thanked his family and the community.

Roper’s father, Ralph, was a McCann award winner in 1986, and father and son also won business of the year in 1998.

Of his son’s achievement, Ralph Roper said he was exceptionally proud.

“I’m full of bubbles,” Ralph Roper said.

During Harvey Roper’s speech, he said it was “inspiring” to be named a McCann winner.

“I don’t think anybody sets out for the McCann award — I certainly didn’t,” he said.

He told the audience that Auburn is what you make it.

“I’m happy to work fro the community of Auburn because that’s where we call home,” he said. “It’s just my little part.”

The Journal’s Jenifer Gee can be reached at jeniferg@goldcountrymedia.com, or comment online at auburnjournal.com.