MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County Board of Realtors held its annual Christmas party and dance Wednesday night at the Mount Vernon Country Club. The annual affair is a chance for local Realtors to get together, have a good time and honor members for their achievements for the year.

The board also asked members to bring a toy for the Mount Vernon Fire Department’s Christmas for Kids Toy Drive. Fire Chief Shawn Christy and firefighters Terry Davis and Charles Swank were on hand to accept the collected toys. The board collected an additional $500 to buy more toys for the drive. Christy thanked board members for their generousity.

“I have to tell you I have been fortunate enough over the years to be there when the parents come to pick up the toys,” said Christy. “To see the expression on their face, it’s like a weight has been lifted from their shoulders. I want to thank everyone here because this is a great community and it’s great that even in this economy we can find a little extra in our hearts and our wallets to give something back.”

Officers for 2010 Board of Realtors are John Nussbaum, president; Felicia Rowe, vice president; and Richard Perrin, secretary-treasurer.

Winners in the $1 million sales category were Bill Blanchard, Chris Briscoe, Linda Ellis, Debra Fowler, Tyler Griffith, Bob Harrod, Shannon Hundley, Mary Lee Kirk, John Nussbaum, Becky Payne, Bob Phillips and Robert Stulka.

Martha Edelblute was the $2 million sales winner and Sam Miller was the top winner in the $5 million and higher sales category.

Joan Clipse was awarded a special gold key award for her many years as a Realtor and for the work she has done for the Knox County Board of Realtors.

“You all make me want to cry,” she said. “I don’t even know what to say. It’s been a wonderful journey from the early 1970s to almost 2010. I just don’t know what to say, this was so unexpected.”