CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Fitness instructor Kerri Mandes has been appointed Carmichael Honorary Mayor for 2023.

The Chamber of Commerce announced Mandes’ victory at a December business luncheon. Between victor and fellow candidate Ronnie Sylvia, the candidates raised more than $46,000. The race counted each donated dollar as a vote. Proceeds are traditionally split between the Chamber and nonprofits of each candidate’s choice.

Outgoing Chamber President Kelli Foley said the rivals put previous mayoral contenders to shame. “Kerri and Ronnie were fiercely competitive, and their fundraising events showed huge imagination,” said Foley. “The community is the real winner.”

Mandes staged ten functions over four months and raised more than $31,000. Her efforts enabled a $15,108 donation to non-profit WEAVE. Carmichael Kiwanis club benefitted by $8,500 from events staged by firefighter-turned realtor Sylvia.

The community rallied to the cause. Ronnie Sylvia’s “Row-a-thon” contest fielded ten teams of ten rowers per team – and 150 supporters – to the PACE gym on Auburn Boulevard. During the kick-off “Mayoral Mingle” at Oakmont of Carmichael, a businessman donated $1250 for a pure-bred corgi puppy offered by the Mandes campaign.

“Looking back on the race, I can say I met people I will be friends with forever,” said Mandes. “I also learned that running a campaign is a full-time job and a huge learning experience. You come out of it better and smarter.”

Mandes will don the mayoral sash and begin civic duties in January. Learn more about Carmichael Chamber of Commerce at www.carmichaelchamber.com