Many were in attendance at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts Thursday night for the presentation of the Suffolk First Citizen Award to a local legend.

The award was given to William “Billy” Chorey Sr., who is known as “quite an ambassador for the city of Suffolk, which of course enhances the city significantly,” said James Moore, who introduced Chorey at the award presentation with an “ode” of sorts.

The Suffolk and North Suffolk Rotary Clubs held the event, complete with a cocktail social and ballroom reception.

Chorey owns Chorey & Associates Realty and has been involved in the Birdsong Trust, Farmers Bank, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, the Board of Equalization, and the ACCESS College Foundation.

Aside from the difference he’s made in these organizations, he has also impacted the community with his constant, behind-the-scenes contributions of kindness.

“If you’re Billy Chorey’s friend, you can rest assured the friendship is genuine, heartfelt and unconditional. You cannot have a truer friend than Billy Chorey,” said Moore.

Apparently, Chorey’s aren’t the only ones who think highly of him. After Chorey took to the stage to give his remarks, his 2-year-old grandson, Noah, climbed the steps to the stage saying, “Poppy, I love you.”

After carrying Noah back to his seat, Chorey began his acceptance speech.

“This is a paradox to me,” he said. “Really. I’m not used to it. Receiving this award is absolutely overwhelming, as I feel I don’t deserve it.”

Chorey demonstrated this fact as his speech turned into a thoughtful list of friends and family he wanted to thank for their support and encouragement.

And that list could have potentially gone on for quite some time, as Chorey has a lot of people to thank after “40 years of helping and making lifelong friends,” according to him.

The ceremony also included a video presentation, which was narrated by Dave Koehn, the “Voice of the Cavaliers,” and sectioned into quarters and a half-time show. Titled “Billy Chorey, Le Chevelier,” the video also included comments from U.Va. football coach Mike London.

The video featured footage and photos of Chorey, commentary from his friends, and a few playful Virginia Tech Hokie plugs — since it was obvious that Chorey is a University of Virginia Wahoo fan.

Chorey concluded his by choking back tears as he thanked everyone in the audience who “actually paid” to come see him.

The First Citizen Award is presented to the citizen who shows great leadership by contributing their time and efforts to help make Suffolk a better place.

The Cosmopolitan Club originally began the First Citizen Award ceremony in 1956. They kept the tradition until 1998, and in 2003, the Suffolk Rotary Club adopted the event. The North Suffolk Rotary Club joined in a few years later.

Chorey is the 56th person to receive the First Citizen Award since 1956.