There’s still time to get your tickets to the Suffolk First Citizen ceremony, scheduled for Thursday evening at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. This year’s honoree is Realtor and behind-the-scenes philanthropist Billy Chorey.

Each year, Suffolk’s two Rotary clubs take it upon themselves to honor a Suffolk resident for the commitment that person has made and the hard work he or she has done to improve the city and make life more rewarding for its residents.

The Suffolk First Citizen Award was given by the Cosmopolitan Club in 1956 through 1998, when the club disbanded. The Rotary Club of Suffolk picked up the mantle in 2003, and the North Suffolk Rotary Club joined in the recognition starting in 2010.

The list of distinguished previous honorees includes the late Robert W. “Bobby” Harrell Jr., Dr. R. Leroy Howell Sr., M. Caroline Martin, former state Sen. Fred Quayle, Douglas Naismith, Delegate Chris Jones, Betsy Brothers, Ross Boone, attorney Whitney Saunders, longtime Councilman Curtis R. Milteer Sr., historian Sue Woodward, former mayor E. Dana Dickens III and others.

Chorey will be added to the list Thursday, when family, friends and associates will turn out to celebrate the man who has quietly made such a difference in the lives of countless people around the area. There will be a special video presentation, speeches by Chorey and friends and a party with drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

The event starts at 6 p.m., with the presentation scheduled for 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 and are available from any Rotary Club member or at www.suffolkrotary.org. Look for the registration link, and be prepared to submit a credit card number.

Funds raised at the event are used to support both clubs’ annual charitable efforts in Suffolk.