The 2012 Chamber of Commerce Chairman's Gala will for the first time serve as a fundraiser for five local nonprofit organizations through an online voting campaign through the Chamber's website.

"'Vote early, vote often' is our motto," said Gala chairman Adron Krekeler. "Through the Chamber's foundation, every donation is tax deductible and every dollar will go to the charity that you are voting for."

Online voting is open through Feb. 9 at www.alexchamber.com. Each vote costs $10 and donors can vote as often and for as many of the five charities as they like.

"On the Chamber homepage, there is a link to register to vote," Krekeler said. "You do not need to be a member of the Chamber or attend the Gala to vote for your favorite charity."

Charities participating in the online voting are: The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Carpenter's Shelter, the Campagna Center, Rebuilding Together Alexandria and the United Way.

"All five charities will be guests at the Gala," Krekeler said. "This is a great way for the Chamber and the local charities to be engaged with one another and we hope to see it continue every year."

Visit www.alexchamber.com for more information and to vote in the Giving Back Gala campaign.

Jeanne Theismann