The White Lily Awards have been awarded annually since 2007 in eight categories: Entrepreneur of the Year, Artistic Award, Patron of Culture, Patron of Sport, Athlete of the Year, Ambassador of Ełk, Attitude Worthy of Imitation and Special Award.

This year's Jubilee Gala began with a solemn honor of insp. Marek Hysopski District Police Commander in Ełk in the years 2000 – 2016. The President of the City of Ełk Tomasz Andrukiewicz together with the Chairman of the City Council of Ełk Dariusz Wasilewski presented the Commander with the medal "Meritorious for the City of Ełk" awarded by the resolution of the City Council of Ełk on May 25, 2016 during the XIX ordinary session at the request of the President of the City of Ełk. The medal was awarded "for merits for the development of the City of Ełk, especially for many years of committed work in increasing the safety of the city of Ełk and its inhabitants".

Then the guests participating in the jubilee Gala watched a short film – memories of the previous celebrations from the years 2007 – 2015, in which all the winners of the White Lilies awards were presented.

The award in the Attitude Worthy of Imitation category may be awarded to people with an unblemished reputation, who by their attitude or through their activities are a role model primarily for the local community. This year, the White Lily was awarded to the Shooting Unit 1007 Ełk m.in. for active participation in the life of the city, special involvement and promotion of such values as God, Honor and Homeland. Distinction in this category was awarded to: Ms. Barbara Skopowska, Ms. Zuzanna Obrycka and Mr. Alfons Bobowik.

The title of Ambassador of Ełk can be awarded to persons, organizations or associations that have demonstrated special achievements in the field of promotion of the city of Ełk in the country and abroad. This year's jury awarded the statuette to Mr. Edward Traskowski m.in. for promoting the city during many sports events in which he actively participates himself and during UKS Nenufar 5 tournaments and competitions. The distinction was awarded to Dr. Rafał Sulima, conductor of the "Kontrapunkt" Choir.

In the category of Patron of Culture, the selection criterion is support and activity in the field of cultural animation. The White Lily was awarded to the Faculty of Tourism Economy at the Ełk University of Economy in Bydgoszcz for actively engaging in cultural projects, including the joint organization of festivals, cinema and concerts with the Ełk Cultural Center. It was not only a financial contribution, but also the participation of students in the preparation of these events.

This year, the jury did not award the statuette in the Artistic Award category. Honorable mentions were received for achievements in the field of music by brothers Andrzej and Krzysztof Grzybowski and Mr. Ryszard Klepacki for promoting the beauty of the city of Ełk in their writing.

The Athlete of the Year, for special sports achievements, among others during the European Cadet Shinkuokushin Karate Championships (vice-champion) and qualifying for the European Kyokushin Karate Championships was awarded to Oskar Sosnowski. The award went to Marcin Senda.

Paweł Babiński became the Patron of Sport for supporting the development of local sport, including donations to the Municipal Sports Club EŁK. A distinction in this category was awarded to Ms. Agnieszka Jankowska.

The Entrepreneur of the Year statuette was awarded to Przedsiębiorstwo Produkcyjno – Handlowa Motoryzacji EXMOT m.in. for constant development, innovative solutions, providing jobs for people with disabilities and promoting the city of Ełk during automotive fairs. The award went to J&H Olender.

The statuette in the Special Award category was received by insp. Mark Hyzopski. The commander was honored for over 36 years of service to the residents of the city of Ełk, taking actions to maintain a high level of security and very good cooperation with the local government and the Municipal Guard. The distinction was awarded to Mrs. Halina Jarosławska.

After presenting this year's White Lilies, President Tomasz Andrukiewicz additionally honored all previous winners by presenting special jubilee statuettes.