Saturday, November 14, 2026
Allyson Richards (right) sees what’s in the cards for her.
Rene Champagne spreads some cheer at the Marco Island Academy table. Brian Glamuzina, Melissa Scott and Deneen Rose are seated.
A record crowd of 190 attended the Pirates and Pearls Gala at the Island Country Club.
Former police chief, Al Schettino, catches up with George Abounader, former longtime principal and CEO of Marco Island Charter Middle School and Cindy Love-Abounader, CEO of the Marco Y.
John Campbell, Lauri Kalanges, Dave Rice and Jeanne Rice are in the spirit of the Pirates and Pearls Gala.
Jeanne and Dave Rice enjoy posing for the digital caricature artist.
Aldo Palombo looks the part of a pirate.
Nancy Judd and Ed Young are in the spirit of the evening.
Myrt Rose makes a pretty convincing pirate.
Patricia Rutledge, CEO of the Marco Island Historical Society, addresses the audience.
Rene Champagne makes a winning bid.
Cathy Nowosielski is thrilled as her winning number is called.
Linda and Alan Sandlin are photographed with a very convincing Captain Jack Sparrow.
Erin Wolfe Bell makes a successful ring toss at the Pirates and Pearls Gala.
Records were set for attendance and fundraising as an enthusiastic and colorful crowd filled the tent for the Marco Island Historical Society’s Pirates and Pearls Gala, held Saturday, March 19 on the side lawn of the Island Country Club.
Many in the crowd opted for pirate costumes in lieu of smart casual attire, adding to the flavor of the event.
“So many of us dressed up,” said Patricia Rutledge, CEO of the Marco Island Historical Society. "People are having a good time. And that’s really what we want. Sure, it’s a fundraiser, but at the end of the day it’s all about our history.”
With temperatures hovering around 80 degrees when the gala started, the large crowd undoubtedly appreciated the relaxed dress code.
“This is our largest attended event of all the galas we’ve done,” Rutledge said. “We have 190 people with us tonight, which is fabulous. A few years ago, we decided to change things up, not do the traditional gala with the black tie and the long dress, but to really turn it into a party where people can have a good time. Two years ago, we did Putting on the Ritz and had a casino night that accompanied it. Last year we were outside under the tent, and it was Under the Big Top, and we had a midway going with games. It was really fun. So continuing on, Pirates and Pearls, here we are. Everyone seems to be having a wonderful time. The Island Club are wonderful hosts. They always do such a wonderful job for us.
Rutledge was also happy to report that the event set a new fundraising record, bringing in over $200,000 for the Marco Island Historical Society.
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