American Cancer Society Says Thank You

The Palms Ballroom of the JW Marriott Marco Island was aglow with hope the evening of February 6 as supporters of the American Cancer Society gathered for “Timeless Elegance, Lifesaving Impact”, the 2026 Imagination Ball, presented by Robert Flugger. An elegant meal, music by the Stacey Allison Band, and both live and silent auctions set the mood for an evening that brought us closer to the vision of ending cancer, as we know it, for everyone. That means every cancer, every life.

Chaired by Debra Shanahan and Co-Chairs Rick and Lisa Popoff, this black-tie optional gala raised funds for lifesaving research, patient and caregiver support, and the most precious gift of all – the gift of time to be lived and shared with families and friends. The impact will be felt in every life touched and every future changed for the better.

We are YOUR American Cancer Society, and we thank YOU for making this possible. It has been said that every great accomplishment takes a village. In our case, it takes an island. The people of Marco Island are outstanding in their generosity.

We thank our Presenting Sponsor, Robert Flugger, who has supported the fight against cancer for many years. We are deeply grateful to our Platinum Sponsor, JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa; Mission Sponsor, Rick’s Island Salon; Silver Sponsors, Florida Gulf Coast University, Phelan Family Brands, and Seminole Casino Hotel; Bronze Sponsors, NCH Healthcare, and Rotary Club of Marco Island Sunrise; Patron Table Sponsors, the Bartos Group, and Siegel Dental- Dr. Rick Siegel; and Patron Couples, Richard and Heather Block, Sal and Joann Campo, Dorcey Law Firm, Alex and Jan Parker III, and Jason and Tania Zapalski. Special thanks go out to Live Auction Donors, JW Marriott, Elite Island Resorts, Siegel Dental, Vince and Mari Rodriguez in memory of Kim Rose, and Kathein Jewelers. We thank our Event Partners, The Stacey Allison Band, Palm Printing, Coastal Breeze News, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Media Partners. We thank our emcee Gracie Fusco for adding her sparkle to the evening.

The generous spirit of this community is not limited to financial support. We thank our featured survivors, Vicki Williams and Michelle Rossi, who shared their stories, and all survivors for being our inspiration to continue the fight against cancer until we find a cure.

Our 2026 Imagination Ball Committee, led by Chair Debra Shanahan, and Co-chairs Rick and Lisa Popoff, supported by the team of Maureen Chodaba, Stacey Guerra, Sue Purvis, Brandy Simpson, and Robert White embraced the mission and the motive in the quest to eliminate cancer as we know it for everyone.

The 2026 Volunteer Leadership Board is the backbone of ACS in our community. We thank Chair Dr. Anne Marie Tremaine and Vice-Chair Colleen Long along with Sharon Lockwood, Jim Murray, Mary Jo O’Regan, Rick Popoff, Melissa Scott, Debra Shanahan, Neil Snyder, and Dr. Rick Siegel.

ACS is a volunteer-driven organization. We thank our volunteers who were there working at the gala and those who worked behind the scenes. Your tireless energy, creativity, and enthusiasm are our greatest assets. We couldn’t do it without all of you!

In 2027, we will celebrate the fifteen-year anniversary of the beautiful name of this lifesaving, impactful event that shines like a light in the darkness - the Imagination Ball. We hope to see you there. Imagine a world without cancer!