Christmas Island Style Honors Volunteers

Longtime Christmas Island Style leader Steve Stefanides was on a mission to make sure to thank as many people as he could during his half hour-plus PowerPoint presentation. His speech detailed the incredible 36-year history of Christmas Island Style, the island’s ambitious Christmas celebration organization.

Stefanides, who led the organization for 17 years, put great effort into creating an impressive PowerPoint presentation. Stefanides presented the history of Christmas Island Style, including a treasure trove of fantastic images. The words and photographs create a beautiful tapestry of the people and events that make Christmas Island Style an enduring community service icon.

Stefanides emphasized the importance of hardworking volunteers and joked that when you got one volunteer, you usually got the spouse, too. He also gave a nod to early leaders Marion Blomeier and Dawn Norgren. Blomeier was the former owner of the Old Marco Inn who was famous for her elaborate Christmas decor at the historic hotel in Old Marco.

Stefanides also made it a point to recognize Dave Rice, who led Christmas Island Style from 1987-2005.

Stefanides touched on a number of the organization’s accomplishments over the years. Chief among the accomplishments are the organization’s independent status. No city funds are pumped into the organization. All funds are raised by the organization itself.

In addition to sponsoring a long list of Christmas activities, Christmas Island Style runs the fundraising Christmas Island Style Open Golf Tournament. Though this year’s tournament was canceled due to Hurricane Ian, all major sponsors honored their sponsorships.

Wanda Burson currently leads Christmas Island Style.