Final Spirit of Marco Award Recipients Announced

The Noontime Rotary Club of Marco Island has announced the names of the final two 2024 Spirit of Marco Island Award winners. The honorees are the Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) and Jennifer & Derek Tenney. They will be formally recognized at a Gala Awards Dinner to be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the beautiful Island Country Club.

The Board of Directors of the Marco Island Historical Society were taken by surprise by the announcement of their selection as a 2024 Spirit of Marco Island honoree at their recent Board Meeting held in the Rose Hall Auditorium. Linda Sandlin, Spirit Award Co-Chair and Past President made the presentation along with other Spirit Committee members. 

The MIHS, which started as a small and independent organization in 1996, has grown its membership to over 500 persons. The Society’s mission has been to preserve and to share the history and heritage of Marco Island and the surrounding communities, as Marco Island is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in North America. Working diligently to promote and preserve the Island’s history, it raised over four million dollars to fund the construction of the three current buildings, now known as the Marco Island Historical Museum complex. 

Thanks to the incredible dedication of the Society’s Board of Directors, leadership of CEO Pat Rutledge and the commitment of its Staff, the Museum has received numerous awards and recognitions over the years, including TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award placing the Museum in the “Top 10% of Attractions Worldwide”! 

The Museum provides a place for children, professionals, tourists and the general public to study, research and learn about the lively history, culture, art, industry, and science that have all contributed to today’s Marco Island. In addition, MIHS has developed numerous programs to provide lectures, field trips, cooperative involvement with the public and private schools and participation in archeological digs. 

The Marco Island Historical Museum is the crowning glory of the Society’s efforts over the past 28 years. This World-Class museum has brought great honor and recognition to our Island. The Noontime Rotary is honored to recognize the MIHS for its contributions to our Marco Island with its Spirit of Marco Island Award. 

Jennifer Tenney who is the current President of the Noontime Rotary Club and her husband Derek were also taken by surprise with the announcement of their selection at a recent Rotary luncheon meeting. Linda Sandlin, Spirit Award Co-Chair and Past President made the presentation along with other Spirit Committee members. 

The Tenney’s have been very active in the Community for many years. Jennifer Tenney is currently serving her second stint as President of the Noontime Rotary Club. She also served on the Board of the M.I. Charter Middle School for 17 years, which included the position of President. She was recently awarded the “Affiliate of the Year” by the M.I. Area Board of Realtors for her outstanding contributions to the community as well as the real estate community at their Installation Banquet at the Hilton. 

Derek Tenney is an active volunteer providing his marketing and technology expertise along with his hands on support to many fundraisers. He often works behind the scenes to ensure the success of these events, which include the Rotary Golf Tournament, the Marco Island Half-Marathon and 5K events and several Poker Challenges. He has also volunteered his time at the Marco Island Charter Middle School as the JV Basketball Coach for the Boys team and as an Assistant Coach for the Championship Winning Girls Basketball teams.

Together Jennifer and Derek Tenney form a dynamic duo who make a difference in their Marco Island Community. 

The Marco Island Historical Society and Jennifer and Derek Tenney, along with the previously announced honorees, Mike Stanczak and the Marco Island YMCA will all be formally presented with their 2024 Spirit of Marco Island Award at its Gala Awards Dinner and Silent Auction to be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Island Country Club. 

In addition to attending the Gala, there are many sponsorship opportunities available, including the opportunity to sponsor one of the Honorees, including a VIP table at the event. For sponsorship opportunities and tickets to the event please contact Al Diaz at 239-438-5285 or by email: manager@royalmarcoway.com.

The proceeds from the event and silent auction are used to support local charities and scholarships.