Imagination Ball Elegance

Imagine a world without cancer. That is what Marco Island did the night of February 25 at the JW Marriott as Paradise Found Restaurant presented the 2023 American Cancer Society Imagination Ball. Emceed by Lindsey Sablan of WINK News, it was a night of elegance and celebration fueled with the mission to raise funds in the fight against cancer. This year was extra special as we celebrated forty years of ACS presence on Marco Island. 

Debra Shanahan, chair of the gala for the eleventh consecutive year, welcomed the crowd with the heartfelt reminder that we each have just one life to live and should live it well by loving our families and friends. Cancer is a thief that has stolen precious time, cutting short the lives of so many. We celebrate life and love by fighting back against this deadly disease. Those words ignited the energy that would prevail throughout the night. That is the energy of life.

Funds were raised by both live and silent auctions, and three revenue enhancers. The Diamond Dig, sponsored by Kathein Jewelers, added sparkle to the evening as Kathleen Olszak won the drawing for a pair of dazzling diamond earrings. Jeannie Hanson was the overjoyed winner of the drawing for a Louis Vuitton handbag. Attendees also had the opportunity to purchase teddy bears that will deliver comfort and healing to children at the Golisano Children’s Hospital in Fort Myers.

The American Cancer Society is a volunteer driven organization, and this event was no exception. Among the volunteers for the evening were the friendly familiar faces of members of Rotary, Kiwanis, the Marco Island Woman’s Club and other local service organizations, all pitching in to make the evening a success. 

Perhaps the most touching moment of the evening was the Survivor video. Introduced by “Chef Laura” Owen of Mission Sponsor CJ’s On the Bay, the video featured survivors Ginny Jermanok and Marco Island Police Chief Tracy Frazzano. Their stories brought us hope in the fight against this monster of a disease. 

Jermanok, diagnosed with stage four spindle cell lung cancer six years ago, was originally told that there was nothing that could be done and that she should consider hospice. Thanks to a newly developed immunotherapy treatment, she is now living a normal life traveling, socializing, and watching her grandchildren grow up. 

Frazzano was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in November 2020, right at the height of the Covid pandemic. She underwent chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and radiation. She thanks her family, friends and the Marco Island community for supporting her through this journey. 

Auctioneer Jon Foege conducted both the live auction and the Finish the Fight final round where attendees raised their paddles, pledging funds to finish the fight against cancer once and for all. There was even a surprise drawing for those who donated in this final round. Dr. Jerry Swiacki was the happy winner of a getaway to Puerto Vallarta.

All auction items and revenue enhancers were generously donated to the American Cancer Society by our generous sponsors. ACS gratefully acknowledges Presenting Sponsor – Paradise Found Restaurant and Bar, Reception Sponsor – Seminole Casino Hotel, Gold Sponsors – Morgan Stanley David Caruso and Bob Hart, JP Morgan Private Bank, Photography Sponsor – Condee Cooling and Electric/Lennox, Mission Sponsor – CJ’s on the Bay, and Bronze Sponsors – NCH Healthcare and Rotary Club of Marco Island Sunrise. Patron Table Sponsors were Guerin & English/Raymond James, JW Marriott Marco Island, Marco Island Academy, Myrt Rose, Melissa Scott, Dr. Rick Siegel, and Bill and Karen Young. Patron Couples included Drs. Glenn Groat & Anne Marie Tremaine, Dave and Tiffany Homuth, Veronica Vanacore, John and Lisa Quetti, Ron and Pat Rutledge, Arne and Jill Sandberg, and Patrick Thawley and Patricia Bunke. 

Funds raised by the event will be used for research, education, and patient support programs. The American Cancer Society will never stop fighting against this disease until we find a cure. We believe that day is coming, and we believe with your help, that day will be soon. Imagine a world without cancer! That day will surely be our Paradise Found!