Kings & Queens Gala

It was an evening of glam, games and generosity for the Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) 30^th anniversary gala at the Island Country Club on Saturday, March 9. The Kings & Queens Gala — A Royal Affair was just that with a lively parade of royally dressed guests exploring, dining and dancing their way through an unforgettable and fun celebration.

Appropriately, the Marco Island Historical Society marks its 30^th year and marked the big celebration with kings and queens throughout history. Guests embraced the intriguing invitation to dress in royal garb or modern day entertainment monarchs like Elvis and Madonna, the queen of pop, with enthusiasm and imagination.

Kings and queens of old and ancient times included MIHS Board Members Henry Stanley in full regal attire as King Henry the VIII. City of Marco Island City Manager Mike McNees and his wife Hazel were stunningly costumed as an Egyptian pharaoh and Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile.

Tish and Rene Champagne came as Queen Bee and King Arthur. Roger and Jan Wittenbach were colorful and charming as the King and Queen of Hearts. There were Mermaid Queens and Ice Queens donned in sea mist green, shimmering white and glitter. Gala co-chairs Jim and Allyson Richards camedressed as Poseidon, ruler of the sea, and queen of the element water. John James took the invitation to dress like Elvis literally and looked downright rockin’ accompanied by his wife and fan Emily who is her own kind of royalty in the art world.

Guests mixed and mingled on the Club’s terrace taking in a giant chess game; playing Wheel of Fortune; showing their swing at a putting green; perusing the silent auction, and enjoying sips from the vodka luge. Many were captured in their full regalia by the evening’s caricature artists and took home a wonderful keepsake from the evening. There was a lot of friendly competition with lively bidding on the treasure trove of silent and live auction items that ranged from sunset cruises to a Christian Dior tote and hat set and gold and diamond bracelet.

A pre-dinner surprise performance of “Love Me Tender” by an Elvis tribute artist was sung tableside to entertainment sponsor Linda Cassens. This was followed by a rousing rendition of “Viva Las Vegas” with a cameo by John James, aka Elvis too. A sing along of “It Had to be You” was led by MIHS Board Member Myrt Rose who wore her late husband’s World War II Marine uniform opened the program. Gold and purple tablescapes accented by tall silver candelabra adorned with gorgeous red and white roses created a majestic dining room and the dinner fare was fit for royalty. 

MIHS CEO Pat Rutledge presented an overview of the many past and present accomplishments of MIHS and expressed deep gratitude for the generosity and support of those who have and continue to make the work of MIHS possible. She concluded with, “Tonight, we celebrate the 30-year journey that brought us all together and created our treasured world-class Marco Island Historical Museum. Marco Island is more than a community. We are a family. No matter where your heart is or your passion lies, we work together to make Marco Island a better community for all.” 

A lively auction was conducted by auctioneer Jay Zeager and paddles were raised high and often both for the tempting items for bid and the support call at the end. The celebration continued in full royal style as the many kings and queens of the evening danced the night away.