Kiwanis Winds Down Successful Year

The Kiwanis Club of Marco Island has enjoyed a remarkably busy year. Under the leadership of Co-Presidents Mike and Barbara Murphy, President-Elect Donna Dubey, Treasurer Lucky Lang, and Secretary Cindy Crane, the club has embraced its motto, “Serving the Children of the World” by successfully improving the world one child and one community at a time, beginning with the beautiful community we call our home. Our fundraising efforts and generous sponsors have empowered us to support several programs including Toys for Kids in the holiday season, our Terrific Kids program, MIA Key Club, Reading is Fundamental, and the scholarship program which awarded $20,000 to graduating MIA Key Club students this year. We have awarded gifts to the MIA Cross Country/Track and Baseball teams and supported Meals of Hope along with scholarships for Camp Mackle and a donation to Camp Able. Yes, it has been a very productive year! 

We closed our active season with two dinner meetings at the Cape Marco Tennis Center. We enjoyed the Kiwanis Interclub experience at our April 27 meeting with Naples Kiwanians Carol Fries and Kathy Carpenter in attendance. Guest Speaker Amanda Nelson, Executive Director of Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, explained the operations and needs of the pantry to feed hungry families right here in our community. The needs are significant, and the pantry has been meeting those needs with drive-through food distributions and other services. There is an urgent and ongoing demand for resources and volunteers. To learn how you can help, please visit https://ourdailybreadfoodpantry.org or call 239-259-5188. 

Our May 4 meeting brought forth the election of our new Board officers and appointments of committee leads. We look forward to a new year of continued service to our community. The 2023-24 Board members are:

President – Donna Dubey

President-Elect – Jill Sandberg

Vice-President – Barb Murphy

Secretary- Cindy Crane

Treasurer – Lucky Lang

Past President – Mike Murphy

Publicity/Media – Maureen Chodaba

Financial Oversight Committee – Dennis Hess, Mike Murphy

Officer-Key Club- Marie Lynn McChesney

Officer-Terrific Kids- Jill DiZio

The Kiwanis Club of Marco Island will pause from our weekly meeting schedule for the summer months, but we will continue with monthly social activities and plans for future events, including a 30-year anniversary celebration of the club’s inception, currently scheduled for November 19 at the Island Country Club along with the installation of the new slate of officers. Watch for more information as we seek out previous members to join in this celebration. Remember, the Kiwanis Club welcomes the talents and strengths of new members to help serve our children! For more information, please visit https://marcokiwanis.com.