Lunch with Friends Celebrates Eight Years

Lunch with Friends, a Marco tradition, celebrated its eighth year on July 16, 2025, at the Marco Lutheran Church with over 100 guests. The first Lunch with Friends was held on July 20, 2017, at the Family Church on Winterberry Drive and offered a delicious meal, friendship, and a feeling of belonging for seniors over 60. The first restaurant sponsor was Crazy Flamingo, and over 30 guests attended. Lunch with Friends serves Marco Island, Goodland, Isles of Capri, and East Naples.

According to Evelyn Rossetti-Ryan, Executive Director for Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, Lunch with Friends was co-founded in 2017 by Allyson Richards and Nancy Kot with support from Our Daily Bread Food Pantry founders Liz Pecora, JoAnne Lundquist, and Vicki Johnson. Founding partner organizations include Al's Pals, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, and the YMCA of Marco Island. These three founding organizations are still active partners. Marco Lutheran Church has become one of the partners and currently serves as the host site for the luncheon.

"The vision for starting Lunch with Friends was to provide an opportunity for Marco Island residents over the age of 60 to gather, enjoy a tasty meal, and have an opportunity to socialize with new friends," said Nancy Kot. Today, the monthly luncheon attracts over 200 guests during season, serving Marco, Goodland, Isles of Capri, and parts of East Naples.”

"Eight years ago, Lunch with Friends began with a simple mission: to bring people together. I'll never forget one rainy day early on; I was delivering food when I saw a woman parking her car. I walked over with my umbrella and introduced myself. She said, 'My name is Alice. I'm 96 years old. My fiancé passed away six months ago, and I didn't know anyone. Then I started coming to these luncheons, and now I have friends.' I cried that day. That moment reminded me exactly why we do this: to make sure no one feels alone," said Richards, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry Chair and Co-Founder of Lunch with Friends.

In addition to the food and friendships, luncheon guests are treated to engaging presentations and entertainment. Past presenters include the Marco Island Center for the Arts, the Marco Island Historical Society, Dr. Babbo of NCH, Dr. Paul Nussbaum, performances by Charlie Blum, and exercise sessions facilitated by the Marco Island YMCA. Presentation topics have ranged from Finance for Seniors, Scam Protection, and Brain Health. Additionally, each lunch ends with door prizes for the guests.

The lunch is provided by a variety of sponsors representing restaurants and community groups. Lunch sponsors are welcome. If anyone is interested in sponsoring a luncheon, they should contact Allyson Richards at allysonrichards@me.com.

Pam, Barbara, Yvonne, and Carol from Marco shared a table with Jerry and Pat Gautreau from Naples. According to Pam, she attended the first luncheon in 2017 and “the best thing is all the fun people I get to be with each month.” “The door prizes are my favorite,” added Barbara, and “each month I have a birthday party,” chimed Yvonne. Guest Judy Melick turned 80 and received a birthday cake to take home. MJ Irvine attended the luncheon for the first time and caught up with an “old” friend, Alicia Purple, who was happy to see her (both are nonagenarians)!

Reverend James Thelen, lead pastor of Marco Lutheran Church blessed the event and Colleen Long, Director of Sales for Tuscany Villa of Naples, talked briefly about the Assisted Living Facility and amenities worth considering.

“Have fun and be creative – we will be painting bowls for the 2026 Souper Bowl event,” announced Long who is also the immediate past President of the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce. Last year, the Chamber sold over 700 bowls and gave out over $15,000 in scholarships for local students, Long added. The 2026 Souper Bowl is scheduled for February 7, 2026, at Mackle Park (held the Saturday before the “Big Game).

Many thanks to the July sponsors: Tarik Ayasun, Al’s Pals, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, Marco Lutheran Church, YMCA, Tuscany Villa of Naples, the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce, and all the volunteers. The delicious lunch was prepared by Chef Michael Brown of Hideaway Beach Club.