Marco Helps Effort to Imagine a World Without Cancer

Marco Island demonstrated why it is such a special place on last Saturday evening when some of its most generous and giving residents came out to support the local American Cancer Society’s 10th Annual Imagination Ball. At the same time, they honored the woman who has been a driving force behind its success.

Debra Shanahan and her late husband and well-known resident, Dick Shanahan had a vision for taking the fundraising event up a notch when the Imagination Ball was created ten years ago. “Imagining a World Without Cancer” became the theme behind the name of the successful event. Debra Shanahan carried on as the local event’s chairperson for the last four years following the passing of her husband. The American Cancer Society fundraiser has continued to be extremely successful.

From the time attendees passed through the crystal column entrance to the Marriott’s Banyan Ballroom, they were transported into their spectacular and elegant surroundings for the evening’s festivities. Many were quickly drawn to the many donated silent auction items that could be found within the stylishly decorated hall. Guests mingled amongst the numerous other attendees and fellow islanders.

After a generous social hour, attendees were gently coaxed to their tables by the MC for the evening, Lindsey Sablan. Sablan, a WINK News Anchor, welcomed them to the evening’s festivities. Guests watched a presentation that centered on the many local survivors of cancer who told of their victorious battle against the disease. 

In the nine years since its inaugural creation, the Imagination Ball has been credited with raising over $2.2 million in funding for cancer research and patient services in the fight against cancer.

The Presenting Sponsors for this year’s event were Bill and Karen Young as well as Jim and Christine Walker. Joining them as Platinum Sponsors were Jim and Allyson Richards and Moore Roofing. As Gold Sponsors this year were CJ’s on the Bay, Paradise Found and Rose Marina. Silver Sponsors were the Bartos Group, Bright Star Care, John R. Wood Properties and Mango’s Dockside Bistro. Bronze Sponsors were Condee Cooling and Electric and their partners Lenox, Corrie Grado, the Sunrise Rotary Club and Skin Wellness Physicians.

This year the Grado Award was presented to Debra Shanahan by Rick Popoff, the Chairman of the 2022 Volunteer Leadership Board. Established in 2014, the Grado Award recognized John and Corrie Grado for giving unselfishly of their time, talent and treasure to the American Cancer Society.

Unfortunately, John passed away in November 2014, but Corrie Grado continued to carry on their joint support of the battle against cancer and assistance to those families stricken, especially for children. She also continues to serve on the Imagination Ball Committee.

The award is given to those within the community to honor the spirit of giving to the American Cancer Society. It therefore was fitting, that on the 10th Anniversary of the Imagination Ball, that the award was given to Debra Shanahan for her unselfish dedication to chairing the event over the last decade.

In her acceptance speech, Shanahan credited the success of the event to the countless hours of volunteer support by residents of Marco Island. They could be found manning the registration desk, staffing the various silent auction tables, assisting attendees in finding their seats on the evening of the event and especially during the many months of planning for the event. She would also recognize the staff of the local ACS office as well as those that came in from Naples to assist.

Attendees enjoyed a spectacular meal and each other’s company before auctioneer Rick Gallo took the floor for the live auction portion of the evening. Attendees reached deep into their pockets to help support the evening’s goal of raising money for the American Cancer Society, while volunteers roamed the room and shouted out paddle numbers of those donating.

At the end of the live auction event, the dance floor overflowed to the music of the Collaboration Band. Volunteers and staff took a deep breath and relaxed for a moment, winding down for the evening before beginning preparations for the 11th Annual Imagination Ball in 2023.