Marco Island Woman’s Club Kicks Off New Season

“Why you were born, and why you are living, depends on what you are getting out of this world, and what you are giving.” That is the motto of the Marco Island Woman’s Club (MIWC), an active social network of women dedicated to serving and improving this community. Chartered in 1966 by a group of 16 Marco Island ladies, the Club is kicking off their 2023-24 season with over 140 members dedicated to touching our community with an impact that will soar to new heights as we embrace and nurture the future. 

We look forward to an exciting new year with the leadership of Sharyn Kampmeyer, President; Debbie Rosen, Vice-President; Sherri McKenna, Recording Secretary; Carol Hobday, Corresponding Secretary; Debbie Rago, Treasurer; Sue Niebling, Assistant Treasurer; and Barbara Malta, Advisor. 

The Club meets the first Wednesday of each month from October to May. This year, while the Marco Island Yacht Club is undergoing renovations, we will be meeting at Naples Lakes Country Club, 4738 Naples Lakes Blvd., Naples, FL 34112. 

This summer, on break from our regular meeting schedule, Club members stayed cool and kept the momentum going with several informal social gatherings. In June, we shared a toast to friendship at a Happy Hour with spouses and other guests at the Boardroom Tavern, hosted by Debbie Rosen. Mango’s was the place to be in July, as Deb Silvestri and Karen Maxfield hosted an outstanding luncheon. Caitlin Robinson and Cindi Kramer hosted September’s fun event at Kretch’s, complete with prizes and fun as we closed out the summer. 

Through the years, the Marco Island Woman’s Club and MIWC Charity Foundation (a 501(c)3 organization) have supported our Education Foundation, awarding over $700,000 in scholarships to more than 200 students who are residents of Marco Island. We are proud of our rich history of supporting this community as the original founders of the Marco Island Library, and as supporters of the Marco Island Historical Museum, the beautification movement, youth development center, and many other civic and health organizations. 

Friendships abound through special interest groups, including a Book Club, Lunch Bunch, Card Group, Stitch Makers, Travel Club, and Theater Group. The Stitch Makers, a special interest group of quilters, seamstresses, knitters, and crocheters have touched the lives of children in a very special way. Since 2016, the group has created and donated 1,111 blankets, 1,002 hats, 62 sweaters and 39 pairs of booties to Golisano Hospital, Al’s Pals, Manatee Elementary School, and other outreach programs. 

We have reached out to the community as the helping hands of volunteerism at Beach Clean-ups, the American Cancer Society Imagination Ball, Meals of Hope Packing Event, Little Pink Houses of Hope, Lunch with Friends Over 60, activities of the Girl Up Club of Manatee Middle School, and more. 

Upcoming events include our South Beach Clean Up with the City of Marco Island on November 4, participation in the Meals of Hope Packing Event on November 18, annual Fashion Show and Luncheon fundraiser on February 19, Cards & Games Day at CJ’s On the Bay on March 14, and of course, our monthly luncheons at Naples Lakes Country Club - Mark your calendars for the first one on October 4th!

Wouldn’t you like to be a part of this wonderful organization? We would love to welcome YOU to our Club. Membership is available to all women who live (own or rent) on Marco Island. Please join us at one of our luncheons to experience friendship and fun in the spirit of goodwill. Please visit https://marcowomansclub.com to learn more.