Marco Island Woman’s Club Navigates Nautical Trends

Naples Lakes Country Club was the place to be for Navigating Nautical Trends, the 23rd annual Marco Island Woman’s Club Fashion Show & Luncheon. Co-chaired by the dynamic duo of Marco Island Woman’s Club (MIWC) Vice-President Debbie Rosen and Christina Wergiles, and supported by the industrious MIWC Fashion Show committee, the event was an extravaganza of hospitality, style, and energy with a mission to fund our future through scholarships and other worthy causes of the MIWC Charitable Foundation. 

MIWC President Sharyn Kampmeyer welcomed the guests. Vice-President Debbie Rosen delivered the invocation, requesting a moment of silence for those who have passed in this past year, including several MIWC members and our American service heroes. The attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch and impeccable service from the staff of Naples Lakes. Tables were adorned in nautical décor, featuring individual gift bags filled with coupons, certificates, and an anchor-shaped bottle opener. Thanks to the generosity of local merchants, businesses, and other individuals, there were forty-six raffle baskets, under the direction of Arleen Soldano, and a vast array of silent auction items, overseen by Sue Purvis. Door prizes donated by the Michele Thomas Team and the Marco Island Yacht Club brought forth resounding cheers from the audience.

Former NBC-2 news anchor Stacey Deffenbaugh moderated the style show for the ninth consecutive year. Eleven models, including myself, had the time of our lives strutting to tunes like the theme from The Love Boat and other nautical hits, transporting the audience on a cruise of style, elegance, and entertainment.

Anne Marchetti and Debbie Silvestri launched us off, setting sail in fun styles from the Naples Lakes Country Club Pro Shop. Margaret Zurschmit, Linda Ann Ventura, and Joyce Frame embraced a relaxing vibe in soft linens and casual elegance from Coton Frais. Wendy Nowlan, Bonnie Calvin, and Carol Ann Anzalone were the epitome of class in fashions from Kay’s on the Beach. Caitlin Robinson, Gwyn Steiner, and I enjoyed the comfort and style of resort life in clothing from Patchington. Caitlin had plenty to celebrate, as the crowd broke out in a chorus of Happy Birthday in honor of her recent eightieth birthday. It was a frenzy of quick changes between three sets of fashions as Janet Keefe, manager of Patchington, helped with a button or zipper as needed. As we meandered through the crowd, we saw the smiling happy faces of not only MIWC members, but also those of other familiar ladies from our outstanding community. The positive energy was palpable. The generous spirit was amazing.

The models all joked that the experience brought back childhood memories of playing “dress up” as little girls. For me, it brought back even more. I first wrote about the MIWC Fashion Show as a staff writer for the Coastal Breeze News in 2016. At that time, I was not yet a member of MIWC. I was inspired by the club’s commitment to serving the community in an atmosphere of genuine friendship and decided that I needed to join! From that moment on, I have experienced the true meaning of our motto, “Why you were born and why you are living depends on what you are getting out of this world and what you are giving.” 

We thank our sponsors, including Platinum Sponsors – The Matthews Charitable Giving Fund in memory of MIWC member Betty Cioffi, Michele Thomas Team, Barbara Malta (MIWC President 2022-23), Affordable Landscaping Service & Design, Kramer Kellerhouse Chartered Law, Debbie & Nick Rago (MIWC President 2020-22), and Judy Kenney (MIWC President 2007-08). Gold Sponsors – John R. Wood Properties, Megan A. Welker, DDS, Marco Island Furniture & Mattress Company, Abigail’s Gifts Fashion Home, Joyce Frame (MIWC member), and Penny Weidner (MIWC President 2015-16). Silver Sponsors – Sunshine Booksellers, Leesa Carls & David Tobiasz (MIWC Treasurer 2022-23), Sue Purvis (MIWC President 2010 -11), Island Tower Dentistry, Peaceful Escapes Therapeutic Massage, Judy Doyle (MIWC member), and Tracy Nguyen. Bronze Sponsors – Achieve Realty, Clausen Properties, H & R Block, Integrity Insurance International Inc., Jennifer Drake and Michele Rose of RE/MAX Infinity Plus, Madison Eye Associates, Poling Medical Center, Sharyn Kampmeyer (MIWC President 2014-15 and 2023-24), Sue Ellen Welch (MIWC President 2019-20), Skin Wellness, Premiere Plus – Traute Gentry, Tenney Law, Susan Berenzweig (MIWC President 2012-13), and Margaret Zurschmit (MIWC member). Patron Supporters – Carol Ann Anzalone, Carol Hobday, Christina Koppel, Anne Marchetti, Kathy Mierzewski, Arleen Soldano, Catherine Thomas, and Kathleen Vanitvelt, along with those who donated door prizes, raffle, and silent auction items. Special thanks go out to MIWC member Tammy Barstow who donated a fabulous resort getaway as a last-minute surprise!

We especially thank our media partner, Coastal Breeze News. Publisher Val Simon and her amazing staff have supported our club all year long in providing coverage of our luncheons and events for the entire community to see.

All funds raised by our fashion event will be used for scholarships to students living on Marco Island and other charitable causes through the MIWC Charitable Foundation. Membership to the Marco Island Woman’s Club is available to all women who live on Marco Island, whether you own or rent, full-time or part-time. Please join us in this wonderful sisterhood! For more information, please visit https://marcowomansclub.com.