Marco Woman’s Club Celebrates Love

Love was in the air at Naples Lakes Country Club as the Marco Island Woman’s Club (MIWC) recently enjoyed their February luncheon. MIWC Decorating Chair Helen Ruth and her amazing team of designing women set the tone with centerpieces of red roses and homemade chocolates. MIWC President Sharyn Kampmeyer welcomed members and guests, while Shirley Thayer led the Pledge of Allegiance and a musical rendition of God Bless America. Thayer, the MIWC Reservations Chair, was honored for thirty years of membership and service to the club.

Leesa Carls delivered the invocation, reflecting upon the Hebrew word for God’s love, Hesed. The word is defined as loyal, steadfast, faithful love based on a promise, agreement, or covenant. Carls inspired us to love God and our neighbors as ourselves with the realization that we were all created by love and for love.

We celebrated that love in the spirit of giving with a flair for fashion and style. Jennifer Nelson, Executive Director of Dress For Success SW Florida, spoke of the organization’s mission to promote the independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a support network, and career development tools to aid them in the workforce. The organization is part of a global nonprofit dedicated to helping women achieve self-defined financial and professional success. Nelson explained, “By empowering women through education and skills, while supporting and helping them achieve their goals, it not only improves their lives, but also the lives of everyone around them.” 

MIWC spread the love with their generous, and quite fashionable donations. We filled two clothing racks with stylish business attire, along with purses, fashion jewelry, and other accessories. MIWC member Carol Ann Anzalone, a well-known model in several SW Florida fashion shows, graciously organized the donations. These items will be offered to women in need as they dress for interviews and subsequent jobs. The organization even has a WOW mobile, delivering their wardrobe on wheels to women in remote locations, including recovery centers and shelters. For more information about Dress For Success, please visit https://swflorida.dressforsuccess.org. 

MIWC proudly welcomed two new members, Elaine Bercher, and Liz Vander Aarde, and one returning member, Kathie Perfetti. We look forward to sharing friendship, goodwill, and community outreach with these amazing ladies. 

MIWC is a club of movers and shakers with a busy schedule of upcoming events. We will be strutting the runway of Naples Lakes at our annual Fashion Show fundraiser February 19. Our next regular luncheon is March 6 at Naples Lakes Country Club. March 8 will be a shopping event fundraiser at J McLaughlin Marco Island in honor of International Women’s Day. Then it is time for our Cards & Games luncheon/fundraiser at CJS on the Bay, March 14. Funds raised at these events will be used for scholarships and other charitable causes through the Marco Island Woman’s Club Charitable Foundation. Special interest groups include Book Clubs, Theater Group, Stitch Makers, and Travel Group (currently planning a trip to the St. Petersburg art district in April). 

Membership is available to all women who live on Marco Island, whether you own or rent, full-time or part-time. Please join us! We would love to welcome you to our fun and friendship in the spirit of goodwill. For more information, please visit https://marcowomansclub.com.