Marco Woman’s Club Celebrates the Light of Friendship

Naples Lakes Country Club was the perfect setting for the Marco Island Woman’s Club (MIWC) Holiday Luncheon. Club members and guests, including several spouses, shared the joy of the season amidst the acoustic backdrop of guitarist Jason Keacher. Gorgeous centerpieces, created by MIWC member Lynn Nathanson, and custom decoupage shells made by her daughter, added a festive touch to the tables. It was a time to jingle and mingle with friends old and new. 

MIWC President Sharyn Kampmeyer opened the meeting, thanking her husband Paul for his love and support. Shirley Thayer led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and musical rendition of God Bless America. Karen Maxfield delivered the invocation, sharing the words of Amanda Gorman from her poem, The Hill We Climb. “For there is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” An accidental explosion at the Monterrey Condominium recently displaced Maxfield and several other MIWC members from their homes until proper repairs can be made. The ladies of the Monterrey expressed their gratitude to the club for their caring support from the very moment the accident occurred. The Marco Island Woman’s Club has been and always will be a sisterhood of friendship and goodwill, especially in a time of need, among us and our community. 

The club is officially named the Marco Island Woman’s Club, as opposed to the Women’s Club. It is a club for the Marco Island Woman. The focus is on the individual. Each woman holds a special gift to share – her light that shines from within. Our motto states, “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 are a collection of talented caring individuals who connect as a powerhouse of philanthropy, volunteerism, and commitment to our community. 

Honorary memberships were presented to three longtime members of the club. Kay Folsom of Kay’s on the Beach has been a member since 1988. Fashions from her store have been featured for many years in the annual MIWC Fashion Show, a fundraiser for our Charitable Education Foundation. Over the years, those funds have been used for scholarships awarded to hundreds of students who live on the island. 

Marie Senechal first joined the club in 1988. A longtime member of the MIWC Stitch Makers, she has created hundreds of quilts for our little ones at Golisano Children’s Hospital and women in need at the Shelter for Women in Naples. MIWC President Sharyn Kampmeyer and Stitch Makers Chair Anne Marchetti recently visited Senechal to deliver her Certificate of Honor. 

Honorary member Vini Just attended the luncheon accompanied by her family. A member of MIWC since 1993, Just was a former treasurer of MIWC and a member of the Stitch Makers. The light of her star-quality presence set the room aglow! Everyone wanted a photo opportunity with our Vini! 

MIWC proudly welcomed Margaret Zurschmit, Yvette Benarroch, Kecia Chronowski, and Dawn Marceau as new members. We were thrilled to welcome back former member Carolyn Dorris. We look forward to a future of fellowship and fun with these outstanding ladies.

MIWC will kick off 2024 at their next luncheon, Monday, January 8 (a change from our usual first Wednesday due to the holidays) at Naples Lakes Country Club. Our annual fundraising Fashion Show will be held Monday, February 19 at Naples Lakes Country Club, and our Cards and Games Luncheon fundraiser will be March 14 at CJs on the Bay. Our special interest groups include Book Clubs, Theater Group, Travel Group, Card Club, and the Stitch Makers. We look forward to being the helping hands of volunteerism at our annual Beach Cleanup, Meals of Hope, and other community events. 

We would love to welcome YOU to our club! Membership is available to all women who live (own or rent) on Marco Island. Please visit https://marcowomansclub.com to learn more about membership, special interest groups, and other events.