Noontime Rotary 2024 Spirit of Marco Island Awards

The Noontime Rotary Club of Marco Island is proud to announce that Mike Stanczak and the Marco Island YMCA were selected as the first two recipients of the 2024 Spirit of Marco Island Award.

Mike Stanczak was recognized for dedicating an immense amount of time, effort and passion to various charitable endeavors in our community to include the Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, the Knights of Columbus at the San Marco Catholic Church, Habitat for Humanity, Kiwanis Car Show, Everglades Seafood Festival and Art Center Theatre. 

His selfless commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others is truly commendable. His broad range of volunteerism includes serving as a heavy lifter and driver several days a week at the Our Daily Bread Food Pantry to also using his skills as an auctioneer to help raise funds at various fundraisers. 

From also assisting Knights with their Fish Fry, Spaghetti dinners and Bingo nights, to working with Habitat of Humanity in building homes for those in need, to ushering at some of the Arts Center Theatre plays, Mike Stanczak’s exemplary volunteerism and unwavering commitment and contributions to various organization were all attributes that made him a unanimous selection for the 2024 Spirit of Marco Island Award. 

The YMCA of Marco Island was also recognized with the Spirit Award with a surprise presentation that was made at their recent Board of Directors Installation Dinner. 

Al Diaz, Spirit Award Co-Chair and Past President of the Marco Island Rotary Club made the presentation along with a group of fellow Rotarians. Accepting the award on behalf of the YMCA were President of the Board Michael Moore and President and CEO Cindy Love-Abounader.

The Marco Y which was founded in 1977 has been committed to helping Children, Families and the Community reach their full potential. The Y has a full and rich history of supporting the Community, particularly the Youth. For many years it was the Y that provided organized recreational opportunities for the youth before the Island became a City and created its own Park & Recreation program. It was also the Y that supported the Marco Island Charter Middle School with its Sports Programs while the school was housed in portables by allowing it to use its gymnasium and sports fields. The Y is a committed Community Partner and has made an incredible difference in the lives of so many through its Three Areas of Impact which are: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. These avenues of service include over 45 programs that serve all ages.

The Noontime Rotary Club of Marco Island which raises funds to support Community and Vocational programs has long been a strong supporter of the Y and is honored to recognize the Marco Island YMCA with its highest recognition for their years of Service to Marco Island. 

Two additional honorees will be announced in the next few weeks. The honorees will be formally presented with their 2024 Spirit of Marco Island Award at the 14th Annual Spirit of Marco Island Gala Awards Dinner and Silent Auction to be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Island Country Club. 

In addition to attending the Gala, there are many sponsorship opportunities available, including the opportunity to sponsor one of the Honorees, including a VIP table at the event. For sponsorship opportunities, tickets, and information please contact Al Diaz at 239-438-5285 or by email at: manager@royalmarcoway.com. 

This gala event recognizes individuals and organizations that are civically involved in the community through their contribution of time, talent, and financial support to the community.