Noontime Rotary Announces First Two 2023 Spirit of Marco Island Awards

The Noontime Rotary Club of Marco Island is proud to announce that the Bargain Basket/United Church of Marco Island and the Marco Island Yacht Club were both selected as the first two recipients of the 2023 Spirit of Marco Island Award.

The Bargain Basket/United Church of Marco Island was taken by complete surprise at a recent Sunday church service with several hundred parishioners in attendance. They were recognized for their incredible contributions and support of many Marco Island organizations that include: Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, Joy of Giving, Habitat for Humanity, Baby Basics the Police Foundation, Marco Island Dementia Respite and many others. 

The Bargain Basket is managed by Samantha Arago and supported through the volunteerism of many of the parishioners as well as community members. They have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support their outreach missions. In addition, Michelle Hennessy, Chair of the Mission Committee, and her fellow committee members, through prayerful consideration and hard work, help determine which organizations receive the funds raised from the Bargain Basket, as well as the generous donations and support of the church members. 

Pastor Mark accepted the Award on behalf of the Bargain Basket and United Church of Marco Island, proclaiming how proud he was of the generosity of the church family and noting the tremendous impact that they have made in the Community and for those in need. He noted that the Award would proudly remain on the altar where it belonged. 

The Marco Island Yacht Club was also recognized with the Spirit Award with a surprise presentation made at their monthly Boaters Night event with a full house of members in attendance.

The Marco Island Yacht Club is being honored for their community outreach through their generous support of many local organizations that includes their major sponsorship and support of the Flag for Heroes event, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, Salvation Army, Golden Paws, Marco Patriots, For the Love of Cats and their long standing sponsorship of the Sailing School serving over 140 students in 2022!

Linda Sandlin, 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 Yacht Club were Chairman of the Board Dave Everitt, Bridge Commodore and Board Director Henry Stanley, Board Secretary and Community Relations Committee member Vicki Bretthauer, Board Director and Rear Commodore Tom Morrison. Sailing Fleet Captain and Community Relations Chair Dwyn Von Bereghy was unable to attend.

Additional honorees will be announced in the next few weeks. The honorees will be formally presented with their 2023 Spirit of Marco Island Award at the 13th Annual Spirit of Marco Island Gala Awards Dinner and Silent Auction to be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the Bistro Soleil Restaurant. 

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 please contact Linda Sandlin at 239-777-9200 or by email: Linda@marcorealtysource.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.

For more information and tickets for this event you may contact Al Diaz at 239-438-5285 or by email at manager@royalmarcoway.com.