The Gift You Give Throughout the Year

Over the number of years I’ve had the privilege to live here, our island has occasionally been mentioned now and again in various magazines and publications. It’s always nice to see those accolades regarding the quality of life that we all enjoy as well as the excellence of our culinary offerings, the beauty of our beaches and the pristine nature of the island as a whole.

I never have figured out how their ranking systems work or who determines the criteria regarding how those choices are made. 

Those of us that have lived here for a while understand that we have earned our own “gold medal” of sorts over the years based on the hard work and dedication of our residents, although the magazine article and its recognition was nice.

Marco, however, is a special place because of its people and their commitment to doing those things that make it a wonderful place to call home and for others to determine it is the place they want to call home and raise their families.

From its schools, churches and civic clubs we excel. We raise money to help those that need that little boost to help them over a rough patch or two in their lives. 

Over the many years I’ve been here we have done some pretty spectacular things. In one weekend alone we raised over $38,000 to assist those victims of Hurricane Katrina along the gulf coast and brightened what might have been a dark Christmas season for many. You donated Christmas gifts as part of the Christmas Island Style Street Parade and a caravan from the island made the trek north to deliver them. 

In January of 2014 we raised $35,000 to donate to those that have walked the line in our defense while wearing our great country’s uniform. The Marco All-Star Team made up of First Responders as well as other skilled athletes found their opponents to be very formidable and astonished all in attendance as to their athletic skills. 

The Wounded Warrior Softball team were overwhelmed as to the generosity and kindness of our community when they visited and witnessed the great heart and soul of our island. 

When there are those who are hungry and in need, organizations such as Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, in collaboration with Al’s Pals, springs into action to make sure no essential needs are unmet. They provide thousands of hours of volunteer time and those in need are fed and warm clothing is provided.

Organizations such as the Marco Island Police and Fire Foundations look to care of those first responders and their families should the need arise: all through the efforts of volunteers who raise the money from our wonderful and giving community on a regular basis.

Our business owners are quick to step to the front and donate everything from hamburgers, pancake mix and a myriad of other supplies and services to ensure the volunteers have the tools necessary to create special events and earn the necessary cash to carry out their philanthropic giving within the community.

The wonderful members of the Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes make sure the spaghetti sauce is boiling, the meatballs are hot, and the tables are set to raise the monies necessary to assist in their philanthropic efforts within the community. The same goes for the wonderful fish fries during Lent. 

Organizations such as the Optimist Club, who run many of the organized sporting teams here on the island, are another shining star. They assist in providing the volunteer run sporting activities we all grew up loving for both boys and girls.

Our YMCA and their folks provide safe and productive after school activities for our children and safe childcare, providing an opportunity for parents to work without worrying about the security of their children.

Exceptional educational opportunities are provided from the Tommie Barfield Elementary School to the award-winning Marco Island Charter Middle School, the Marco Island Academy and the Lely High School. Much of those successes can be credited back to the volunteer hours given by parents and grandparents and the commitment of their wonderful staff, many of which are residents of our community.

Yes, we got a mention in a magazine, but that pales in comparison to the comments made by our visitors that have the opportunity to avail themselves of the island and your contributions to it. 

We are a wonderful community for numerous reasons, but mostly due to your contributions to where you live and the influence you, personally, contribute to what visitors see.

Those that have attended great events such as the Irish American Parade and Festival, a Thursday night at the Esplanade, the Annual Jerry Adams Chili CookOff, the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Street and Boat Parades and the many other public activities year-round which give visitors that happen upon our community the incentive to return, invest and boast with great pride that “Marco Island is now my home.”

Yes, you help to provide the ultimate Christmas present through your time and talents throughout the year making Marco Island the wonderful place it is. God Bless you all and Merry Christmas.