The Spirit Awards Great Gatsby Gala

The Rotary Club of Marco Island Noontime held its 14th Annual Spirit of Marco Island Awards Dinner with a Great Gatsby theme on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Island Country Club.

Honorees included  Jennifer and Derek Tenney, the Marco Island YMCA, the Marco Island Historical Society, and Michael Stanczak. 

The majority of the more than 200 attendees were dressed in fancy Roaring 20’s attire in keeping with the Great Gatsby theme, which created a festive ambiance for a very entertaining evening.

The gala included a cash appeal for the ‘Touching Little Hearts” program that raises funds for Heart Surgeries for young children of poor families in India, where the average monthly wage is less than $400 a month and surgeries cost more than $10,000. 

Those in attendance viewed a short, heartfelt video that displayed the desperate need of these children born with congenital heart disease, of which only 2% survive.

Local Attorney Chris Lombardo volunteered his time as the auctioneer for the appeal and did an incredible job in urging people to pledge, and they responded with great generosity. The first pledge was for $15,000, which got the ball rolling, leading to several $10,000 pledges, followed by several $5,000 pledges that ultimately raised over $70,000!

This tremendous outpouring of generosity was awe-inspiring and reflected the evening’s theme of “Spirit of Marco.” 

In addition to the Cash Appeal, funds were raised from event sponsorships and a silent auction, both of which were supported by local businesses and individual donations.

The Spirit of Marco Island awards are presented each year to individuals, businesses, and organizations that are civically involved through their contribution of time, talent and financial support of community causes. The Spirit Award recipients were nominated by local residents and other civic organizations and were ultimately selected by a committee of Rotary Club of Marco Island Noontime members.

Each of the four honorees was presented with their official award by Rotary Club President Jennifer Tenney in front of a crowd that included local dignitaries, family, friends, and business leaders, all of whom enjoyed a plated dinner, cash bar, silent auction, and entertainment by the talented Wendy Renee. 

The Noontime Rotary Club of Marco Island is a Community and International service organization that takes great pride in acknowledging this year’s honorees for their incredible contributions to our island paradise!

Anyone interested in joining the Noontime Rotary Club of Marco Island may contact Al Diaz at 239-438-5285 or by email at manager@royalmarcoway.com.

The Noontime Rotary Club of Marco Island wishes to thank all of the Sponsors for this event: Spirt Award Winners Platinum Sponsors: Denise Jeffries of Bellas Florals and More, Detlaf and Alicia Rethage of Qolsixty.com, Jim and Allyson Richards, Alan and Linda Sandlin of the Sandlin Team at Re/Max Affinity Plus, Chris Sullivan, Re/Max of Affinity Plus,  Jennifer and Derek Tenney of  Tenney Law and the YMCA of Collier County. Gold Sponsors: Al and Myrna Diaz, Greater Good of Marco, Deb Henry, Tom Menaker, and Miranda’s Hairworld. Silver Sponsors: Cara’s Royal Photography, Melissa Davidson of First Citizens Bank, Sue Haviland, Marco Island Mattress and Furniture, Philip Penzo of Marco Office Supply, Tyler Canady of Morgan Stanley, Danny Diaz of Tonal Technologies, and Yvonne Bourk of US Bank. Bronze Sponsors: Prem Advani, Al Bismonte, Pat Ettensohn, LCEC-Lee County Electric Cooperative, Prouts Plumbing, Ron and Pat Rutledge, Arne and Jill Sandberg, and Summit Broadband.