Those That Give Their Talents and Time

As we begin to enter another one of our busy seasons here on the island, I can’t help but reflect on the last 36 years that I’ve had the privilege, as many of you have witnessed the special place that Marco Island is because of the volunteers who serve it on a daily basis. It is very important to say, “thank you” to the special breed of individuals who help to make everyone’s time here a little more memorable and fun.

I’m speaking about the many volunteers who help to bring smiles onto the faces of full-time and part-time residents of our community, in addition to the many visitors who come across the bridge to visit us as they escape the chilly winds of winter up north.

Just this last weekend the Island had the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of the hard work done by the volunteers that helped to put on the Fall Festival and 5K Run sponsored by the Greater Naples YMCA and the volunteer Realtors here on the island as well as their affiliated partners associated with the Marco Island Area Association of Realtors (MIAAOR). The proceeds from that wonderful event go to support the YMCA Senior Programs here on the island due to your generosity and the donation of your time.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to feast at one of the Friday evening Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinners you need to keep an eye open for one of their next events. The Knights, in cooperation with their sister organization the Columbiettes, work diligently to raise money through those dinners to help provide support to their various charitable endeavors.

Who could ever forget the wonderful work done by Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, both here and off the Island, in addition to the spectacular volunteer work done by Al’s Pals and their indefatigable leader, Allyson Richards.

The volunteers at our local Marco Island Art Center Theatre Group are gearing up for a great season of entertainment for Islanders. Stay tuned for future announcements of upcoming performances to be held during the Christmas Season. Those proceeds go to support promoting the Arts here on Marco Island.

Our Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs are also a shining example of the wonderful work done by volunteers.

The Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron has been diligently planning for its seasonal fundraiser to earn the necessary funding to sponsor their educational programs supporting safety efforts by their group in conjunction with the Civil Air Patrol and Coast Guard Auxiliary. All three organizations offer countless hours of training and educational programs to local mariners.

Ever walk through the Bargain Basket? Those are volunteers working in that store to the delight of bargain seekers from across the Island. The profits made from the store go to support the charitable missions and philanthropy efforts of the United Church of Marco Island.

The Marco Island Fire Rescue Foundation will be hosting its annual Jerry Adams Chili Cook-Off this weekend. It will be held at the Esplanade across from the Winn-Dixie Supermarket on Collier Boulevard. Taste and vote for your favorite Firehouse Chili between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM which will benefit the Foundation’s commitment to assist firefighters and their families should assistance become necessary.

Who hasn’t taken a short walk down memory lane when they’ve got to stroll through the many rows of classic and muscle cars at the annual Kiwanis Car Shows over the years? The shine on the cars is only matched by the smiles and reminiscing that go on as neighbors and friends walk amongst the stunning displays. This year the event goes on this Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. All those proceeds go to support the philanthropic efforts of the Knights.

Do you love to have a good time? Check out some of the efforts of the Sons and Daughters of Erin, an organization that provides a number of activities such as sponsoring the annual Irish American Parade and Hooley each year. They also sponsor and arrange a concert each year featuring the Sicilian Tenors at Christmas and an annual golf outing that supports the Marco Island Charter Middle School.

Of course one of my favorite organizations is shifting into high gear as the volunteers at Christmas Island Style are preparing to bring smiles to young and old alike as the Island prepares to swing into another Joyous Holiday Season. Check out their schedule by going to www.christmasislandstyle.com to find the dates and times of your favorite events. 

Yes, we have much to be thankful for here on the island. We should take time to be thankful for those many volunteers who make much of it possible.

Volunteers are everywhere and their contributions to this community are as priceless as the smiles they bring. We should all be thankful for their efforts and look to find an endeavor from which we could all give back to our community.

Check back now and again and we’ll point out others that make this island such a special place, for they are too many for me to mention in just one week’s column of More Straight Talk, but rest assured we’ll be doing it again.