Couple gives hotel package to soldier

Roy and Debra Sanders were enjoying a winetasting sponsored by the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce.

Roy Sanders got involved in an auction for a two-night, three-day stay at the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort.

He ended up with the winning bid, $650.

"It was for a good cause and I thought I would use it when our children come down to give them a little privacy," Sanders said.

Then he learned that Mary Quinton, Marco Island Eagle advertising manager, had been bidding against him. She planned to give the Hilton package to her son Chris for a wedding present. Chris Quinton will marry Kristina Sinolizyn on Saturday, Feb. 11.

"About a half-hour after I won the bid, Mary told me that she had been bidding for her son, who had served in Afghanistan and Iraq," Sanders said. "I told her that if I had known, I wouldn't have bid against her. Mary is a sweetheart."

Sanders said he saw Mary around Christmas and offered the hotel package to her son.

"She said I didn't have to do it, but I feel that (for) anyone who is willing to risk their life and do what they do for our country, this is such a small gesture," Sanders said. "Debra and I feel honored to be able to give the package as a gift."

Chris Quinton said he appreciated the gift.

"It was very gracious of them to recognize my service," he said.