Betty Freeman is caregiver of the year

The Sunrise Rotary Club of Marco Island honored its caregiver of the year during Tuesday morning’s meeting.

Photo by JENNA BUZZACCO-FOERSTER, Eagle staff

Betty Freeman, left, smiles as Mary Ann Kline, president of the Sunrise Rotary Club, presents her with the caregiver of the year award.

Betty Freeman, 89, was honored because of her work with community members on and off the island, according to Mary Ann Kline, president of the club.

“I’m speechless,” Freeman said. “It’s what I do, (and) it’s so much fun. I don’t think I should be awarded for all this fun.”

Club members are asked to nominate an Islander who has made outstanding achievements “while maintaining high ethical standards,” Kline said.

“There are a number of organizations that give recognition to community leaders. The usual recipient is a director, high level manager or an owner of a service or business,” Kline said. “We are (here) to select a caregiver within our community that exemplifies the compassion, ethic and professionalism that has brought comfort, joy and courage to those in need. Often our heroes are those who work in the trenches, selflessly giving of their expertise, love and a sense of encouragement to others.”

Freeman volunteers at St. Mark’s Episcopalian Church’s afterschool program, Tommie Barfield Elementary and with the Alhezimer’s Network in Naples.

“It’s people like you that make our community so special,” Kline said.