MARCO ISLAND — While it may be a secret who will be receiving awards at the Christmas Island Style Gala Sunday, it’s no secret that the Islanders who contributed the most of their time and energy to the Marco Island community this year will soon be given an evening of recognition.

The Gala is 6 p.m. Sunday at the Island Country Club. Festivities include a cocktail hour, sit-down dinner and dancing music.

The Naples Daily News, Marco Eagle, and Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce will be awarding the community’s top contributors to at least three award recipients. The Naples Daily News Citizen of the Year, The Marco Eagle’s Volunteer of the Year and the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award will be a surprise to the winners until the formal announcement Sunday evening.

Steve Stefanides, Chairman of Christmas Island Style, said he will also be awarding Christmas volunteers and two other community members for their dedicated service to the Island-- all kept secret.

The Citizen of the Year and Volunteer of the Year have been awarded every year on Island for the past 17 years. “We’re proud to have the honor of giving out the Citizen of the Year Award for Marco, in conjunction with the Chamber. It’s a wonderful tradition,” said Chris Doyle, publisher of the Naples Daily News.

Nominees eligible for the award come from varying backgrounds with business or civic contributions made publicly in the limelight or tirelessly in the background. The award will go to someone who contributed greatly to the Island community at least in the last year and perhaps as a citizen for many years.

Island resident and second generation attorney Craig Woodward was last year’s winner, particularly for his dedication of about $400,000 to the future Marco Island Historical Museum and donating nearly as many hours to construct a model of the new buildings. He said he was pleased to be involved in selecting this year’s award winner who will likely be as surprised as he once was.

Marco Eagle General Manager Bob Sandy will be presenting the Eagle Volunteer of the Year Award.

“This award will go to someone who really played a significant role on the grassroots level focusing tirelessly on events, fundraising and activities that positively impact the community as a whole. These people are genuinely interested in benefiting the community,” Sandy said.

He added that he is honored to have the opportunity to award this secret person as he did last year’s winner, Judy Perez, whose numerous volunteer contributions included raising the most ever in a single Marco Island event, $500,000.

The Chamber Board began giving the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007 to give particular appreciation to people who have maintained a high level of service to the island and business community for many years, said Vicki Williams, marketing director for the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce.

Williams wouldn’t let on who the winner was but said this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award will go to someone who is “spectacular, very, very amazing.”

The award will go to someone who is active year after year who “consistently donates their time for the betterment of the island and the business community,” she said.

Last year’s winner was a former president of the Chamber described by Williams as “our very own Indiana Jones,” Pat Neale.

Nominees for the award come from the community and are selected by a committee of past winners based on their contributions. The Gala is one of several Christmas Island Style events.

“I personally love presenting the award, as it’s a great evening filled with laughter, emotion and celebrating Marco-style,” Doyle said.

Christmas Island Style Gala is 6 p.m. Sunday at Island Country Club, 500 Nassau Road near Birwood Terrace.

Details on Christmas Island Style are available by calling 250-8348 or visiting Christmasislandstyle.com.

Naples Daily News
Naples Sun Times
The Banner

Collier Citizen
Vista Semanal
PrepZone

Coastalbeat
Set Anchor
SWFLMoms