Ranks of Joy of Giving volunteers swell

Photo by QUENTIN ROUX, A cherub-faced child is the overriding graphic on a new Web site that is bolstering the efforts of the Joy of Giving, Marco Island’s largest Christmas
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Tracy Gudgel and Ralph Bayer of Gudgel Graphix have provided the Joy of Giving - Marco's biggest Christmas gift-giving charity - with a free Web site, which they will maintain throughout the year.

A cherub-faced child is the overriding graphic on a new Web site that is bolstering the efforts of the Joy of Giving, Marco Island’s largest Christmastime gift-giving charity.

The program has for the past 20 years enabled parents of underprivileged children to buy them presents.

Children are nominated from schools all around the area, according to needs assessed by teachers and guidance councilors.

Founder Nicki Davis reports additional momentum this year that is complementing the lion’s share commitment each year by the Island Country Club, and also a popular bike run organized by Autocraft owner Ernie Bordon.

The Marriott Marco Island Resort has thrown its fundraising hat in the ring, and has organized a concert and fun two day event scheduled for Dec. 18 and 19.

Proceeds from this event will swell the 2010 Joy of Giving coffers.

Latest contributor in kind is Tracy Gudgel of Gudgel Graphix, along with her friend Ralph Bayer, who have designed — and are maintaining — a Joy of Giving Web site.

It is joyofgivingchildren.org, and outlines the history of the event, how to donate, an events calendar, and contact information.

Gudgel said she’s known Davis for many years, and when Davis asked her for possible help, she jumped right in.

“It’s a perfect way to get the word out, and it makes it easy for people to donate,” Gudgel said.

Davis said Gudgel is providing her services free of charge, and is a welcome addition to the ever-growing team.