Marco Woman's Club Marks Fundraising Milestone

Photos by Quentin Roux | Line-up of the models for the fashion show.

Style and pizazz are evident at any Marco Island Woman’s Club gathering you’d care to mention, and the latest one had it all and then some.

About 250 women from the club gathered recently at the Hilton resort for its 20th annual fashion show and luncheon fundraiser and TBT, they were dressed as fashionably as the models who would later strut their stuff on the ramp.

The club, big on charity and particularly student scholarships, was established in 1966 as a social and civic-minded organization strongly focused on community causes.

That has included founding the city’s library, providing substantial scholarships for deserving local students, helping financially with the launch of the Marco Healthcare Center, donating to Meals of Hope, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Center for the Arts, the Veteran’s Freedom Foundation and also promoting island beautification.

: Joanne Patterson for Kay’s on the Beach.

: Capt. Brian Boxx for Island Style Clothing.

In her remarks, club president Sue Ellen Welch thanked a host of members who had contributed to the planning and execution of the gala, particularly fashion show chair Lael Kilpatrick and her committee.

Local clothing boutiques showing some of their outfits were Island Style Clothing, Kay’s on the Beach and Patchington. Hair was by the Salon at the JW Marriott, Marco Island.

Close to 80 local businesses and organizations contributed items for door and raffle prizes.

Popular local NBC TV personality Stacey Deffenbaugh once again performed fashion commentary duties.

New members are welcome. Call Welch at 239-642-7126 or visit the website Marcowomansclub.com.