Local Golfers Come Out Swinging For Christmas Island Style

The volunteer committee known as Christmas Island Style, which is responsible for many of the fun events that surround the holiday season here on Marco Island, are already busy with the season’s celebrations which begin in November and run through the end of December.

They first have to raise the necessary funds to ensure all of the events which are offered at no charge to the many residents and visitors who come out to enjoy them. This year the group felt some of the same disappointment brought about due to Hurricane Ian when he came roaring ashore in late September. It would require that the Wayne T. Purvis Memorial Golf Tournament, which serves as Christmas Island Style’s major fundraiser, was canceled due to damages on the course where it was to be held.

The organization would not allow themselves to be deterred from the tasks ahead of them, as they understood how much the island looks forward to the events each year. Other small fund-raising efforts went ahead throughout the fall. Although the group would offer refund monies paid for sponsorships and foursome fees for the tournament, many of those individuals and businesses would insist that the group retain those funds. “Our community is just so generous and kind hearted,” said Christmas Island Style Chairperson Wanda Burson. 

On Saturday, November 26th the steering committee for the golf outing would be surprised as they were invited to the Island Country Club for lunch. It was at that time when the committee would receive a surprise donation check to help support their efforts from members of “F-Troop” from the Island Country Club.

F-Troop is comprised of golfers who, on a regular basis, have supported Christmas Island Style events over many years. Wayne Purvis was an active member of the F-Troop group and was instrumental in many of their philanthropic activities until his passing. His wife Susan is an active member of both the Christmas Island Style Committee and chairs the Holiday Canine Pet Parade, is a member of the Island Club and an active tennis member at the club.

Present for the check presentation were F-Troop members Michael Hook, Scott Welliver, Allen Lombardi    and his son T.J. Present from Christmas Island Style were Wanda Burson who serves as chairperson of Christmas Island Style, Sandi Sims who is chairperson for the Wayne T. Purvis Memorial Golf Tournament and Barb Dasti who is Treasurer of the Christmas Island Style Committee. Susan Purvis was away for the Thanksgiving Holiday with her family in the Chicago area but was there in spirit.