Full Steam Ahead for Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron

“Anchors Away” was the spirit Friday night as nearly 300 guests gathered for the Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron’s annual Wine and Hors d’oeuvres Party and Fundraiser — an evening that seamlessly blended great food, lively entertainment, and a shared commitment to community service.

Held at St. Mark’s Catholic Church’s parish hall on Marco Island, the event was chaired by Dave Chaney and marked the Squadron’s only fundraiser of the year, with proceeds directly supporting its extensive slate of boating safety, seamanship, and CPR/AED First Aid courses offered to the public.

From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this would be no ordinary cocktail party. Under the leadership of Susan Cole, who chaired the food committee, and her outstanding kitchen team — with generous support from the Phelan Group, which donated beautifully prepared party platters — attendees were treated to an exceptional culinary spread. Tables overflowed with meat, cheese, vegetables, and olive platters, shrimp cocktail, finger sandwiches, deviled eggs, stuffed bread loaves, boneless chicken wings, Swedish meatballs, and even fresh tuna sashimi, elevating the evening well beyond the description of “heavy hors d’oeuvres.”

The dessert offerings were equally impressive, featuring a tempting assortment of cookies, cupcakes, brownies, éclairs, cannolis, and Nothing Bundt Cakes, drawing rave reviews throughout the night. It was safe to say that no one went home hungry.

Bar service ran smoothly thanks to bar chair Jeff Williams and his volunteers, who ensured wine, beer, and soft drinks flowed freely throughout the evening. Steve Moore handled coffee service later in the night.

Fundraising activities were in full swing from the start, with raffle and 50/50 ticket sales led by Tim Benincasa and Jane Orsulak, assisted by Ed Gerri and their teams. Special recognition goes to Linette Chaney, who chaired the auction efforts and whose behind-the-scenes work was instrumental in organizing both the raffles and the impressive 39 silent auction items, along with 24 raffle prizes and six featured live auction items.

Additional thanks go to Gene Burson, who came out of retirement to help secure donations for the event — a contribution that made a meaningful difference and one the Squadron hopes he might be persuaded to repeat next year.

Geoff Fahringer kept the evening moving at a lively pace as raffle winners were drawn and prizes distributed. Volunteer chair and past commander Chris Ricci conducted the $250 door prize drawing, won by Brian and Liz Hart to enthusiastic applause.

The live auction energized the room, led by professional auctioneer Neil, nicknamed Whitey, a New Hampshire native whose quick wit and rapid cadence sparked competitive bidding and plenty of laughter. The excitement continued with the 50/50 raffle, which grew to $900, with Ed Gerri supervising the drawing and Shelly Derrough taking home the winning ticket to resounding cheers.

As the silent auction closed and winners claimed their prizes, one thing was unmistakable — even after more than two hours of festivities, no one seemed eager to leave. Like any truly great gathering, conversations lingered, laughter carried on, and the sense of camaraderie remained strong until the very end.

The Squadron also extends sincere thanks to the many local businesses that generously supported the event. Whether through gift cards to shops and restaurants, cash contributions, or the purchase of advertisements, their support was vital to the evening’s success and is deeply appreciated.

Beyond the fun, the evening carried real impact. Funds raised support the Marco Island Sail & Power Squadron’s year-round mission of promoting boating education and safety throughout the community. Operating from its training center at 1114 North Collier Boulevard, the Squadron offers courses ranging from CPR/AED and First Aid to introductory and advanced boating classes.

Class schedules can be found in the Squadron’s Coastal Breeze advertisements and on its website at www.misps.org.

The Squadron’s Bridge — Commander Chris Frost, Executive Officer James Addison, Administrative Officer Deborah Rago, Secretary Debora Ricci, Treasurer Gerald Cole — along with the many chairs, volunteers, donors, and attendees, extend their sincere thanks to everyone who helped make the evening such a success.

With strong community support and a night to remember behind them, the Marco Island Sail & Power Squadron is truly full steam ahead.