Marco Island Woman’s Club

This centerpiece was created by Kim Walsh and Roxana Rascoe.

Screenshot

It was a happenin’ scene at Naples Lakes Country Club as the Marco Island Woman’s Club (MIWC) officially kicked off their 60th Diamond Jubilee year. “Strength and Survival” was the theme of the October luncheon as we embraced our past, celebrated survivors, and welcomed our guest speaker, Sue Olszak of the American Cancer Society. We were feelin’ groovy as we honored our roots. Several members wore sophisticated Jackie Kennedy attire, mod go-go boots, or far out Summer of Love/Haight-Ashbury threads. Founded in 1966 by sixteen women, MIWC has survived the decades and is still going strong! We are not only surviving. We are thriving! 

MIWC President Tammy Barstow welcomed the crowd as Shirley Thayer led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and musical rendition of God Bless America. A moment of silence was observed in memory of those who were killed or taken hostage, including forty-six Americans, in the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. May they never be forgotten.

Like MIWC, the American Cancer Society was originally founded by a small group of people who wanted to make a positive impact. Founded in 1913 by fifteen individuals, the organization was originally known as the American Society for the Control of Cancer. At the time, a cancer diagnosis meant almost certain death. The early founders knew they had to raise public awareness if progress was to be made in the fight against this disease. Once again, like MIWC, it took a force of strong women to trailblaze for this cause. Along came the Women’s Field Army, a group of volunteers organized by Marjorie G. Illig in 1936. These ladies were a force to contend with as they took to the streets in khaki uniforms, complete with insignia of rank and achievement, with the sole purpose of raising money and educating the public about cancer. The Women’s Field Army is credited with lighting the torch that made the American Cancer Society the leading volunteer-driven health organization that it is today. In 1945, the organization was officially named the American Cancer Society (ACS). In 1946, a female philanthropist by the name of Mary Lasker started a program that raised more than four million dollars, with one million specifically dedicated to cancer research. This move sparked the American Cancer Society’s groundbreaking research program that has saved countless lives. 

Sue Olszak’s presentation was enlightening and informative. We learned about breast cancer awareness and early detection. We learned about other services of ACS, including Hope Lodge that provides a free place to stay for cancer patients being treated at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. We also learned different ways that we can help, like Road to Recovery, where volunteers drive cancer patients in need of transportation to their appointments. And last, but not least, we learned about Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC), a 5K fundraising walk that will be held Saturday, October 24 at Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples. MSABC is more than just a walk. It’s a movement that saves lives! We are especially proud of MIWC Vice President Karen Caster, a breast cancer survivor who is a 2026 MSABC Portrait of Hope Ambassador. For more information, please contact sue.olszak @cancer.org or 239.610.3032.

Next month, MIWC will take on a whole new aura as we don our finest attire, complete with elegant hats and fascinators for “A Diamond Jubilee High Tea – Celebrating 60 Years of Elegance and Legacy.’’ Our guest speaker will be Sheila Howard, one of the original sixteen founding members of our club. She will share her memories of the early days of our club and our community.

Membership to the Marco Island Woman’s Club is available to all women who live on Marco Island or Goodland, full-time or part-time, whether you own or rent. We support our community through scholarships for local students and donations to local organizations and causes. We raise funds throughout the year to support this mission. Be sure to check out https://online.fliphtml5.com/Events-MIWC/bgpo/#p=1 to learn about our annual Fashion Show Fundraiser! “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” will be held at Naples Lakes Country Club, February 22, 2027. Sponsorship opportunities are available. All funds raised will be given back to our community in scholarships and support of local charities through the MIWC Charitable Foundation. A gift to MIWC is a gift to our entire community.

Please visit https://marcowomansclub.com to learn more about membership, events, special interest groups, legacy opportunities, and more.