Marco Shell Club Welcomes New Board

The Marco Island Shell Club, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, recently held its Annual Board Meeting and Celebration Luncheon. This event served to introduce the 2025-2026 Board of Directors and to honor long-term members for their significant contributions. The newly elected Board of Directors includes Valerie Minner, Karen Ling, Amy Alexander, Becky Miller, Cindy Konney, Kathy Hare, Joyce Mullen, and Cindy Wesolowski. These individuals are dedicated to promoting the study, conservation, history, and science of seashells and mollusks, as well as encouraging shell-related interests such as shell collecting, crafting, and shell art.

During the luncheon, the club recognized 14 Honorary Members for their long-term commitment. These are the members who have paved the way for the Club by their continued support, advice, and knowledge. The Club was fortunate to have these members in attendance, including their longest-running member, Emily Savage. Honorary Members in attendance were Joan Robbins, Bill and Amy Tripp, Kathy Benedict, Paulette and Bruce Carabelli, Emily Savage, Marge and John Tunnell, Jae Kellogg, Mike and Mary Ann Cook, and Meily Kuperus. Karen Caster and Cindy Wesolowski were awarded Honorary Membership at the meeting for their exceptional service and contributions to the club. Congratulations to them! 

The luncheon also celebrated the club's recent achievements, including the success of the Marco Island Shell Club Expo and Spring Sale, which raised funds for educational and scholarship programs for area students. The club's dedication to community engagement and the promotion of shell-related interests was evident throughout the event. The MI Shell Club Expo is the Marco Island Shell Club's biggest fundraiser, held annually. This two-day event showcases hundreds of unique and beautiful shell art creations made by club members. A highlight of the event is the People's Choice awards, given to the most outstanding artistic and scientific exhibits submitted by club members. This year, Cindy Wesolowski won the artistic award, while Cindy Konney received the scientific award for the second year in a row. These exhibits embody the club's mission to promote the study, conservation, history, and science of seashells and mollusks.

The Expo helps raise money to fund the Club's educational and scholarship programs for area students. The Marco Island Shell Club's scholarship programs are funded through the proceeds from their annual Expo and Spring Sale. These programs aim to support educational opportunities for area students, particularly those interested in the study of seashells and mollusks. The club's dedication to community engagement is evident in its efforts to raise funds for these scholarships, which help students pursue their academic goals and foster a love for shell-related interests. The scholarship programs are an integral part of the club's mission. 

If you have any specific questions about the scholarship programs or want more detailed information, feel free to ask! 

To learn more and to keep in touch, visit the website at www.marcoislandshellclub.com, on Facebook at marcoisland_shellclub, and Instagram @marcoislandshellclub.