Rotary Noontime 2026 Spirit of Marco Island Award Honoree

The Rotary Club of Marco Island Noontime is proud to announce Val Simon as a distinguished honoree for the 2026 Spirit of Marco Island Awards, to be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Island Country Club. A group of Rotarians recently gathered at the office of the Coastal Breeze News to surprise Simon with the announcement, recognizing her decades of unwavering dedication to the Marco Island community.

Val Simon, longtime owner and editor of the Coastal Breeze News, is being honored for her extraordinary commitment to community service and civic leadership. Throughout the years, she has served on numerous boards and organizations focused on enhancing the quality of life on Marco Island and supporting residents in need.

Simon’s passion for making a meaningful difference is evident in all that she does. Her involvement with organizations such as Joy of Giving has brought hope and happiness to families facing financial hardship during the Christmas season. By helping raise funds to provide gifts for children and families in need, she has played a vital role in creating priceless holiday memories for countless local families.

Her dedication to community development extends to her work with the Planning Committee for Veterans Community Park and her three terms on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, which helped design the Mackle Park Recreation Center — now a cornerstone of recreation and family life on the island.

Simon has also been deeply involved in health-related causes. She served on the American Cancer Society Board of Directors during the early years of the Relay For Life events, where she contributed to fundraising efforts and planning for the Imagination Ball, as well as supporting Kids Rock Camp for youth battling cancer.

A past Director of the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce, Simon continues to support the business community by sponsoring Media Day for participants in the Leadership Marco program. Her leadership extends to Rotary as well — she served as President of the Marco Island Rotary Club Noontime in 2008–2009, guiding the club to significant success in raising funds for college scholarships and numerous local charitable initiatives.

In recognition of her lifelong dedication to service, the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce named Val Simon the 2021 Citizen of the Year, honoring her countless contributions to the community.

The Rotary Club of Marco Island Noontime, which celebrates its 60th Anniversary of Community and International Service this year, will be hosting the 16th Annual 2026 Spirit of Marco Island Awards and Diamond Anniversary Gala on April 11th, at the Island Country Club. This signature annual event celebrates individuals and organizations who exemplify exceptional civic involvement through their contributions of time, talent, and financial support to the Marco Island community.

Numerous sponsorship opportunities are available for the Gala, including the opportunity to sponsor one of the honorees and receive a VIP table at the event.