Spirit of Giving Shines Bright Like a Diamond

The Noontime Rotary Club of Marco Island hosted its 16th Annual Spirit of Marco Island Awards at their Diamond Anniversary Gala on Saturday at the Island Country Club.

“Celebrating 60 years of making a difference in our community and the world” was their goal for the evening, and the displays upon arrival perfectly encapsulated it.

Walking in, on one’s left were tables brimming with pictures of previous Spirit of Marco honorees. On the right were regal banners alphabetically listing the names of every recipient since the award's inception.

During the cocktail hour, guests took turns reading the vast spread of newspaper clippings from the many Rotary accomplishments, new member inductions, and honoring those who have passed on.

There were one dozen silent auction items to be bid on and a fitting Diamond Earring Grab!

Emcee and event chair, Al Diaz, could be seen greeting and chatting with guests. Pleased to have watched the event grow over the last 16 years, along with money raised for local organizations, he shared, “The great thing about this event is that you get to acknowledge some incredible people.”

Twenty volunteers devoted their time and talents to ensure the event ran smoothly, including Linda Sandlin. “It is a privilege for our Rotary Club to be able to honor the people in our community that give so much of themselves, whether it's their time, their talent, or their treasure,” Sandlin said. “To celebrate 60 years of serving the community…to impact and help the youth... the list gets long!” She laughed as she listed all the ways and organizations that the Rotary has touched, “Celebrating all we've been doing for the last 60 years and launching the next 60 years is what tonight is all about.”

Musician Kellee Kaysee entertained the room and before long, it was time for all to take their seats. An event program at each seat recognized the nearly 30 event sponsors with the appropriate Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, and Diamond status, and the 16 local and nine international organizations and projects supported by the Noontime Rotary.

“This event would not be possible without Al's vision,” said President Sue Haviland as she thanked Diaz. Haviland went on to recognize the Spirit Awards Committee and several locals who make an impact on the community, ranging from political roles and non-profit leaders to clergy members.

Ever the jokester, Pastor Ed Brandt gave a memorable invocation on the joys of aging, before stating the happy reality, “60 is just a number. We are grateful for this diamond anniversary. We're grateful that Rotary is rooted in service. For 60 years, there's been a spirit of service fostered by the strength of sacrifice and a steady commitment. And because men and women have chosen purpose over problems, compassion over convenience, and service above self, we gather tonight to celebrate.”

After further prayer, Pastor Brandt added, “Tonight, may our paddles launch up, up, and away like the Artemis II. And gracious God, within the next 60 years, if not before, may Barfield Drive be completed.” To which the room erupted in Amens!

The first presentation of the evening was the Legacy Award given to Dave Rice.

A resident of the island since 1987, Rice’s history with the sport of football is almost as long as his history of volunteerism. Chair of Christmas Island Style, past president of the Marco Island Chamber, president and chair for the Marco Island Big Flag Committee, and previous director of the YMCA were amongst some of his accomplishments. He was also the ’97 Marco Island Volunteer of the Year and ’12 Citizen of the Year.

Another notable act was helming Project Rescue for the Marco Island Center of the Arts, whose efforts rescued them from bankruptcy.

Rice took the podium and shared how glad he was to be honored alongside two wonderful women that evening, “I've been involved with a lot of events on the island, and I think that the key to the success of being a Marco Islander is in this room.” He gazed at the crowd of involved community members, “It is not anything that we have on the island; it is the people that make it.” He thanked his wife, Jeannie, who was behind everything that he has been able to achieve, the Rotary, and those in service through committees and organizations, “You are the heart of us, you make Marco Island why we are here.”

Next up was the presentation of the Spirit of Marco award to Valerie Simon. Diaz began with a sentiment felt by all: “Val, you are loved.” He continued, “She's all our friends. Every organization trying to raise funds knocks at her door and she's always willing to help. She is community oriented. She ventured off onto her own journey and business and has made that a tremendous success.”

A dedicated mom and wife, Simon was also a past Rotary president, Veterans Community Park Planning Committee member, Parks and Rec Advisory Board member, American Cancer Society Board member, Marco Island Chamber Board of Directors, and a part of the scholarship committee for Marco Island Fire and Rescue Foundation. She has worked with the Traveling Vietnam War Memorial and sponsors Media Day for the Leadership Marco program. She is a past recipient of the ’21 Marco Island Citizen of the Year, and notably a part of the Joy of Giving event at Christmas time, along with her daughters.

Simon began with humorous honesty, “Anybody who knows me knows that I have not slept for a week because I have to give a speech.”

She thanked her family and their significant others along with her Coastal Breeze staff, many of whom were in attendance.

“To be recognized by an organization like the Noontime Rotary Club, which embodies service, integrity, and commitment, means more to me than I can fully express, especially on their 60th anniversary. Rotary represents something very powerful. The idea that when people come together with a shared purpose, real and lasting change happens. That spirit of service is something I truly admire. It is just one of the ingredients that makes Marco Island the community that it is. These awards have our names on it, but they really belong to the many people in our community.”

“I look around and I see so many of you that care so deeply and give so generously of your time and money, and you consistently show up. That kind of spirit is contagious. I'm grateful to be a part of a community that values compassion and making a difference. It really is the spirit of Marco.”

Auctioneer Chris Lombardo prepped the room for the upcoming paddle raise before introducing a video that showed various leaders whose mission and lives have been touched by Noontime Rotary. “I'm touched and humbled because the Rotarians do so much worldwide. One person can have impact, but a group of people can change the world for the better.”

The video included a student, Licia, who received a generous scholarship. “The Rotary Club came in, and they understood my situation and took me in. I want to say thank you for believing in me and giving me a chance to be able to excel in life.”

Last, but most certainly not least, Linda Cassens was honored with the Spirit of Marco Award. “She’s an amazing host and cook, but most of all, just an amazing person,” Diaz said with a smile.

Linda is a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church and their Grief Share group, involved with the Dementia Response Group, a supporter of Our Daily Bread, Marco Island Center of the Arts, Historical Society, and the YMCA. A past board member of the Island Country Club and McKendree University, and the developer of The Allison Cassens Early Childhood Development Center.

Cassens Transport, her family business, is one of the largest transporters of vehicles. Linda had the idea a few years back to paint one of the trucks pink to spread the word and raise funds for cancer research. ‘Haul Hope’ wound up with a waitlist of drivers to operate it!

“This is so heartwarming. I can't thank you enough,” said an emotional Cassens. “There are so many women in this room that have done as much or more than I could ever think of.” She proceeded to call out their names, “People say that Marco is an island paradise. But what makes this island so beautiful is not the weather or the scenery, it's the beautiful people that do things from the bottom of their hearts.”

In line with acknowledging the individuals in the room who have made a difference, she proceeded to thank the many organizations that have impacted not only herself but so many within the community.

“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I just want to say God bless you all, and God bless America. We are so lucky.”

As Diaz returned to the podium to deliver his final thanks to those involved with the behind-the-scenes planning, his daughter, Alexandra Diaz, came forward with a surprise award. “Tonight, we're honoring someone whose heart defines the very spirit of service. This award is reserved for those who give, not for recognition, but because helping others is simply who they are.”

’00 Rotary President, ’01 Volunteer of the Year, ’09 Service Above Self recipient, ’11 Spirit of Marco, and a Paul Harris Plus Five – Rotary International’s highest recognition, “This individual has always given back with his time, talent, and treasure.” Alexandra then presented the Heart of Service award to her father.

“If there is one lesson I have learned from my father, it would be that it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, but if you are able, it is your duty to give back, and I will always live by this motto,” said Alexandra.

Surprised and humbled, Diaz hugged his daughter and addressed the audience one last time, “Thank you so much. This event is not about me, but I appreciate the honor. It's very kind. It's about our community and all the people. I'm inspired by all of you that give back.”

The gala concluded with no shortage of shining smiles and shimmering hearts as dazzling as a diamond itself.