One might think that the color combinations of pink, orange and black would clash, but not in October, and not for the Marco Island Woman’s Club!
Naples Lakes Country Club was the place to be for “Pink is the New Orange and Black,” the October luncheon of MIWC. The theme was breast cancer awareness, featuring a presentation of Little Pink Houses of Hope by Marco Island resident Brad Shaw.
The spirit of celebration was alive yet haunting with Halloween centerpieces created by MIWC Assistant Treasurer Roxana Rascoe.
The October luncheon was the first official meeting of the 2025-26 season for the club. MIWC President Sue Purvis welcomed the crowd as Shirley Thayer led the Pledge of Allegiance and musical rendition of “God Bless America.” It was a pleasure to welcome new members Karla Kunzeman and Dawn Kramer to our club.
Perhaps the most touching moment was the invocation, written and delivered by 2024-25 MIWC Vice-President Karen Caster. Last November, Caster was diagnosed with Stage 2 Her2 positive breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form of the disease. Now cancer free, she spoke of gratitude to members of MIWC and other members of the Marco Island community who touched her life with cards, gifts, and many prayers throughout her ordeal. This is the spirit of sisterhood that lives and thrives within this remarkable club.
Little Pink Houses of Hope is a national retreat program for families who are going through the difficult journey of breast cancer. Brad Shaw has been the Little Pink Marco Island retreat coordinator for the past three years. His fascinating presentation told the heartwarming stories of breast cancer warriors and their families from across the country who were blessed with the opportunity to rest, relax, and celebrate life on Marco Island through the Little Pink program.
Shaw spoke with gratitude of the generosity of people and businesses in our community who have made the Marco Island retreats so successful. Some donated the use of their beautiful waterfront homes for lodging the families during their stay. Some donated their talents as volunteers while others contributed financially. Restaurants and other island businesses generously donated their food, time, and services. The MIWC Charitable Foundation gave a generous donation to the cause in May 2025. For the past three years, volunteers from MIWC have proudly served the opening night dinners for Little Pink. This year MIWC created a brand-new initiative. “Little Pink Letters of Love” provided each family with welcome notes handwritten by members of MIWC, sharing the spirit of hope that defines our community.
To learn more about Little Pink Houses of Hope, visit littlepink.org.
Hope ambassador
Our October luncheon was very special for me as 2025 marks my 30-year anniversary of surviving breast cancer. Special guest and my dear friend, Sue Olszak of the Marco Island unit of the American Cancer Society was present as Sue Purvis announced to the club that I am a 2025 Portrait of Hope Ambassador for the ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Southwest Florida walk to be held Oct. 25 at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, Naples.
For me, this is proof that miracles are real, hope is alive, and no matter what, I will thrive! MSABC is the largest and most dynamic breast cancer awareness movement in the United States. For more information about the local event, visit https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg=entry&fr_id=110886.
MIWC gives back
MIWC gives back to our community in so many ways through our Charitable Foundation. Our members work diligently throughout the year to raise funds that will be presented in scholarships to students living on Marco Island and will support local charitable organizations and causes. Mark your calendars now for our annual fashion show fundraiser, “An Affair to Remember”, February 23, 2026, at Naples Lakes Country Club. This blockbuster event will be a showcase of style and glamour that will rival the red carpet of the Oscars.
Wouldn’t you like to be a member of this amazing organization? Membership to MIWC is available to all women who live on Marco Island, full-time or seasonal, whether you own or rent. Our special interest groups include book clubs, a stitchers group, a theater group, cards and games, and even a travel club. We thrive with the opportunities to donate our time as helpers at community events like Meals of Hope, our annual Beach Cleanup, the American Cancer Society Imagination Ball, Camp Able, Little Pink Houses of Hope, and more.
Join us in friendship, fun, and a spirit of giving back to our community.
For more information, visit marcowomansclub.com.
This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: Marco Island Woman’s Club – Pink is the new orange and black
Reporting by Maureen Chodaba / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
