COASTAL BREEZE: Marco Island Woman’s Club Supports The Shelter
Marco Island Woman’s Club (MIWC) President Sue Purvis was dressed in purple, the color of domestic violence awareness, as she welcomed a crowd of ninety ladies to Naples Lakes Country Club for the January MIWC luncheon meeting. This first meeting of 2026 was no ordinary gathering. The tables were adorned with lovely purple centerpieces created by MIWC members Helen Ruth and Debbie Barmeier, setting the tone for a delicious meal and outstanding presentation by Kim Butrico, Volunteer and Community Resource Manager from The Shelter for Abused Women and Children.
MIWC member Shirley Thayer led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and musical rendition of God Bless America. Gwyn Steiner delivered a poignant invocation, encouraging us to embrace positivity and light in a world that can seem very dark in times of uncertainty and despair.
The Marco Island Woman’s Club Charitable Foundation has proudly supported The Shelter for Abused Women and Children for many years. The Shelter is a 501(c)3 nonprofit/charitable organization that works to prevent domestic violence before it begins, protect victims of domestic abuse, and prevail over violence in our homes and community. Did you know that right here in Collier County, the crimes of domestic violence and human trafficking shatter thousands of lives, reaching far beyond the victims, costing us tens of millions of dollars in medical care, social services, lost wages, and productivity each year? We all realize the devastating cost to the victims, but the financial cost to our community is also substantial. The Shelter has been a beacon of hope and light in this crisis. The Shelter’s core services provide over thirty-five programs, including a 24-hour crisis line, two 60-bed emergency shelters (Naples and Immokalee), legal support, healing arts, transitional living cottages, community education, an in-vest program, and human trafficking services. The transitional living program creates a bridge from crisis to independence, providing up to two years of housing, life skills development, advocacy, and parenting support, along with financial literacy and education.
Kim Butrico’s presentation was informative, emotionally stirring, and beyond memorable. Kim has been a dedicated member of The Shelter team for two and a half years, previously serving as a Youth Development Advocate, working directly with young people impacted by domestic violence. Her passion for her role at The Shelter is palpable with a driving force that makes survivors feel welcomed, supported, and connected to resources that will enable them to thrive. A graduate of Associate Leadership Collier, she brings a strong background in advocacy and resource coordination, guided by a commitment to making the world a better place for those in need.
To learn more about The Shelter for Abused Women and Children, including special events and opportunities to volunteer and donate, please visit https://naplesshelter.org.
MIWC gives back to our community through our Charitable Foundation. Our members work diligently throughout the year to raise funds that will be presented as scholarships to students living on Marco Island and will also support local charitable organizations and causes like The Shelter. Our annual fashion show fundraiser, “An Affair to Remember,” will be held February 23, 2026, at Naples Lakes Country Club. This sold-out blockbuster event will be a showcase of style and glamour to rival the red carpet of the Oscars. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please go to MIWC-Hollywood.VIP to learn more. Remember: A gift to MIWC is a gift to the entire community!
New members are our greatest resource and force of energy! MIWC proudly welcomed new member Sara Wolf. We look forward to sharing our spirit of friendship and community goodwill with her. Membership is available to all women who live on Marco Island, full-time or seasonal, whether you own or rent. Please visit https://marcowomansclub.com to learn more.
