The Watermark at Marco Island donates 133 lbs. of food to Our Daily Bread Food Pantry

During the month of June, The Watermark at Marco Island hosted a community-wide food drive to support Our Daily Bread Food Pantry in Naples. Members and associates donated more than 133 pounds of food, which will help combat regional food insecurity and provide nourishing meals to residents in need.

Executive Director of Our Daily Bread Evelyn Rosetti-Ryan visited the community during the drive to share more about the organization, including how they distribute 2 million pounds of food annually and serve 250,000 children, families and seniors each year. Members have plans to visit the facility later this year.

“We are so proud of our members, associates and family members for coming together to support this worthy cause,” said Paige Nicholl, community life director at The Watermark at Marco Island. “Our Daily Bread is doing important work in our community and we’re grateful for the opportunity to learn more about them and support their mission.”

Since opening its doors last year, The Watermark at Marco Island has planted deep roots in the community through local partnerships, charitable activities, and community outreach. This has included several local organizations, including:

• Tommy Barfield Elementary School: In a heartwarming intergenerational program, local elementary students visit the memory care members once a month. The students practice their reading aloud, building their literacy confidence in a supportive, judgment-free environment that brings immense joy to the members.

• Local Senior Groups: Demonstrating the community's culinary talents, Executive Chef Salvatore Pezzella has prepared lunches lunches to Friends for Lunch at the Marco Island Lutheran Church and attendees of Senior Blue Book’s Lunch and Learn events at the YMCA Marco Island. These meals have featured dishes such as his Napoles Nonna’s lasagna, fresh salad and homemade tiramisu.

• Marco Island Chamber of Commerce: The Watermark at Marco Island has been honored to host the Chamber of Commerce and local business owners and influencers for recent events.

• Grace Place: This month, the community will host a backpack and school supply drive to support Grace Place, providing essential items for children preparing to return to the classroom.

The community has also attended and supported fundraising events including the MDR-Your Brain Health Matters Gala, Marco Island Center for the Arts Gala, Marco Island Fire & Resue Foundation and Souper Bowl Fundraiser.

"Our goal has always been to create an extraordinary community where people thrive," said Robyn Johnson, executive director of The Watermark at Marco Island. “This starts with our members and extends to the greater Marco Island community, which we are so proud to be a part of. For our members, being able to give back to the local community has always been an important part of their life. We’re happy to be able to make these connections and support their passion for giving back.”

Located at 1170 San Marco Road, The Watermark at Marco Island offers assisted living and memory care designed around whole-person wellness and healthy aging. For more information, visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/marco-island.