Thousands of residents enjoyed an eye-popping fireworks display on July 4, thanks in great part to the fund-raising efforts of the Marco Island Chapter of the Florida Restaurant Association.

Members of the restaurant association's Fourth of July Committee fulfilled their offer to the city on July 8, giving the city $15,000 as its contribution for the July 4 display.

The association raised the money by selling raffle tickets for exquisite prizes.

It marked the second year that the restaurant association has helped with covering the cost of the fireworks. A year ago it contributed $10,000.

City Councilman Mike Minozzi was there to receive the check from the restaurant association.

"We are very grateful and very appreciative of the efforts of the association," he said. "It is a very worthwhile project and well attended. It speaks very favorably of the association."

City Manager Bill Moss cited the efforts of the association and others who donated to the fireworks. "Our goal was to see the community take part in providing half of the necessary funds, and they did more," he said.

Roger LaLonde/Staff Eddie Valvano, third from left, gets handshakes all around from members of the Marco Island Chapter of the Florida Restaurant Association as one of the many prize winners in a raffle sponsored by the restaurant association to help pay for the July 4 fireworks. From left, are Sandy Franchino of Cafe de Marco, Joey Oliverio of Joey’s Pizza & Pasta House, Valvano, Denis Meurge of Island Cafe, Robyn Mortellito of Verdi’s American Bistro and Arturo Perez of Arturo’s Ristorante Italiano.

Marco Community Bank, Radisson Suite Beach Resort and the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort collectively contributed $5,000.

The city put $10,000 toward the display.

Committee member Sandy Franchino of Cafe' de Marco, whose restaurant was part of a special Dine Around the Island gift, said, "It is a pleasure for us to be able to give back to the community. The Fourth is always a busy weekend, as are most holiday weekends, but this wasn't about us, it was about doing something for the community as a thank you for their support."

Judy Perez, chairperson of the Fourth of July Committee, was pleased with what the association accomplished.

"We improved on our goal from a year ago and with more community support, we expect to continue our efforts," she said.

Robyn Mortellito, of Verdi's American Bistro and secretary of the association, also recognized the people and places who contributed the outstanding prizes that were raffled on July 4.

A major prize winner was Samantha Rogers, who won a gourmet dinner for 10 people at her home. Chefs Guy Verdi of Verdi's American Bistro, Arturo Perez of Arturo's Ristorante Italiano, Denis Meurge of Island Cafe and Ron Stuhm of Sushi Blues and Steaks will prepare the dinner.

Ellen Kretschmer and Ed Valvano won the two Dine Around the Island prizes, each good for eight people.

Kretschmer's party will have appetizers at the House of Mozart, entree at Blú Fusion and dessert at Marek's Collier House Restaurant. Valvano and guests will have appetizers at Konrad's Seafood & Grille Room, entree at Cafe de Marco and dessert at the Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites.

Mel Lanni won a dinner cruise for 10 aboard the Marco Island Princess. Dinner for 10 at Kurrents in the Marco Island Marriott Resort went to Maxine Goodall.

A $500 gift certificate that can be used at various Marco restaurants was won by Floyd Lilly. Brian Laurent won a $200 gift certificate to Tara Steak and Lobster House, along with two bottles of Tara wine.