2025 Lee County VCB E Awards
Last week, Team Sundial attended the 25th Annual Elaine McLaughlin Outstanding Hospitality Service Awards (E Awards). Last week’s “Greatest Show on Earth”-themed event celebrated 1,320 nominations submitted by residents, visitors and colleagues. Sundial was proud to have 10 of our team members nominated and recognized for their outstanding service and commitment to hospitality.
“Presented by the VCB and The News-Press Media Group, the E Awards shine a spotlight on hospitality professionals who go above and beyond to wow our visitors.” – Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB)
Nominees are submitted across 7 categories, including Accommodations, Attractions, Best Tourism Boss, Good Samaritan, Other Services/Businesses, Restaurants, and Transportation.
Sundial Nominees Include:
- Mallory, Rec Team
- Jessica, Marketplace and Food & Beverage
- Lois, Human Resources
- Bernadette, Housekeeping
- Antoinette, Food & Beverage
- Gabriel, Food & Beverage and Banquets
- Barbara, Food & Beverage
- Eric, Safety
- Limoncia, Housekeeping
- Brad Z., Rec Team
The competition was stiff and the stories were incredibly moving – we are so proud to have been among the nominees. However, there is one person on our list whose nomination story we wanted to share. Antoinette, one of our Food & Beverage Managers, was nominated in the Accommodations category and was awarded an honorable mention!
A Proposal with a Personal Touch
Antoinette Lodico, a longtime Food & Beverage Manager at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, is known for her joyous spirit and willingness to help. This was especially clear when a man named Jakob called from Chicago, seeking to arrange a special proposal for his girlfriend.
Antoinette didn’t have a specific package to offer, but she was determined to assist. She was reminded of her son and felt a deep, personal connection, telling Jakob that she simply “wanted to give back and help show his future bride the same love and support” her own son had received.
She went to work, designing a perfect proposal moment. Antoinette researched Polish traditions (a must-have detail requested by Jakob), incorporating a ceremonial uncut loaf of bread and a white scarf, symbolizing a solid, loving union. She purchased pink roses and personalized champagne flutes, and arranged dining reservations.
As the couple dined at our Shima Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, Antoinette decorated the beach. She arranged two lounge chairs and created a large heart in the sand, outlined with votive candles. The couple was timed to step out onto the beach just as the sun set. Antoinette arranged for the moment to be captured in photos.
This extraordinary act of kindness (done during a time of personal challenge) is just one example of the passion and dedication that Antoinette brings to every guest at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa.
