THANK YOU to everyone who attended, donated items, and volunteered to help make the milestone 20th Annual VISTEBall a success!! Thanks also to the VISTE planning team and to our many generous sponsors! The casual, golf-themed extravaganza was refreshed this year and included a new layout, new games, prizes, silent auctions, food and drinks, and much more. The event is VISTE’s major annual fundraiser – all to benefit local seniors in need. SAVE THE DATE ...

VISTE is fortunate to have a talented and highly-engaged Board and Advisory Board, and we are grateful for all these volunteers do for VISTE and our elderly clients! Several years ago, VISTE began an effort to recruit and train a younger generation of Board and Advisory Board members, and we appreciate their new ideas, energy, and enthusiasm. We are looking to the future, and sustainability for essential services to benefit local seniors is a priority. ...

During times of great uncertainty, I’m often reminded of the book “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson. In that book we’re reminded that change is inevitable. We can’t control change, but we can control how we react to it. Over the past few months many have asked if/how VISTE might be impacted by proposed cutbacks in federal funding. The quick response is Yes, it is likely that VISTE services will be negatively affected. However, ...

Greetings in the New Year! This year will be a milestone event as we celebrate the 20th Annual VISTEBall. The unique, indoor, golf-themed event is fun for golfers and NON-golfers alike! No black ties needed... dress comfortably in casual attire. There's LOTS to enjoy at VISTEBall, including food, drinks, silent auction items, a wheelbarrow of cheer, and plenty of games and prizes. This year’s event will feature 2 golf simulators, new non-golf games, new food ...

Join us in extending a warm VISTE welcome to Kayla McClenthen, VISTE’s new Volunteer Manager! Originally from Machesney Park, IL, Kayla also lived in Texas, Kentucky, and Tennessee before relocating to Lakeland in 2023. She holds a BS degree in Management Studies and an MBA with a focus in Project Management from Rockford University. At age 31 Kayla joined the U.S. Army. Stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY, she specialized in Logistics. She loved the work, ...

The 20th Annual VISTEBall will take place on Saturday, February 1st at Sun ‘n Fun Expo Campus. We are pleased to take this opportunity to spotlight our talented, longtime Board member, Steve Madden! Among many other achievements, Steve is credited with being the creative vision behind what has become VISTE’s signature annual fundraising event. This popular golf-themed extravaganza raises funds, friends, and awareness for VISTE’s mission. Thanks to Steve’s vision, event committee members, sponsors, volunteers, ...

This message is being written on a very special day as my wife and I celebrate our wedding anniversary! On this occasion we often reminisce about how we met, how the family has grown since, and more. This annual tradition strengthens our love for each other and deepens our gratitude for family and friends. As we enter the holiday season, Thanksgiving also provides an opportunity to spend time with family and friends, give thanks, and ...

Happy Fall! As the Thanksgiving and holiday season approaches, I would like to invite you to participate in VISTE’s upcoming volunteer opportunities! This time of year is exciting as we have holiday deliveries for VISTE clients available, including Thanksgiving meals on Wednesday, November 27, and Christmas gifts starting on December 16. These are all fun-filled volunteer activities that you can do individually, as a group, or with your family, including children. VISTE clients are always ...

Summertime is often an exciting season filled with family vacations, breathtaking sunsets, and an endless quest to moderate the effects of high heat and humidity. While many of VISTE’s regular volunteers take time away, we also experience an influx of young people and volunteer groups of all ages. This newsletter shines a spotlight on just a few of the many volunteers that set aside time this summer to continue VISTE’s mission of service to local ...

Meet Terri Selz, VISTE’s talented Volunteer Coordinator! A longtime Lakeland resident, Terri holds a degree in Business from the University of South Florida in Tampa and worked in the customer service industry for many years. Terri also has significant volunteer experience, including with St. Paul Lutheran School and VISTE. Terri began work at VISTE in March 2024. Currently she manages the volunteer program, gives tours of the facility, assists with various events, and coordinates outreach ...