By Steve Madden
At the beginning of each year, Lakeland is home to several signature events, but none more important to the elderly than VISTEBall. Since 2005, this “quasi-golf showcase meets carnival fun” has delighted attendees of all ages. Guests have enjoyed the unique fare from generous local restaurants, silent auction selections, the $10,000 long putt challenge and of course, taking a chance to win the coveted Wheelbarrow of Cheer!
While February’s event is always full of festive fun and fellowship, the proceeds from VISTEBall go towards such an important cause. Without your support of VISTEBall, the staff and volunteers could not assist seniors with transportation, supplemental groceries, hot meals or client birthdays. Since our inception, we have been blessed with great corporate sponsors and a loyal “gallery” of fans. And this year we need your support more than ever.
Coming up February 6th VISTEBall is celebrating our 16th annual event, and this year, due to COVID-19, we have decided to make the event completely virtual. What does that look like? Well, I am glad you asked!
We will kick off the evening at 6:00pm for our “pre-game tailgate party,” where virtual guests will hear about VISTE’s mission and client stories, while learning about the “Givi” app we will be using for the online auction. At 7:00pm the main portion of our program will start, and viewers will enjoy an interactive VISTE-themed game show experience. The lineup for the evening includes the Price is Right, Family Feud and Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
We hope this year’s VISTEBall attendees will share in the fun by hosting small “watch parties” in various homes across the area. All you need is an internet connection, as the entire event will be streamed on the VISTE website and on our YouTube channel.
Tickets for the evening are only $25 and can be purchased at HERE or by calling VISTE’s office at 863-284-0828. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support of VISTE! We look forward to seeing you VIRTUALLY on the 6th of February!
Steve Madden is President of Madden Branded Goods in Lakeland, a longtime VISTE Board member, and has been a driving force behind VISTEBall ever since the event began in 2005.