Volunteer Spotlight: Steve Madden

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, and generous community support, VISTEBall has now raised over $4 million to benefit local seniors in need!

Steve first learned about “birdie balls” while attending a marketing event many years ago.  According to the company that invented them, a “birdie ball is a practice golf ball that you can hit anywhere. It has a limited flight distance of 40 yards, but it feels and flies just like a real golf ball. Using birdie balls, golfers can make indoor golf shots that simulate the real thing.”

From that inspiration, Steve helped develop a plan for a unique fundraising idea that included golf-themed activities, prizes, food and drinks. He then teamed up with VISTE and the BirdieBall company to name this event VISTEBall. The event has grown significantly over the years and has been held in various locations and has drawn crowds of 500-600 attendees. An Online Auction, a Wheelbarrow of Cheer, and a long-putt challenge that could earn a lucky participant $10,000 are also part of the fun. The upcoming 20th Annual event will also include many new features!

In spite of the name, VISTEBall is a casual event, not a fancy dress ball.  And you don’t have to be a golfer – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

In 1995 Steve founded Madden Sports Apparel with his wife Stephanie. Originally operating out of a two-bedroom apartment, the company grew into a thriving enterprise, and over the years has enjoyed several different locations. Recently the company was rebranded as Shop Madden, but the core business has always focused on design, branding, and quality promotional products.

Steve has received numerous VISTE awards over the years. VISTEBall is also a family affair for the Maddens – everyone chips in (no pun intended) to assist with the event.

Stephanie Madden, who in addition to being a wife, mother of six, and a grandmother, continues to be a partner in the family business. A Lakeland City Commissioner since 2018, Stephanie is also active in numerous professional, educational, social, and volunteer organizations. The couple attends Grace City Church, and they are enthusiastic supporters of the Lakeland High School Booster Club.

After VISTEBall 2025, Steve plans to step down as event chairman but will play a supporting role for future VISTEBall events.  He will also continue to serve on the Board and be involved with the organization. We can’t thank him enough for all he’s done to promote VISTE’s mission, engage new supporters, and – as fellow Board member Paula Mims would say – “keep the fun in fundraising!”

Please join us in expressing a huge and heartfelt THANK YOU to Steve Madden, and to the entire Madden family for their love and support. Better yet, get your tickets to attend this milestone event and join us in thanking Steve in person. Whether you’ve attended for many years, or this is your first time, there will be something new for everyone at this year’s VISTEBall. See you there!

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