President's Message

by Steve Bissonnette



Happy 2024! This past year marked VISTE’s 40th Anniversary. We took that opportunity to honor our past and look forward to the next 40+ years of service to our elderly neighbors in need. While the names and faces of Board members, volunteers, staff, and clients have changed over the years, our common mission remains the same: to help elderly persons remain safe and independent in their own homes. 2023 was a milestone year for VISTE and we are excited for the new year ahead!

To keep that momentum moving forward, I want to extend a personal invitation for you to participate in our annual fundraising event, VISTEBall.

Join us for the 19th Annual VISTEBall!

VISTE’s signature annual fundraising event will take place at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus in Lakeland on Saturday, February 3 from 6:00-9:30pm. The golf-themed extravaganza features games, food and drinks, prizes, an Online and Live Auction, the Wheelbarrow of Cheer, a $10,000 long putt challenge, and much more! Enjoy complimentary beer, wine, and margaritas throughout the evening, appetizers, and a full dinner buffet featuring popular local restaurants - all included in the $75/person ticket price. Dress is golf casual. And it’s for a great cause - helping local seniors in need!

Purchase tickets below and follow us on social media (@VISTELakeland) for frequent updates. See you there!

Note: This event is recommended for ages 21 and over.

Volunteer Program

by Bethany Masters | Volunteer & Events Manager

The “V” in VISTE stands for so much! Words cannot describe the warmth, the love, the dedication, and the hard work that the “V” stands for. I am so honored to be a part of this volunteer team. Thank you to each volunteer, whether you donate your time as part of a group or individual, a one-time volunteer, or a scheduled volunteer. VISTE wouldn’t be VISTE without you. THANK YOU!

Call for VISTEBall Volunteers!

Join us as we hold our premier annual fundraising event - all for a great cause! We’re looking for volunteers who are interested in assisting. Sign up to help make this event spectacular!

• Friday 2/2/24 | Set up for event (During the day)

• Saturday 2/3/24 | Set up & decorating (During the day)

• Saturday 2/3/24 | Wait staff, table bussers & more (During the event)

• Saturday 2/3/24 | Clean up & Packing (Immediately after event)

• Sunday 2/4/24 | Final cleanup (Afternoon after event)

Just fill out a volunteer application at VISTE.org, select VISTEBALL from the events, and we'll get back with you ASAP! If you have any questions, contact Bethany at (863) 284-0828, ext. 1007 or email [email protected]. THANK YOU!!

It's Life Changing!

by Mickey Norman | Client Services Manager

Jesse McDaniel is 74 years old, a Lakeland resident, and an Army veteran. When he contacted VISTE, he had been in a rehab facility for several months due to mobility issues. Although his doctor had cleared him to leave, he couldn’t return home because he wouldn’t have been able to navigate the entrance steps to his home using a wheelchair. VISTE’s all-volunteer Ramp Crew built an accessibility ramp and a wedge for Jesse, and he was able to leave rehab – just in time spend the holidays in his own home. He called to let me know that he was very grateful for the help VISTE provided in his time of need. As Jesse noted, “The ramp is life changing!” Many thanks to our generous supporters and the talented volunteers who make this program possible!

The need is great, but together we are greater than the need!

With Gratitude

Thank you to our VISTEBall 2024 Major Sponsors!