VISTE’s mission is to enable elderly persons to remain

safely and independently in their own homes.

President's Message

by Steve Bissonnette



Greetings in the New Year! 2025 was a milestone year in many ways and at the same time, an anxiety-producing one for many seniors. Recurring news coverage of potential cuts or interruptions to SNAP benefits, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid left many seniors feeling anxious and uncertain about their future. At VISTE, we saw a significant increase in the number of clients requesting help, especially with supplemental groceries. Amid such uncertainty, it’s more important than ever that VISTE continue as a steady and reliable source of care and hope for local seniors in need. As we kick off this new year, one way you can help ensure that seniors continue to receive VISTE services is by supporting our annual signature fundraising event, VISTEBall!

JOIN US for the 21st Annual VISTEBall!

Games, Prizes, Long Putt Challenge & More

VISTE’s signature annual fundraising event will take place at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus in Lakeland on Saturday, January 31 from 6:00-9:30 pm. The golf-themed extravaganza features games, prizes, an Online Auction, the Wheelbarrow of Cheer, a $10,000 long putt challenge, and much more! Enjoy complimentary beer, wine, and margaritas throughout the evening – plus a 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 for ages 21+

VISTEBall 2026 Volunteer Opportunities
By Kayla McClenthen, Volunteer & Events Manager

We’re excited to announce volunteer opportunities for VISTEBall, our signature annual fundraiser! All proceeds benefit local seniors in need. If you’d like to help, please fill out the VISTE Volunteer Form and select VISTEBall - or email Kayla@viste.org for more information. Here are the available dates and roles:

• Event Setup | Help decorate, set up tables, and more on Saturday, January 31 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• During the Event | Assist with games, food, and fun on Saturday, January 31 from 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Note: Must be 21 to volunteer during the event)
• Wrap-Up Crew | Help us wrap up on Sunday, February 1 from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Multiple shifts available

Your energy and enthusiasm make all the difference! Thank you for supporting VISTEBall - we couldn’t do it without you!

Leadership Notes

By Dorothy Blackwell, Development Manager

VISTE recently held the annual Leadership Development Workshop, which provides a unique opportunity for the entire Board and key staff to engage collaboratively in the implementation of our strategic plan. Thanks to Sterling Creative Consultants for facilitating and to GiveWell Community Foundation for support through an Empower Hardee, Highlands & Polk grant. We are grateful to our Board and Advisory Board members for their ongoing commitment to ensure that essential services for local seniors are not only available in the year ahead, but for generations to come. Special thanks to Farm Credit of Central Florida for hosting this event!

Holiday Appeal 2025 - Thank you!

THANK YOU so much to everyone who contributed to the 2025 Holiday Appeal! Through your generosity, VISTE volunteers delivered 2,000 Thanksgiving meals and a live poinsettia, as well as 400 Holiday Personal Care boxes to VISTE clients, bringing holiday cheer and hope to local seniors in need. Special thanks to our Title Sponsor Allen & Company and to T. Mims Corp., The Mosaic Company, Florida Blue, Orlando Health/Watson Clinic, Comcast, and an anonymous donor - and to volunteers from the Polk County Veterans Council who delivered Holiday Personal Boxes to VISTE clients who are military veterans.

Thank You from a VISTE Client

Thanksgiving Meal Delivery


"The food was delicious, the flowers bright and beautiful, and the artwork warmed the soul. Please tell the children what a wonderful job they did. Thank you for the time and effort all of you put into making our Thanksgiving a wonderful memory!"

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

With Gratitude

Thank you to our VISTEBall 2026 Major Sponsors!

PRESENTING SPONSOR