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VISTE’s mission is to enable elderly persons to remain
safe and independent in their own homes.
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President's Message
by Steve Bissonnette
“To every thing there is a season…”
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 seniors in need. We are grateful for all their time, energy, and enthusiasm!
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For more information on volunteering at VISTE, click here! | |
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Volunteer Spotlight
VISTE Ramp Crew Builds 500th Ramp!
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Huge thanks to our amazing Ramp Crew volunteers for building their 500th ramp! Responding to a need in the community, VISTE began building accessibility ramps for clients in 2013, and in 2024 completed their 500th ramp! Our talented crew builds custom ramps, half-height stairs, wedges, and rails at no charge to VISTE clients, so that our elderly clients with mobility issues can safely access their homes. Often the VISTE ramp makes the difference between clients being able to remain in their own homes or having to move into institutional care. Special thanks to Ramp Crew Supervisor Brian Jorgesen and to previous Ramp Crew Supervisor Don VanHoutte.
Thanks also to everyone who has supported this key VISTE program, and especially to our Ramp Crew volunteers, who make such a positive difference in the lives of VISTE clients! As one of our clients noted, “It’s not just a ramp – it’s freedom!”
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Make a donation today to fund a ramp for a local senior in need! Our goal is to raise $5,000 to help fund accessibility ramps for VISTE clients. On behalf of our elderly clients aged 70-108, THANK YOU! Click here to donate! | | |
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Welcome Terri Selz!
VISTE’s Volunteer Coordinator
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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 has worked in the customer service industry for many years. Terri also has significant volunteer experience, including with St. Paul Lutheran School and VISTE.
Read more about Terri here.
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It’s a wrap! VISTEBall 2024 was a HUGE success, thanks to YOU! The golf-themed extravaganza included games, prizes, live and silent auctions, a wide array of food and drinks, and much more. The event is VISTE’s major annual fundraiser and netted the second highest amount in 19 years – all to benefit our 4,500+ elderly clients. Thanks to everyone who attended and to our sponsors, auction donors, and volunteers. SAVE the date for the 20th Annual VISTEBall – Saturday, February 1, 2025! | |
VISTE Cares 2024 | Personal Care Boxes | Thanks to everyone who sponsored, donated, packed, and delivered personal care boxes to bring hope and cheer to local seniors in need! Volunteers delivered 400 care boxes to VISTE’s most financially vulnerable clients in June. Thanks to YOU, we raised a record amount and received many heartfelt thank-you notes from our clients. THANK YOU!! | | |
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Honoring a Dear VISTE Friend Robert Smith | Longtime VISTE volunteer Robert Smith had a profound impact on so many during the 12 years he was associated with the organization. His cheerful demeanor, willingness to help, and upbeat greeting, “Good morning, good morning, good morning!” endeared him to everyone he met. He lived a humble but meaningful life and is missed by all who knew him. This year VISTE introduced a new award in his honor, for volunteers who “demonstrate pure acts of kindness by showing tireless dedication to VISTE and our clients.” THANK YOU, Robert, for being an inspiration to us all! | | | |
Volunteers needed and appreciated for all events! Visit viste.org for more information. | |
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Monday 9/30/24 | 3rd Annual VISTE Open Charity Golf Tournament
Wednesday 11/27/24 | 28th Annual Thanksgiving Meal Delivery event
Nov & Dec 2024 | Holiday Personal Care Boxes for clients
December 2024 | Christmas gift bag delivery to clients
Saturday 2/1/25 | 20th Annual VISTEBall
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Would you like to make a difference in the life of a senior in need? VISTE has an ongoing need for volunteers to assist with a wide variety of tasks and projects. | | |
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Questions?
Contact Terri Selz
at terri@viste.org
or call (863) 284-0828
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Every day we receive calls for assistance with food, transportation, accessibility ramps, and other services. The needs are great, and VISTE works hard to accommodate those requests, at no charge to the client. THANK YOU for your contribution – it means so much to a senior in need! |
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The need is great, but together we are greater than the need! | |
Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon Sponsors | |
VISTE Cares 2024 Personal Care Boxes Sponsors | |
VISTE.org | (863) 284-0828 | Stay Connected! Follow us on Facebook! | |
Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt agency. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. State Registration #CH28. Federal ID #59-2625297
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
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