SUNCOAST CREDIT UNION FOUNDATION PROVIDES $10,000 TO
LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND
NEW PORT RICHEY, FL– February 4, 2025 — Lighthouse for
the Visually Impaired and Blind announces a charitable gift of
$10,000 from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. The
funds will provide vital Early Intervention services to visually
impaired and blind babies in Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus
Counties. This generous gift ensures that every blind baby
enrolled in Lighthouse’s Early Intervention Program in 2025
receives personalized support tailored to their needs. The
program aims to assist 24 blind babies, from birth to age five,
in developing essential skills to reduce developmental delays
caused by early vision loss.
Stefanie Pontlitz, CEO of Lighthouse, expressed her deep
gratitude to Suncoast Credit Union for their generous grant
and their impactful work in the community. She stated, "Early
instructional training for visually impaired babies is essential—
it empowers them to explore, learn, and build the skills they
need to thrive independently."
Suncoast Credit Union, Florida’s largest credit union, founded
the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to promote the
education, health and emotional well-being of children in the
community. Each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card, the credit union
donates two cents to the Foundation to fund local initiatives. Since its inception in 1990, the
Foundation has raised and donated over $45 million.
“Investing in early intervention for visually impaired and blind children isn’t just about support—
it’s about shaping a future where every child has the tools to thrive,” said Bob Hyde, Vice
President of Community Impact, Suncoast Credit Union. “At Suncoast Credit Union, we
recognize that the earliest years are critical in closing developmental gaps and unlocking
potential. By partnering with Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, we are helping to
ensure that these children receive the specialized care and resources they need to build
confidence, independence, and a strong foundation for lifelong success.”
Each baby served will enjoy an
enhanced quality of life and be
better prepared for school
placement tailored to their
cognitive abilities.
About The Lighthouse
LVIB is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which operates in Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus Counties. The
mission of the LVIB is to educate, empower, and employ people who are visually impaired and
blind. LVIB receives partial funding, therefore must fundraise to meet the demand for programs
and services.
About Suncoast Credit Union
Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 8th largest in the
United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its
$17.9 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast
Credit Union currently operates 81 full-service branches and serves more than 1.2 million
members across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school,
or worships in Suncoast Credit Union s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast
Credit Union s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college
educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida s 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate
about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation
has raised and donated more than $45 million to organizations and initiatives that support the
health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union
serves. For more information, visit suncoast.com or follow us on social media: Facebook,
LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
