(Bradenton, Fla., (October 11, 2023) — The State College of Florida Foundation announces Suncoast Credit Union’s sponsorship of three State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) campus events. Florida’s largest credit union is providing a total of $45,000, bringing their overall support for the college to $163,000 over the past five years. 

Suncoast Credit Union will serve as the premier sponsor of the FIRST LEGO League West Florida Region Championship Tournament, title sponsor of the 23rd Annual SCF Foundation Scholarship Luncheon, and crown level sponsor at the 36th annual SCF Evening Under the Stars gala.

“Providing support for those seeking higher education is part of the Suncoast mantra,” said Kourtney Berry, executive director, Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. “We believe that there is no greater investment than funding the efforts of our future leaders, and each of these events will enrich and reward student life.”

“The generous sponsorship of the SCF Foundation’s events is pivotal in enhancing the quality of education and opportunities we offer our students. It has enabled us to invest in cutting-edge technology, modernize our facilities and provide scholarships that empower deserving students to pursue their dreams of higher education,” said SCF Foundation executive director Cassandra Holmes.

“We are so grateful for the generous support of the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation,” said Desh Bagley of the FIRST LEGO League West Florida Region and SCF Coding Academy director. “Their continued support allows youth to understand the basics of STEM and apply their skills in an exciting competition, while building the habits of learning, confidence and teamwork along the way.”

For more than 20 years, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has been the presenting sponsor of SCF’s Annual Scholarship Luncheon. This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at Michael’s On East, and will once again bring together 350 students, donors and SCF staff and faculty members to celebrate scholarship students and their achievements.

This year’s annual SCF Evening Under the Stars gala, with its theme, “The British are Coming,” will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at SCF Venice. This fun-filled, family gathering includes live music, food and beverages, and fireworks, and brings more than 1,200 people to SCF Venice. The SCF Presidential Jazz Combo will perform dinner music, while the Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota will provide the after-dinner entertainment.

For more than 30 years, FIRST has fostered hands-on STEM learning by partnering STEM with the fun and excitement of traditional team sports. The West Florida Region is housed at SCF and supports FIRST LEGO League programs in 16 Florida counties. This program prepares young people for the future through team-based robotics programs for ages 8-14 that can be facilitated in school or in structured after-school programs. The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has been a sponsor of the West Florida Region since its inception in 2015. 

About Suncoast Credit Union Foundation:

The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to benefit sick children and their families and to support educational initiatives, is funded by Suncoast Credit Union. Since its inception in 1990, the Foundation has raised and donated over $40 million to help provide a better future for the children of our community.