July 13, 2026 — Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has granted Lee Health more than $25,000 to support the in-hospital schoolteacher at Golisano Children’s Hospital. The gift helps ensure pediatric patients continue their education while receiving medical care. The in-hospital schoolteacher works closely with students, families and home schools to minimize academic disruption and provide a sense of routine during treatment and recovery. Additionally, funds provide essential classroom resources for learning during hospitalizations.
“We are deeply grateful for Suncoast Credit Union Foundation’s continued generosity and commitment to our patients and families,” said Michele King, director of child advocacy at Golisano Children’s Hospital. “This support helps children maintain academic progress and important connections to their school communities, creating a sense of normalcy while they focus on healing.”
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 communities it serves. Each time a Suncoast member uses a debit or credit card, the credit union donates two cents to the Foundation to support local initiatives. Since its inception in 1990, the Foundation has raised and donated millions of dollars to programs that positively impact children and families throughout Florida.
“Suncoast Credit Union is proud to help provide an in-hospital teacher at Golisano Children’s Hospital,” said Jeff Kunberger, executive director of Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. “Continuing education is important, and this donation helps ensure young patients can continue learning during their hospital stay.”
Services like the in-hospital schoolteacher are part of the Golisano Children’s Hospital mission to treat every child with care and compassion. To learn more about making an impact through Golisano Children’s Hospital, visit GiveGolisano.org.
About Lee Health Foundation
Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic support on behalf of community-focused nonprofit Lee Health to establish, expand, and enhance lifesaving and preventive programs in Southwest Florida. Contributions to the Foundation benefit all five Lee Health hospitals and specialty services. In the past year, the Foundation provided $34+ million in funding to enhance patient care throughout the region. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org for more information about the role of Lee Health philanthropy in Southwest Florida.
About Suncoast Credit Union
Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in Florida, the seventh largest in the United States by membership and the 10th largest by assets, with $21.1 billion. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast operates 80 full-service branches and serves more than 1.4 million members statewide. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works or attends school in Suncoast’s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff across all of Florida’s 67 counties. Suncoast is dedicated to supporting the communities it serves, guided by its “people helping people” philosophy. Since 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $63 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education and emotional well-being of children. For more information, visit suncoast.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
