Suncoast Credit Union has awarded a $25,000 matching grant to Guadalupe Center as the nonprofit continues providing Immokalee families with access to high-quality education programs.

To maximize the impact of Suncoast Credit Union’s grant, Guadalupe Center is launching a Phone-A-Thon campaign that will help offset Early Childhood Education Program weekly fees for parents facing extreme economic hardships. Donations also will help upgrade essential technology as students continue their academic progress through virtual learning.

“Many families in Immokalee, including our own staff members, have been shouldering incredible economic hardships caused by COVID-19,” said Guadalupe Center President Dawn Montecalvo. “The matching grant from Suncoast Credit Union, along with donations from our generous supporters, are critically important in ensuring that students continue to make academic progress and overcome adversity in a challenging learning environment.”

Additional fundraising dollars will help pay Guadalupe Center’s teachers and tutors who are creating online learning tools and connecting virtually with students and their families heading into summer.

Although Guadalupe Center was able to hold its annual signature fundraising event, Be Flamazing, it was forced to cancel the Guadalupe Charity Golf Classic and Tutor Corps Celebration Dinner to comply with social distancing regulations. Nearly two-thirds of Guadalupe Center’s annual budget derives from fundraising campaigns and events.

Suncoast Credit Union announced in early May that it would contribute $1 million to provide economic relief to those impacted by COVID-19 in communities served by the credit union, focusing on organizations addressing health care, hunger and education. The donation is the first of its size in Suncoast Credit Union’s 86-year history.

“While we are focused on supporting our members financially, we feel a moral obligation to support other basic needs during this very challenging time,” Suncoast Credit Union President and CEO Kevin Johnson said in announcing the grant program. “We admire and are inspired by other charitable organizations who are providing relief through private donations like ours. People are struggling through no fault of their own and because of the support of our Board of Directors, Suncoast is committed to doing what we can to address these serious needs.”

To help Guadalupe Center support Immokalee families through education, please visit GuadalupeCenter.org/how-to-give or call 239-657-7711.