March 5, 2026 — Champions For Learning, The Education Foundation of Collier County, announces an additional charitable gift of $25,000 from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. The gift supplements the Foundation’s original 2025–2026 grant award of $220,000 and will support the Golden Apple Program and the 2026 Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers.
The Golden Apple Celebration is the culminating event of a year-long community-wide effort to recognize educators across Collier County. Earlier this school year, Champions For Learning reintroduced Thank-A-Teacher nomination cards, resulting in more than 5,716 cards submitted recognizing 1,486 teachers. The Celebration honors Teachers of Distinction and Golden Apple Educators selected through a rigorous process and provides a powerful, public expression of gratitude for the teaching profession.
The additional investment from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation helps Champions For Learning return the Golden Apple Celebration to its tradition as a first-class, sit-down dinner event, accompanied by a professionally produced television program to be aired following the celebration – expanding the reach of educator recognition throughout the community.
“Golden Apple is not a single night – it is a year-long expression of gratitude that begins with thousands of handwritten Thank-A-Teacher cards and culminates in a community-wide celebration of excellence in teaching,” said Eric Williams, President & CEO of Champions For Learning. “This additional $25,000 investment from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation allows us to restore the first-class dinner experience and televised program that elevate the profession and shine a spotlight on the extraordinary educators who shape Collier County’s future. We are deeply grateful for Suncoast’s partnership in honoring teachers whose excellence strengthens our entire community.”
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 $55 million.
“Supporting teachers in their unyielding efforts and endeavors to grow the hearts and minds of our students is our pleasure and in line with our mission to improve the lives of our members and the communities we serve,” said Jeff Kunberger, Executive Director of Foundations. “This year long focus on acknowledging and appreciating our teachers allows us to shine a light on the many contributions they make, inspiring students and administrators throughout Collier County and beyond,” he added.
About Champions For Learning™
Founded in 1990, the Education Foundation of Collier County – Champions For Learning’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for educational success by investing in Collier’s students and educators. Our Student Programs are designed to equip and prepare students for their future learning and career goals, and our Educator Programs are designed to value, empower, and support our educators to experience professional success. Recognized as the education foundation serving Collier County by the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, Champions For Learning serves as a unifying force within the community by driving collective action towards the common goal of student and educator success.
Champions For Learning is a volunteer driven organization. Nearly 450 individuals volunteered with us last year, dedicating over 6,700 hours to our organization. With dedicated volunteers and a committed administrative team, Champions For Learning embodies the belief that education is everything! For more information about Champions For Learning or to see more of our work, visit our website www.championsforlearning.org.
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 $19.8 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 79 full-service branches and serves more than 1.3 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 $55 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.