Jane Byam and her husband, Don, are new to the credit union movement and are already fond of it.

They became Suncoast Credit Union members in August 2026. Three months later, they were experiencing one of the benefits of a member-driven, community-focused organization as winners of Suncoast’s Year of No Payments Giveaway.

“I’m still pinching myself,” Jane said. “I still can’t believe it. It’s just incredible. I’m so excited. I mean, I was calling everybody and everybody was so happy. It allows us now to give back.”

Jane is this year’s first of three winners. Two additional winners will be chosen during the remaining rounds of the sweepstakes.

Winners can have their mortgage, rent or car payment covered for a year. Jane selected her mortgage.

The Byams, who moved to Florida from New England in the late 1980s, joined Suncoast at the South Venice branch after recommendations from family and friends. They also wanted to diversify their money and knew joining a credit union was a positive option.

“It’s been great,” she said. “It has been a very good experience. We’d wanted to diversify and get some of our money out of the big banks and into a credit union, and Suncoast is close [to our home].”

Jane has a message for others considering a credit union now that she’s experiencing the benefits of joining one for the first time.

“We had heard how great Suncoast was, and now we’re experiencing it ourselves,” she said.

Jane and Don celebrated their win during a ceremony at the South Venice branch on Nov. 10.

“I just appreciate this day and this celebration,” she said.

As retirees, the Byams spend their time selling local raw honey at farmers’ markets in Sarasota County. They enjoy meeting people in the community and helping friends with their business.

“We just meet wonderful people every day, and it’s a good, healthy product,” she said.