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Community Heroes Program to donate $10 million over five years, Lightning owner Jeff Vinik pledges

By Danny Bennett

Jul 7, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik hoists the Stanley Cup after the Lightning defeated the Montreal Canadiens 1-0 in game five to win the 2021 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik hoists the Stanley Cup after the Lightning defeated the Montreal Canadiens 1-0 in game five to win the 2021 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports /
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Since 2011, the Lightning Community Heroes Program has donated more than $23 million to 628 non-profits in the Tampa Bay area.

When Jeff Vinik bought the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2010, he had two goals; win a Stanley Cup, and give back to the community. In 2021, his missions have been completed- several times over.

The Lightning Community Heroes Program was founded in 2011 to honor volunteerism and local heroes. After every home game, both regular season, and playoffs, a local honoree – chosen by an independent committee – selects a charity to receive a $50,000 donation from the program. Since its’ creation, the Lightning Community Heroes Program has made 958 donations to 628 unique non-profits chosen by over 450 honorees, eclipsing more than $23 million.

Today, Vinik pledged another $10 million over the course of the next five years- on top of the $50,000 postgame donations.

“In addition to our recent successes on the ice, the Community Heroes program continues to be a source of pride for our family and a signature moment at every home game. We’re very excited to be furthering our commitment with an additional $10 million to the selfless heroes of the Tampa Bay community and the organizations they serve,” Vinik said.

St. Petersburg-based manufacturing company Jabil, will continue to sponsor the program. “Jabil is excited to continue our support of the Community Hero program to celebrate and thank individuals who have transformed the lives of so many in the Tampa Bay area,” said Jabil’s Vice President of Talent, Diversity, and Community LaShawne Meriwether.

Those touching videos during the second TV timeout in Amalie Arena will continue to pull on your heartstrings for the foreseeable future as we file this under “why we love sports,” today.

The Lightning Community Heroes program is also expanding its opportunities to local nonprofits, by accepting applications for grant funding. To read more about the program, click here.

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