Mission:
The Lightning Foundation is dedicated to investing their resources and leadership for the enrichment of the people of Tampa Bay, focusing on meeting basic human needs and enhancing lives.
Programs and Initiatives:
In-Game Initiatives – During most games at Amalie Arena, the Lightning Foundation puts on a theme for the game to honor or spread awareness for a particular group or cause. Past in-game initiatives have included: Military Appreciation, Pride, Go Green, and Hockey Fights Cancer.
Mosaic Goals for Food – During the 2019-2020 season, the agriculture company, Mosaic, donated $500 for each goal and $5,000 for each hat trick scored at Lightning home games. In total, Mosaic was able to donate over $200,000 during the 2019-2020 campaign and donated 10 meals for each dollar raised.
Lightning Community Heroes – The Lightning Community Hero Program was established in 2011 to “recognize grassroots Heroes whose noble efforts make a positive impact on others.” Each honoree is awarded a $50,000 grant to benefit a charity of their choice. This is the signature initiative of the Lightning Foundation. They have been recognizing a local hero at all 41 regular season and playoff home games since 2011.
Kane’s Goals and Assists – During 2019-2020, Kane’s furniture donated $1,000 for each goal scored by Steven Stamkos and $250 for each assist. In total, Kane’s was able to raise $18,500 and donated all proceeds to the Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay.
Player Philanthropy – Every year, players from the Lightning give back to the Tampa Bay community by visiting children’s hospitals, schools, and make public appearances at community events. Players partake in an annual holiday party for children battling cancer and at collection drives for various causes. Additionally, many Lightning players such as Steven Stamkos, Tyler Johnson, Ryan McDonagh, and Alex Killorn have their own personal philanthropic foundations.
Microlumen Honorary Captain – Through the joint efforts of the Lightning Foundation and Microlumen, the Lightning honors six Make A Wish and Children’s Dream Fund patients as Captains. Each patient also gets a video tribute on the jumbotron, meets the Lightning players, skating time on game day, VIP seats, and a visit to the locker room.
Events:
Bolts Family Game Night – First held in 2019, all Lightning players and their immediate families split into two teams and compete in a series of competitions in front of fans. The event takes place in downtown Tampa Bay at the Theatre and games included: a puck stacking competition, Fan Feud, Caption This, and more. All proceeds went towards local charities partnered with the Lightning Foundation.
Coop’s Catch for Kids – Presented by Heritage Insurance, this event takes place each year and pairs a Lightning player with a child for a day of fishing and activities. In 2019, the event raised over $200,000 with all proceeds going towards pediatric cancer research.
Bolt Run – For over twenty years, fans of the Tampa Bay Lightning have been able to run, jog, walk, or bike at the annual Bolt Run event. There are three races, a 5-mile, 5K, and 1-mile Fun Run.
Military Appreciation Luncheon – In January of 2019, the Lightning Foundation held their first ever Military Appreciation Luncheon. The event hosted over 80 service members of MacDiil Air Force Base and paired members with Lightning players. Lunch was provided by Four Green Fields and each service members was given a commemorative puck and invited to attend a Lightning home game.
Learn more about the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation here.