Sullivan has generously donated his time and philanthropy to dozens of local nonprofits including Florida Council of 100 Executive Committee, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Council on Economic Education, Lowry Park Zoological Endowment Foundation, the advisory board for the Salvation Army and vice chairman for Scripps Florida's funding board and many more. He is also the co-founder of Outback Steakhouse and has gone on to manage a portfolio of many successful restaurant chains.
In addition, Chris gave a $5 million donation to Moffitt Cancer Center to help address the pressing need for more effective therapy for patients with melanoma. "This generous contribution, from our longtime friend Chris Sullivan, will ensure that Moffitt Cancer Center's melanoma program continues to be a world leader in the fight against cancer with revolutionary research that leads to hope for our patients," said Alan F. List, M.D., president and CEO of Moffitt. "Chris' support will change the treatment and outcomes for patients facing melanoma."
Chris Sullivan becomes the 321th Lightning Community Heroes since Jeff and Penny Vinik introduced the Lightning Community Hero program in 2011-12 with a $10 million, five-season commitment to the Tampa Bay community. Through this evening's game, in total, the Lightning Foundation has granted $16.15 million to more than 400 different nonprofits in the Greater Tampa Bay area. During the summer of 2016, the Vinik's announced that the community hero program will give away another $10-million over the next five seasons.
