TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning and Benchmark International today awarded a combined $300,000 in community grants to 12 local non-profit organizations through their “Strikes of Kindness” initiative, marking one of the largest single-day grant distributions in Bolts history.
Representatives from each organization received a $25,000 grant during a special celebration at Benchmark International Arena. The event took place as the Lightning prepare to open the 2026-27 season, presented by AdventHealth, tonight against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden (The Spot 66, 102.5 The Bone).
“Our commitment to Tampa Bay goes far beyond having our name on the arena,” said Benchmark International Chief Executive Officer of the Americas Tyrus O’Neill. “Strikes of Kindness gives us an opportunity to invest directly in organizations that are changing lives across our community. We’re proud to stand alongside the Lightning in supporting these 12 outstanding nonprofits, not only with financial resources, but by rolling up our sleeves and serving alongside them throughout the season.”
“Giving back to the community is a fundamental part of who we are as an organization and Strikes of Kindness allows us to begin the season by celebrating 12 outstanding non-profits that serve Tampa Bay every day,” said Elizabeth Frazier, Lightning Executive Vice President of Community Development and Social Impact. “We look forward to highlighting their work throughout the year and supporting their missions through both financial contributions and hands-on volunteer service. We’d like to thank our great partners at Benchmark International for helping us make this all possible.”
The grants will help the 12 organizations expand their reach and deepen their impact throughout the Tampa Bay region. Thursday’s event recognized the organizations’ ongoing contributions to the community and celebrated the work they will continue to perform for years to come.
The event also launched a season-long Strikes of Kindness campaign that will spotlight the work and impact of each participating organization. As part of Thursday’s initiative, Lightning and Benchmark International employees participated in joint volunteer projects at three beneficiary organizations, extending the program’s impact beyond financial support through hands-on community service and direct engagement with the individuals and communities benefiting from the work.
The 12 nonprofit organizations receiving $25,000 grants were:
- ALS Association
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay
- Bullard Family Foundation
- Feeding Tampa Bay
- Feeding the Fosters
- Friends of Joshua House Foundation
- Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay
- Operation Healing Forces
- Special Operations Warrior Foundation
- Straz Center for the Performing Arts
- Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA
- Vincentian Cares
Additional Strikes of Kindness initiatives will be announced throughout the season.
