Lightning honor December Community Heroes

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning today announced the Lightning Community Heroes for the month of December. Each Community Hero received a $50,000 grant from the Lightning Foundation and the Lightning Community Hero program, presented by Jabil, that will be designated to the charities of their choice. Since the Vinik Family introduced the Lightning Community Hero Program in 2011-12 with a $10 million, five-season commitment to the Tampa Bay community, the Lightning Foundation has granted $35.07 million to 720 unique nonprofits in the Greater Tampa Bay area. For more information on this month’s Community Heroes, please click here.

December 4

647th Community Hero: Todd Sherman

Donation Recipients: The Patriot Fund

December 6

648th Community Hero: Glenn Permuy

Donation Recipients: Boys & Girls Club

December 15

649th Community Hero: Desiree Holley

Donation Recipient: Operation Healing Forces

December 18

650th Community Hero: Elizabeth Reedy

Donation Recipient: Frameworks of Tampa Bay

December 20

651st Community Hero: Vevie Dimmitt

Donation Recipient: Love IV Lawrence

December 22

652nd Community Hero: Nichole Peña-Miller

Donation Recipient: United Way Suncoast

December 28

653rd Community Hero: Mercer Sherman

Donation Recipient: Blood Cancer United, Metropolitan Ministries, Meals on Wheels

About the Community Hero Program

During the summer of 2021, the Vinik Family announced that the Community Hero program would continue its commitment with an additional $10 million through the 2025-26 season. Upon joining the ownership group of the Tampa Bay Lightning in October 2024, Doug Ostrover, Marc Lipschultz and their families have teamed up with the Vinik Family to contribute to the program and ensure its continued success and lasting impact across the Tampa Bay community.

For more information on the Community Hero Program, please click here.