Lightning's Community Hero program reaches $20 million milestone

TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Lightning honored Margaret McNutt as the 32nd Lightning Community Hero of the 2019-20 season during the first period of the team's game against the Calgary Flames this afternoon. McNutt is the program's 397th hero in the past nine years, and her charity of choice, Noah's Ark of Central Florida is the 518th non-profit in the Tampa Bay community to benefit from the program. In total, the Lightning Community Heroes Program, which is fully funded and supported by Jeff and Penny Vinik, has made 834 charitable donations, totaling $20 million to those 518 non-profits spread over seven counties in West Central Florida.

"Penny and I are pleased to honor Margaret as our 397th community hero today," said Jeff Vinik. "Presenting a check each night to the Lightning Community Hero is the highlight of the home games for us. Nine years after presenting Ben Carpenter the very first Lightning Community Hero award, we find Margaret and the 395 others that we have awarded just as inspiring as Ben. I can't believe we are at the $20 million mark, but it is incredibly heartwarming to look back over these nine years to see all the good that has been done by those Heroes and their charities."
The Lightning Community Hero Program has spread that $20 million to those 518 charities across 27 different impact areas, representing the different philanthropic passions of Lightning fans and all the different ways that the Tampa Bay non-profit community helps those in need.
McNutt, today's honoree, is a single mother of a child with disabilities, She has dedicated her life to empowering individuals with developmental challenges. McNutt cofounded a nonprofit organization, Noah's Ark of Central Florida, which provides affordable housing and support services to individuals with disabilities. Noah's Ark of Central Florida was established in 1998 and became the first facility in the Tampa Bay area that included field trips, classes and apartment-styled residences for individuals with special needs to flourish.
McNutt also played a key role in planning, funding and lobbying for the Villages of Noah's Landing, an inclusive residential community for disabled individuals and their caregivers. As of today, the Villages of Noah's Landing has 126 residents. The living facility greatly enhances the quality of life for disabled individuals by providing a community where residents can learn, grow and foster relationship.
Lightning Community Hero Impact Areas
| Adoption & Foster Care | After School Enrichment | Animal Welfare | | --- | --- | --- | | Arts & Culture | Cancer Research & Support | Crisis Support Services | | Disability Services | Diversity & Inclusion | Educational Scholarships | | Educational Support Services | Environmental | Ex-Offender Re-Intergration | | First Responders | Food Insecurity | Health & Wellness | | Health Patient Services | Homelessness | Housing Support | | Human Services | Human Trafficking | Medical Research | | Mental Health | Military Support | Prevention Education | | Schools | Youth Sports | |