* Imagine, The Tampa Bay Lightning’s Community Heroes program now numbers 197 heroes. That’s one for every home game–plus playoffs–since October 2011. The salute–and the accompanying $50,000 check–comes mid-way in the first period. Spotlighted attention is focused directly on those being helped to continue doing their vitally important, challenging community work. This isn’t PR 101. This is Jeff Vinik’s commitment to life altering, priority-affirming difference-making.
Steven Stamkos’ take is worth sharing. “I come to the rink for home games and one of the first things I do is read about the community hero,” says Stamkos. “They’re part of our games. They’re part of what makes this town special.”
Hopefully special enough to help keep a special player such as Stamkos with the Bolts.
* If it’s five NBA games in a single day, it can only mean one thing: It must be Christmas Day. What a tradition.