Benchmark International & the Tampa Bay Lightning Donate $300,000 to Tampa Bay Nonprofits

Benchmark International, in partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning, awarded a combined $300,000 in community grants to 12 local nonprofit organizations through the Strikes of Kindness initiative, reinforcing the company’s commitment to making a meaningful difference throughout the Tampa Bay community.

Representatives from each organization received a $25,000 grant during a special celebration at Benchmark International Arena. The event comes as the Lightning prepare to open the 2026-27 season tonight against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

For Benchmark International, Strikes of Kindness represents an important part of a partnership that extends beyond the arena and into the communities the company calls home.

“Our commitment to Tampa Bay goes far beyond having our name on the arena. Strikes of Kindness gives us an opportunity to invest directly in organizations that are changing lives across our community,” said Tyrus O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer of Benchmark International Americas. “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.”

The grants will help the organizations expand their reach, strengthen their programs, and continue serving individuals and families throughout the Tampa Bay region. The presentation also recognized the work these organizations are already doing and the lasting impact they continue to make across the community. 

“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 event marked the beginning of a season-long Strikes of Kindness campaign that will spotlight the mission, work, and impact of each participating organization.

 

Benchmark International and Lightning employees also took part in joint volunteer projects at four beneficiary organizations, putting the spirit of Strikes of Kindness into action through hands-on service and direct community engagement.

The 12 nonprofit organizations receiving $25,000 grants are:

• ALS Association
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay
• Bullard Family Foundation
• Feeding Tampa Bay
• Friends of Joshua House Foundation
• Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay
• Operation Healing Forces
• Special Operations Warrior Foundation
• Straz Center
• Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA
• Vincentian CARES

The initiative reflects Benchmark International’s broader commitment to strengthening the communities where its people live and work. Through its partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning, the company continues to support programs centered on education, opportunity, community service, and meaningful local impact.

Additional Strikes of Kindness initiatives will be announced throughout the 2026-27 season.

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