Vinik makes multi-million donation to Boys & Girls Club

TAMPA (FOX 13) - They're jumping for joy at the Winston Park Boys and Girls Club in Tampa, and they now have 2.5 million reasons to keep jumping.

Monday, Tampa Bay Lighting owners Jeff and Penny Vinik announced a multi-million dollar donation; it's the largest individual gift in the Tampa Bay Boys and Girls Club's 90-year history. 

"Anything we can do to help and make a difference in people's lives that, through no fault of their own, aren't as fortunate as Penny and I are. It's certainly something we love to be involved with and help," said Jeff Vinik.

The gift will mean a complete renovation and 3,000 square foot expansion of the Winston Park Club. There will be a new state-of-the-art technology lab, game room, teen center, theater, kitchen, and a new outdoor roller hockey rink. Vinik joked it was a training ground for the Lightning's future stars.

"We would love for our 2040 draft pick to have started training on the rink out the door," laughed Jeff Vinik.

All joking aside, Hillsborough County Commissioner Les Miller says the renovations planned for this center, which was nearly closed due to budget constraints, will impact the entire community.

"It's going to be a transformation that they have never seen before. I saw it happen in Lucille Park when the Boys and Girls Club came there, an area where you'd hear gunshots and ambulances every night. You don't have that now and you'll probably see some of the same things here," said Miller. "Our children are our number one resources and it's going to be a life changing event in this building."