“Allen Guy”
Continued from page 1 dads, and if they were, they’d probably be out on the golf course or doing other things. Allen gives up his time so willingly and so joyfully. He definitely is a hero in my eyes and in our ministry.” Another individual must nominate Lightning Community Heroes; they cannot nominate themselves. The Lightning organization determines eligibility for the award based on several criteria, including the degree to which the person has been a catalyst for a cause that meets basic human needs or enriches the lives of others; the degree to which the person has exhibited dedication and selflessness; the degree to which that person has made a special and significant impact on individuals, families or the community at large; the degree to which the person has gone “above and beyond” to serve and inspire others and the degree to which the nominator is able to convey the overall significance and impact of the person’s work. Guy says that although receiving the award was overwhelming, letting his organizations know about the money that they would be receiving has been much more rewarding. “The organizations were so appreciative,” he says. “It felt really good to me to be able to say, ‘Hey, you guys are doing great things out there. Here’s some money to enhance what you’re doing.’ Times are tough. People can only donate so much.” Representatives from each of his organiza-
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tions were able to attend the game and receive their checks from Guy. The Community Hero program began during the 2011-12 NHL season. Lightning owner Jeff Vinik and his wife Penny set aside $10 million to donate among “deserving, grass roots community heroes” throughout the Tampa Bay community over the next five years. At every regular season home game, the Lightning Foundation gives a $50,000 check to a Hero to distribute to charities that the hero sees fit. During the 2011-12 season, $2,050,000 was distributed to community causes. Guy was the 34th Community Hero this season. Guy, his wife, Kimberly, and their two kids moved to New Tampa eight years ago from Cary, NC, where he worked full time for the State of North Carolina in the mental health department. After moving to Tampa, due to the demanding nature of his wife’s job with St. Joseph’s Hospital, Guy decided that he would be the go-to person for his kids, who were then entering the third and sixth grades, respectively. “It wasn’t in my plans not to work,” he explains. “It just kind of worked out that way. I love my free time, but I wasn’t just going to lounge by the pool or play golf. I decided that I would be become a volunteer. I slowly got involved and now I’m pretty maxed out.” For more information about Tampa Bay Lightning Community Heroes, please visit Lightning.NHL.com and click on the “Community” tab.
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 21, Issue 9 • April 27, 2013 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com