Lightning's Lecavalier pledges $3-million to All Children's

TAMPA -- Tampa Bay Lightning center Vincent Lecavalier today announced a $3-million pledge from his charitable foundation toward construction of the pediatric cancer center within the new All Children's Hospital in downtown St. Petersburg. The money will go specifically for a state-of-the-art facility to be named the Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.

"I love kids, and I love the Tampa Bay area," Lecavalier said in a prepared statement. "So this is a cause with great meaning to me. I've been fortunate to get to know some of the families. It's sad whenever you see kids that are sick. Coming to the games is an opportunity to put a smile on their faces, but this is a chance to leave a legacy for them and so many others like them for years to come."

Lecavalier, left, hosts families of children with cancer in his VIP suite at several Lightning home games each season and donates money for every goal he scores and assist he makes to the cancer center. The money is matched by corporate sponsors of his Vincent Lecavalier Foundation.

To meet his latest pledge, Lecavalier and legacy partners in his foundation -- including Kane's Furniture and DEX Imaging -- promise to contribute more than half the $3-million over eight years. The remaining money will be raised through community fundraising efforts such as Lecavalier's annual Texas Hold 'Em Celebrity Poker Tournament at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

This year's casino night takes place Nov. 12.

Bill Varian and Ernest Hooper, Times staff writers