Lecavalier helps cancer kids
Lightning star Vinny Lecavalier announced on Tuesday a $3-million commitment to the construction of the new All Children's Hospital in downtown St. Petersburg, specifically for a state of the art facility that will be named the Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.
More than half the money will be gifted through the Vincent Lecavalier Foundation by Lecavalier and foundation legacy partners such as Kane's Furniture and DEX Imaging. The remaining dollars will be raised through community and foundation efforts such as Lecavalier's Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament, Nov. 12 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Last year's event raised $140,000.
The Lecavalier cancer Center will occupy half the seventh floor of the new All Children's Hospital and include 28 individual patient rooms with accommodations for parents to stay overnight.
"I love kids and I love the Tampa Bay area,'' Lecavalier said. "This is my home. I'm fortunate to be in a situation where I can give back.''
Lecavalier, 27, was drafted No. 1 overall by the Lightning in 1998. Last season, he won the Rocket Richard Trophy with a league-high 52 goals.
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What an absolutely class move on Vinnie's part. And such facilities are so vitally needed. It will be a great addition to the medical care in the Tampa Bay area.
He was quoted as saying he loves kids and the Tampa Bay area, and this certainly shows it.
Now to the Bolts, show him some love back at the next contract negotiations.
Posted by: Randy | October 16, 2007 at 04:33 PM
I think that this shows his heart and I am very happy that he and Brad Richards and the rest of the Lightning share so much with our communtiy! Its things like this that help us all remember how to be great people.
Posted by: Sam | October 16, 2007 at 04:45 PM
This news is so great. I'm fighting back tears. Thank you, Vinny. A thousand thank yous, my hero!
Posted by: phantom | October 16, 2007 at 05:05 PM
hopefully this will make the top 10 on espn tonight....it should!!!....way to step up vinnie...go bolts
Posted by: mbab | October 16, 2007 at 05:11 PM
Excellent news. What a classy guy that Vinny Lecavalier. It is so nice to see what he and the team do for the community. Cancer is tough no matter who has it but it is especially tough on helpless little kids. Way to go Vinny you get my #1 star of the year.
Posted by: hockey chick | October 16, 2007 at 06:01 PM
There isn't much I can say that hasn't been said already but I'd be remiss if I didn't offer my own appreciation of a generous and classy move!
To the man whom my daughter refers to me as "your future son in law" I say, very well done! I thank you, and Tampa Bay thanks you!!
Posted by: SarasotaBill1 | October 16, 2007 at 07:36 PM
Hey SB1, is Vinny aware of his fate?
Posted by: phantom | October 16, 2007 at 07:46 PM
Vinny is a class person and he will definatley go down in tampa sports history as one of the greatest ever.Its nice to see good things from athletes instead of arrests and steriods.
Posted by: boltcc | October 16, 2007 at 08:33 PM
I'm speechless. God bless you Vinny and the kids this will help.
Posted by: DJ | October 16, 2007 at 08:35 PM
October is Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness month
http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?articleid=338801&page=NewsPage&service=page
We are very proud that Vinny Lecavalier, who already does so much for children with cancer and their families, has made such a wonderful investment in one of the area's most important institutions. He is so much more than a fabulous and hard working hockey player.
Posted by: Mike13 | October 16, 2007 at 09:21 PM
In an era of highly paid pro athletes that do nothing other than show up on the police blotter, it is an affirmation of Vinny's true class and generosity to make this donation. Thank goodness for jocks like Vinny, Ritchie and others (Warwick Dunn)our communities are better off and benefit from their "giving back"
Posted by: keith | October 16, 2007 at 09:52 PM
Simply awesome, Vinny. The Tampa Bay area is so fortunate to have such a humanitarian be the face of our NHL franchise.
Posted by: Patty | October 16, 2007 at 09:52 PM
Wow what a great human being, Vinny we are all proud of you, keep up the good work
Posted by: Mary | October 16, 2007 at 09:54 PM
I too, would be remiss if I did not add two cents.
Hail and Bless to Vince, a top shelf guy in the manner mentioned by keith, along with one of my other faves, Cam Neely.
Love to see his #4 hanging from the rafters in about ten years or so. Then kids will pick that number to wear not so much for Beliveau, Orr, etc, but for the one who makes our area shine bright.
Way to go.
Go Bolts!
Posted by: Phantom | October 16, 2007 at 11:36 PM
Ooops, sorry!! Forgot previous posts!!!
Makes that six cents.
Posted by: Phantom | October 17, 2007 at 12:47 AM
Naw Phantom, Vinnie has no clue!! lol
Posted by: SarasotaBill1 | October 17, 2007 at 03:12 AM
Vinny has always been a classy guy, and has developed into a REAL role model, for kids and all of us. He actions benefit hockey and all sports for that matter, and he shows us all how to give back for what you have been given. We are lucky to have him here. A simple thank you does not seem enough to express how I and many others feel about your gift to kids in need.
Posted by: Lightning rod | October 17, 2007 at 09:20 AM
Vinny always a favorite...for many reasons. Go Bolts!
Posted by: aggie | October 17, 2007 at 02:23 PM
Real classy move on vinny's part. Not only is he a good player, but he is a good guy and he gives back to the community. Good for you Lecavalier.
Posted by: Ryan Callahan | October 17, 2007 at 08:22 PM