Jeff Vinik and the Vinik Family Foundation are well known in the City of Tampa. They’ve been responsible for some of the most interesting interactive art and entertainment exhibits in the area. Additionally, they’ve served as patron of the arts and of small business, bringing about the rise of the anticipated Water Street District. Today, the City of St. Petersburg announced a donation from the Vinik Family Foundation to the City’s Fighting Chance Fund. The Fighting Chance Fund is an emergency grant created to serve St. Pete’s locally owned and independently operated small businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19 orders. The grants (not loans) are in the form of $5,000 to impacted eligible businesses and $500 to impacted eligible individuals.

These grants will prove pivotal for locally owned independent businesses attempting to navigate the water during this pandemic, and after it is over.

“The Vinik Family Foundation has stepped up for our region time and again,” said Mayor Kriseman in a statement. “This particular gift will help us to further assist our small business owners and their employees – the backbone of St. Pete’s economy. We are grateful for Jeff and Penny’s generosity during this challenging time.”

This is emblematic of the kind of regionalism that both Mayors Rick Kriseman and Jane Castor have applauded in recent months. Our cities can succeed and grow together.

“Our small business ecosystem is at the heart of who we are as Tampa Bay and will be at the heart of our economic recovery,” said Jeff and Penny Vinik. “We must protect and support the thriving community of small businesses in St. Petersburg and throughout our region during these uncertain times and we are happy to help in Mayor Kriseman’s efforts to do just that.”

More information on the Fighting Chance Fund, including eligibility requirements and application information, can be found here: stpete.org/fightingchancefund.

To contribute to the Fighting Chance Fund: pinellascf.org/fightingchance/