Tampa Bay Lightning Star Steven Stamkos to Receive Award of Excellence

Submittd by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay Inc:

Tampa Bay Lightning star Steven Stamkos is excited to be the recipient of the 2012 Award of Excellence from Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay based on Davis Islands.

The award presentation takes place at the 13th annual Storybook Ball "The Cat in the Hat" on Saturday, May 19, at A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa.

This award pays tribute to outstanding role models who give of their time to charitable causes.

According to sources at the Tampa Bay Lightning, the 22-year-old Stamkos was excited to hear that he has been selected as the recipient of this prestigious award, which puts him in the esteemed company of former award winners Tony Dungy, General Norman Schwarzkopf, George Steinbrenner, Angela Bassett, Patrick Wilson, John Tortorella, Derrick Brooks, Tino Martinez, Mike Alstott, Vinny Lecavalier, Dick Vitale and Erin Andrews.

The award includes a $50,000 community grant to be granted to the children's charity or charities of the recipient's choice. Steven Stamkos has selected two charities which are close to his heart to split this award: St. Joseph's Children's Hospital of Tampa's Child Life Program and the Police Athletic League's Summer Program that is dedicated to providing affordable summer camps to more than 500 Tampa Bay youth.

Steven Stamkos is emerging as one of Tampa Bay's most visible and benevolent athletes. He has led the Kids Are Heroes program at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital for the past three years, assisted the Make-A-Wish Foundation and worked on behalf of the Lightning Foundation. This past winter, Steven served as the spokesperson for Ronald McDonald House Charities' "Light a Light and Share a Night" giving campaign and led the way with a $10,000 personal gift.

This year's sold-out gala, presented by, features Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as entertainment sponsor and longtime event designer and sponsor Gold Productions whose breathtaking displays amaze attendees every year. This year's event features numerous themed surprises, activities and decor in keeping with this fun theme.

"We are thrilled to honor Steven with this well-deserved award. He is committed to improving the lives of children in Tampa Bay, making him the perfect choice for this honor," said Janice Davis, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay.

The Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay provides a safe and affordable "home-away-from-home" for families with children receiving medical treatment at bay area hospitals. The four area Houses provide comfort and care to more than 2,000 families annually, having served more than 40,000 families since opening its doors in 1980. It is the cornerstone program of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay.