Tampa Bay Rays donate to St. Pete’s small business aid fund
April 20, 2020 - The Tampa Bay Rays will contribute to St. Petersburg's Fighting Chance Fund, an initiative by the city of St. Petersburg to help small businesses hurt by the Covid-19 pandemic. Mayor Rick Kriseman announced the Rays' donation during a Facebook Live appearance Monday afternoon with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. A spokesman for the mayor later confirmed the Rays would give $100,000. Other sports teams and owners have also contributed. The Glazer family, owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, have donated $100,000, as has the Vinik Family Foundation, led by Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik and his wife, Penny. The Milkey Family Foundation also contributed $100,000. The city provided $6.8 million for the first phase of the fund and has been seeking private funding for a second phase. For information about who qualifies and how to donate click here.