Duke Energy Foundation and Tampa Bay Rays Team Up to Support Florida Residents with $93,000 Donation

Duke Energy Foundation and Tampa Bay Rays Unite for a Worthy Cause

In a heartwarming initiative, Duke Energy Florida customers are reaping the benefits of a successful season by the Tampa Bay Rays. For every game the Rays won during the season, the Duke Energy Foundation pledged to contribute $1,000 to its Share the Light Fund. This effort culminated in a generous donation of $93,000 presented to 14 social service organizations that aid families struggling to pay their energy bills.

Melissa Seixas, the state president of Duke Energy Florida, emphasized the longstanding connection between the foundation and the Tampa Bay area, stating, “We’ve been headquartered in the Tampa Bay area for over 125 years, so we’re naturally big Rays fans.” She acknowledged how the partnership has strengthened their commitment to help those in financial need, urging anyone facing hardships to seek assistance from the various programs available, including the Share the Light Fund.

The Share the Light Fund specifically aims to assist income-restricted Duke Energy customers in managing their utility expenses, which can include electricity, natural gas, and other heating sources like oil or wood. Alongside funds from the Rays' victories, contributions also come from customers, employees, retirees, and shareholders, with the Duke Energy Foundation matching $500,000 yearly to boost support.

In 2025 alone, this initiative distributed nearly $650,000 to local agencies, showing how significant this program is in addressing the energy needs within the Duke Energy Florida service area, which spans 35 counties. From January to August 2026, the fund has already provided over $436,000 to those in need.

Heide Cornell, the executive director of Daystar Life, shared how the collaboration has been instrumental in maintaining essential services for families across Pinellas County. “This support does more than keep the lights on; it helps prevent a temporary setback from becoming a larger crisis,” Cornell remarked, illustrating the profound impact of the support from Duke Energy for local communities.

Jeff Hayward, the president and CEO of Heart of Florida United Way, highlighted the importance of such support for ALICE families (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), who often find themselves on the brink of financial disaster. “Through Share the Light, Duke Energy is helping ensure that when those moments come, families have somewhere to turn,” he expressed.

This initiative stands as a testament to the shared responsibility within the Tampa Bay community, demonstrating how local businesses and sports teams can collaborate to keep families stable and empowered during difficult times.

For more details on the eligibility requirements and local agencies associated with the Share the Light Fund, customers are encouraged to visit duke-energy.com/ShareTheLight.

The Duke Energy Foundation is dedicated to providing over $30 million annually in philanthropic support to uplift communities where its customers reside. As a significant player in the energy sector, Duke Energy Florida not only strives to provide electricity for over 2 million customers but also actively invests in local communities.

Duke Energy, as one of America’s largest energy holding companies, continues to push forward with an energy modernization strategy designed to enhance grid efficiency and cater to the growing demands of its customers. The Tampa Bay Rays, a staple of Major League Baseball and an integral part of the Tampa Bay community since 1998, remain committed to building lasting community bonds through charitable donations and engagement initiatives.

Duke Energy and the Tampa Bay Rays, through their partnership, remind us that together, we can brighten the lives of many, turning victories into community support.