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Jeff Vinik gives $50,000 to help USF students through the coronavirus

The gift ups the university’s United Support Fund to more than $240,000 that will go directly to students.
 
Jeff Vinik and Penny Vinik have given $50,000 to the University of South Florida United Support Fund, established to help students pay for basic necessities through the coronavirus.
Jeff Vinik and Penny Vinik have given $50,000 to the University of South Florida United Support Fund, established to help students pay for basic necessities through the coronavirus. [ Courtesy of Tampa Museum of Art ]
Published April 9, 2020

TAMPA — The University of South Florida has received $50,000 from the Vinik Family Foundation to help students afford basic necessities like rent, food and toiletries through the coronavirus pandemic.

The foundation is led by Lightning owner and philanthropist Jeff Vinik and his wife, Penny. Their gift is to the USF United Support Fund, recently established by university president Steve Currall in response to the virus.

“We are pleased to be able to assist the students at USF during this difficult and uncertain time,” the Viniks said in a news release. “We encourage everyone who is able to find a way to give of their time, talent or treasure to those who need assistance during this pandemic.”

Related: Keep up with the latest in Florida education news by visiting the Times Gradebook

So far, the fund has raised about $242,000. More than 1,100 people have donated amounts small and large. Other big gifts include two for $20,000 by USF trustee Les Muma and his wife, Pam, and the Ramil Perez Foundation, headed by USF trustee John Ramil and his wife, Naida.

The Viniks have long supported USF, including funding for the Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management Program in the Muma College of Business, and the USF Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute in downtown Tampa. (Vinik also is a member of FBN Partners, a group of local investors who have loaned $15 million to Times Publishing Co., which owns the Tampa Bay Times.)

Students can apply for up to for up to $1,000 in assistance from the USF United Support Fund by filling out an application and submitting it to the financial aid office. They must include a signed statement explaining their need for emergency funding and what it will be used for, as well as provide “documentation supporting the amount requested," according to the application.

More than 1,000 have applied so far, USF said. About 175 have already received funds, and the remaining applications are under review.

“We are truly grateful to Jeff and Penny Vinik for supporting our students during a very challenging time,” Currall said in a news release. “There’s nothing more important than the health and wellness of our community and the impact of each gift will provide much-needed relief to our students.”