In the wake of Helene, the Tampa Bay Rays stepped up — as they so often do — and made a $1 million donation to local nonprofits, including $200,000 for United Way Suncoast.

But then came Milton, which hit the region with a devastating one-two punch, including tearing the translucent, fiberglass roof off of Tropicana Field, the Rays home stadium. The tattered roof has become something of a symbol for the havoc wreaked by Milton, and the team finds itself searching for a temporary venue for its executive offices and its 2025 slate of 81 home games. They won’t be able to repair the roof in time for the start of the season in March.

Choosing To Help

It’s created uncertainty for the team and its staff. But instead of choosing to lament about the impact, Rays employees went to their leaders offering to help with recovery. That’s when David Egles, president of the Rays Foundation, reached out to United Way Suncoast to find volunteer projects.

United Way connected the team with Girls, Inc., a nonprofit partner struggling to remove mounds of tree debris from the playground and play area at its facility in Pinellas Park, just north of St. Petersburg. The Rays came out with chainsaws, rakes, gloves and energy and went to work. Two hours later, the mounds had been moved to the curb for pick up and a grateful Darla Otey-Murphy, the CEO of Girls, Inc., thanked them profusely.

Of course, supporting United Way Suncoast and its partners is nothing new for the Rays. The team has long gone to bat for the organization. Its efforts include funding Home Plate, a themed food pantry at UWS’ Campbell Park Resource Center, which sits in the shadow of Tropicana Field at John Hopkins Middle School.

Rays Keep Going

The Rays continued its volunteer engagements throughout the week, including a substantial food distribution in partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay.

“This is what we do at United Way Suncoast,” said CEO Jessica Muroff. “Our partnerships allow us to serve the community, serve families and fuel the region’s recovery. For 100 years, United Way Suncoast has taken on the community’s emerging needs. We help people recover from natural storms and we help them deal with life’s daily storms.”

United Way Suncoast will continue its recovery efforts as the region bounces back and the daily attention subsides. Our Disaster Recovery Page will continue to serve as a resource. We also have an active fundraising campaign with our Together We Recover fund. We focus on mid- and long-term recovery, often meeting pressing needs that persist long after the initial impact of storms. We know that “Together, We’re Greater Than Any Challenge.”

We know no other approach than to be present in the lives of those who long to create a better life. We know no other way than the United Way, bringing together caring stakeholders to make a difference. We’re here and we’ll continue to be here because — United We Rise, United We Win.