Duke Energy's second annual "Victories For Veterans" set for Friday

For the second consecutive season, the Duke Energy Foundation committed $1,000 for every Rays win this season to charities that support veterans in the community through the Victories for Veterans program, a unique partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays.
A total of $79,100 will be invested in nine organizations that provide services to veterans in Florida.
"Duke Energy is honored to help support our veterans," said Duke Energy Florida President Harry Sideris. "Last year our 'Victories for Veterans' partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays provided invaluable services to 1,300 local veterans and we are proud to continue this investment and assist other worthwhile organizations. We hope it will have a lasting effect on our community and is one of the many ways our company supports the men and women who have served our country."
The nine recipient organizations will be recognized this Friday, September 29 prior to the Rays-Orioles game at Tropicana Field with an on-field check presentation by Duke Energy and Tampa Bay Rays representatives.
"The Rays are proud to partner with Duke Energy for this unique program," said Rays President Brian Auld. "We are honored to support these organizations that do so much for our military and veteran families."
Recipient organizations and their veteran-focused programs include:

• Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge, Inc. (Pinellas County): to enable injured and combat-wounded veterans to jointly participate with marine research scientists in the "Coral Restoration Challenge," which restores coral reefs.
• Florida Dream Center (Pinellas County): to aid veterans in Pinellas County who need assistance with housing code violations.
• United Way of Citrus County, Inc.: to provide nancial support and resources to veterans through the "Got Your Back Fund."
• University of South Florida Foundation, Inc. (Hillsborough County): to provide financial support to veterans, spouses and dependents of veterans at the beginning of the semester who are waiting for their first VA educational bene t payment or to provide short-term assistance to student veterans due to unforeseen and emergent circumstances.
• Veterans Alternative, Inc. (Pasco County): to provide the Extended Services Program that will enable participants to receive Accelerated Resolution Therapy, iRest and gentle yoga either after normal business hours or scheduled at a convenient time for the participant in a non-retreat model.
• Quantum Leap Farm, Inc. (Hillsborough County): to enable veterans and active-duty service members to participate in the "Warrior Mission At-Ease Retreat," a free, highly therapeutic five-day retreat at Quantum Leap Farm.
• Camaraderie Foundation, Inc. (Orange County): to provide scholarships for individual or family counseling with licensed mental health therapists.
• Freedom Ride, Inc. (Orange County): to enable participation in equine therapeutic riding programs.
• Highways Park Neighborhood Preservation Council (Highlands County): to purchase and install a commercial-grade water fountain and finalize Phase II of the Highway Park Veteran's Memorial, a special site developed to recognize the contributions of veterans in the community.