LAS VEGAS, NV. – The Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers announced today that team owners Bill Foley and Vincent Viola will partner to donate $100,000 at the conclusion of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. The owner of the winning team in the series will choose a Veterans Service Organization to accept the donation from the owner of the other club.
Foley and Viola are both graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point and veterans of the United States military. Foley received his bachelor’s degree in engineering in 1967 before serving in the U.S. Air Force, where he attained the rank of captain. In 2016, Bill received the Distinguished Graduate Award from the United States Military Academy at West Point based on his character, distinguished service, and stature drawing wholesome comparison to the qualities for which West Point strives, in keeping with its motto: “Duty, Honor, Country.”
Florida Panthers are taking their talents to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1996
Viola received his bachelor’s degree from West Point 1977. A graduate of the U.S. Army Airborne, Air Assault, Infantry, and Ranger Schools, he served as an infantry officer in the 101st Airborne Division, and his dedication to the U.S. military additionally led to his creation of the Florida Panthers’ Heroes Among Us program, which has honored hundreds of veterans, and counting, since its inception in 2013. He also founded the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point in 2002 and the Modern War Institute at West Point in 2015.
Foley selected The Folded Flag Foundation to receive a donation from Viola and the Panthers. Viola chose Gold Star Teen Adventures to receive a donation from Foley and the Golden Knights. Both non-profit organizations dedicate their efforts toward the children and families of military and law enforcement personnel who lost their lives.
The two teams will face off against each other in the Stanley Cup Final, with Game 1 opening on TNT at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 3.
Florida Panthers media relations contributed to this column
