TAMPA, Fla. — Beloved ABC Action News alum Don Germaise is being honored by Tampa Bay Lightning as a “Community Hero” for his volunteer work at the Ronald McDonald House, Feeding Tampa Bay and more.
For years as a beloved reporter on ABC Action News, Germaise helped you “hunker down” during hurricanes.
He retired from television seven years ago. But no matter where he goes in the world, people still recognize and remember him for his high-octane TV style.
“I was in London, and somebody walked up to me and said ‘hunker down!’” he says with a smile. “In London!”
Germaise recalls this as he prepares a fresh tray of donuts in the kitchen of the Ronald McDonald House in Tampa.
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“I’ve done 8,400 hours of volunteer work since I retired from ABC Action News,” he says. “Let’s hope for another 8,400.”
Germaise is now living a life of service here — RMH, Feeding Tampa Bay and more. As well as all over the world, including Vietnam, Haiti and more.
Due to his tireless work, he was recently honored as a Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero during a home game.
Lightning owner Jeff Vinik and star Steven Stamkos presented Germaise with a check for $50,000 to help his causes.
“The Lightning told me they had never had someone donate to eight different charities before,” he says.
There he was, back on a big screen again, people cheering for him and calling out his name.
But don’t go thinking Germaise misses the limelight.
“I love TV and I love the people,” he says. “But if I’m never on TV again, it’s not going to bother me.”
