Orlando, Fla. (January 23, 2018) – Through the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF) checks totaling $1,004,000 were presented to 27 grantee organizations in a surprise ceremony on January 23 at the Amway Center. Over the past 28 years, more than $23 million has been distributed to local nonprofit community organizations through the OMYF.
The OMYF All-Star team was announced in the spirit of the NBA Draft as each nonprofit organization was recognized and presented with an OMYF jersey or specialty basketball. Representatives were greeted by Orlando Magic Chairman Dan DeVos, Magic CEO Alex Martins, Magic Community Ambassadors Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw, Magic Vice President of Social Responsibility/OMYF President Linda Landman Gonzalez and the OMYF team.
With funds raised by the OMYF, a total of $1,004,000 million in grants was distributed to these charities. This marks the tenth time that $1 million has been distributed through the OMYF since inception. In addition to the OMYF All-Star team announcement today, these organizations will be honored in-game tonight when the Magic host the Sacramento Kings.
After an extensive five-phase process, which began in April of 2017, the beneficiaries were recommended by the OMYF Board and then approved by the McCormick Foundation’s Board of Directors.
“The Orlando Magic’s mission is to be World Champions on and off the court delivering legendary moments every step of the way. And today truly is a legendary day,” said Magic CEO Alex Martins. “This community gives so much to us in terms of support and it’s important for us to give that back to them. As I’ve always said, this is my favorite day of the year because we know that we are making a significant impact in Central Florida with the funds that we distribute to these very worthy organizations.”
The Orlando Magic and the DeVos family are committed to making a difference in Central Florida. Each year, the Magic gives more than $2 million to Central Florida by way of sponsorships of events, donated tickets, autographed merchandise and grants. At the heart of the Magic’s charitable efforts is the work done by the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation.
“One of the fundamentals of my parents and our family has always been us giving back with time, treasure or whatever you have,” said Magic Chairman Dan DeVos. “It is incredibly important because we all benefit so much from this great community. The excitement of the individuals each year during this ceremony is real because they all know the difference this makes in the community through their organizations. This is a very exciting time for us.”
The OMYF is committed to helping children in Central Florida realize their full potential, especially those most at-risk, by supporting nonprofit organizations offering youth based programs in the areas of education, housing/homelessness, and health programs focused on preventing childhood obesity.
Over the last 28 years more than $23 million has been distributed to local nonprofit community organizations through the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. The DeVos family’s investment in the OMYF covers all administrative costs which allows for 100 percent of all donations to go directly to the foundation to benefit children and families in need throughout Central Florida each year. The OMYF raises community dollars annually through donations, auctions and events such as the Black Tie and Tennies Gala, the OMYF Open Golf Tournament, and the upcoming 2019 OMYF Wine Festival and Auction.
“The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation can only accomplish its goals through the tireless work of the people who focus on the youth in our community,” said OMYF President Linda Landman Gonzalez. “We are so grateful to have the opportunity to assist these amazing organizations who help the OMYF fulfill its commitment to underserved youth and families in the Central Florida community. Above all, we are honored to be able to work with those inspiring people who are at the heart of what the OMYF is all about.”
For more information, visit www.omyf.org
The 2018 grant recipients and grants received:
Adult Literacy League $40,000
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida $50,000
Children’s Home Society of Florida $30,000
City Year Orlando $30,000
Crealde School of Art $15,000
Early Learning Coalition of Orange County $50,000
ELEVATE Orlando $30,000
Florida Hospital for Children $50,000
Foundation for Orange County Public Schools $25,000
Foundation for Foster Children $100,000
Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools $20,000
Foundation for Seminole State College of Florida $50,000
Harbor House of Central Florida $25,000
Hope Community Center $40,000
IMPOWER $20,000
Junior Achievement of Central Florida $50,000
Orlando Ballet $20,000
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra $20,000
Orlando Repertory Theatre $20,000
Orlando Science Center $30,000
Orlando Shakespeare Theater $20,000
The Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families $29,000
The Nemours Foundation $50,000
University of Central Florida Foundation $50,000
Valencia College Foundation $50,000
YMCA of Central Florida $40,000
Zebra Coalition $50,000
GRAND TOTAL: $1,004,000 to Central Florida
