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As a part of the Orlando Magic’s commitment to literacy and education, the team, in partnership with Florida Blue, unveiled its 26th reading corner on February 10 at Dream Big Preschool Learning. Taking part in the build and unveiling celebration included Magic Community Ambassadors Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw. 

The Orlando Magic and Florida Blue donated children’s furniture, a bookcase and Orlando Magic décor to the preschool. All of the books were donated by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. The reading corner was built through the volunteer efforts of Magic employees as part of the Magic Volunteer Program (MVP).

In the Magic and Florida Blue’s continuing efforts to develop lifelong learners through literacy and education, the reading corner build at Dream Big Preschool Learning is an extension of the Orlando Magic’s Baskets for Books program presented by Florida Blue.  As part of the Baskets for Books program, during every Magic home game each point scored by the Magic will result in one book being donated to the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Orange County. More than 4,500 books have been donated to ELC through Baskets for Books. The program provides a way to continue the team’s literacy efforts, one of the Magic’s three community focus areas. 

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Orlando Magic and Florida Blue Team Up to Build Healthy Minds with a New Reading Corner

Just two days before Christmas, Jenna Rogers and her family were invited to attend an Orlando Magic game against the Boston Celtics. The thrilled family arrived to the arena not knowing what was to come.

Jenna was born 6 weeks early at two pounds 14 ounces, and at about five months old she started developing recurring fevers, pneumonia, and slow weight gain. She was admitted every couple of weeks for infections. She later received her first diagnosis of IgG deficiency and was started on a monthly infusion from plasma donors that gives her a stronger immune system. This disease process has worsened through the years and has now become Common Variable Immunodeficiency, and she receives a weekly hour long infusion. Along with these Jenna has also been diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, Juvenile Idiopathic Polyarticular Arthritis, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, and multiple other autoimmune diseases that led to her staying in the hospital for 67 days, nearly losing her life.

Jenna has been faced with so much adversity at a young age, but that hasn’t stopped her smile from illuminating the room and bringing joy to those around her with her sweet personality.

“This is huge,” said Jenna’s mother, Kristy. “This time of year we’re still focusing on health and medications and what procedures need to be done and what tests need to be done. For someone to take out the time and focus on fun and give this to her, it’s huge!”

As a Magic Maker, Jenna and her family were treated to a VIP experience that included receiving a personalized Orlando Magic jersey, meeting Nikola Vucevic and Community Ambassadors Bo Outlaw and Nick Anderson, sitting courtside during pre-game, and enjoying the game courtside.

Fans can recommend or nominate a deserving Magic Maker by visiting orlandomagic.com/community and clicking on “Magic Makers.”

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Magic Brightens Young Girl’s Holiday Through Magic Maker Program

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Due to Tropical Storm Nicole, the NBA has announced that the Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic game on Wednesday, November 9 will tip-off at 5:30 PM. Amway Center doors open at 4:30 PM.