OMYF recently distributed over $620,000 to 25 Central Florida organizations

March 29, 2008

Orlando, FL – The Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard was named the 2007-2008 winner of the Rich & Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award Saturday night at the 18th Annual Black Tie & Tennies Charity Gala held at the J.W. Marriott Grande Lakes. This marks the second time Howard has won the award (2004-05 and 2007-08).

Each year at the Gala, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF) honors a player who has dedicated his efforts off the court for the purpose of enhancing others’ lives. An anonymous panel of external representatives selects the player. In addition to receiving the award, the player is granted $50,000 from the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation to donate to the charity of his choice.

Howard has consistently volunteered his time off the court and to the Central Florida community supporting the initiatives of the Magic’s community relations department, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation and the NBA. Highlights of his community involvement for the 2007-2008 season include:

· Donated $25,000 to the Pine Hills Boys & Girls Club which included a shopping spree for 75 members, books and the chance for them to purchase new computers, supplies and furniture.
· Helped raise money for the OMYF by participating in the OMYF Golf Tournament.
· While in China during the preseason participated in clinics with children from a school for children of migrant workers and Special Olympics Olympians.
· Provided the opportunity for 40 children each game a chance to see the Magic play through his “Dwight’s Disciples” ticket program.
· Participated in three internal autograph sessions, which helps support Central Florida non-profit organizations by raising money through silent auctions.
· Met with a Make A Wish child before a game to sign autographs and take photos.
· Participated in postgame autograph sessions with season ticket holders.
· Donated gifts for the Magic holiday party with underprivileged children and their families.
· While in New Orleans for All-Star weekend participated in a KaBoom! playground build as part of NBA Cares service projects.
· Spoke to students from Ventura Elementary about the importance of reading at a Scholastic Book Fair.
· Assisted building a playground as part of the Magic’s annual KaBoom! playground build for residents of Santa Barbara Apartments in Winter Park.
· Met military families postgame as part of the Magic’s Seats for Soldiers Night on March 21.

Past winners of the award include Nick Anderson (1995-1996), Penny Hardaway (1996-1997), Darrell Armstrong (1997-1998, 1999-2000), Grant Hill (2000-2001), Monty Williams (2001-2002), Tracy McGrady (2002-2003), Pat Garrity (2003-2004) and Bo Outlaw (1998-1999, 2005-2006, 2006-2007).

The funds raised this year by the OMYF were distributed to the community through grants totaling $621,350. On January 27, checks to 25 organizations from nine different counties (Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Volusia, Flagler, Lake, Polk and Sumter) were presented at halftime of the Magic vs. Boston game. The beneficiaries were recommended by the OMYF “VIP” Committee and then approved by the McCormick Tribune Foundation’s Board of Directors after an extensive five-phase process which began in July of 2007.

The annual Black Tie & Tennies Charity Gala, along with the Player Championship for Charity Golf Tournament and on-line auctions, represent the most significant fundraisers of the OMYF.

The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation, is committed to helping every child in Central Florida realize their full potential, especially those most at risk, by supporting programs and partnerships that empower families and change lives. The OMYF is supported through a team effort by Magic players, coaches, staff and the DeVos Family, in partnership with season ticket holders, corporate partners, fans and the community. Nearly $14 million has been granted to local non-profits that support the mission statement.