-2007 beneficiaries will be presented with checks at the January 27 game-

Orlando, FL –The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF), a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation, will present checks to 25 organizations from nine different counties (Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Volusia, Flagler, Lake, Polk and Sumter) at halftime of the Sunday, January 27 game vs. Boston Celtics (tip-off at 1:00 p.m.). The Orlando Ballet will also hold a special halftime performance. Grants totaling $621,350 will be awarded.

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 funds raised this year were distributed to the community through grants totaling $621,350.

“Through the OMYF we are committed to ensuring the team provides a positive, encouraging example,” said Vice President of Community Relations/OMYF and Government Affairs Linda Landman Gonzalez. “We hope to leave an indelible mark in our community through our charitable endeavors and are committed to that task. Tonight we honor those who help to make Central Florida a better place.”

The OMYF 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 was founded in 1988 and in 1994, became a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation. 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.

The 2007 grant recipients: A Gift for Teaching, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, Boy Scouts of America, Children's Home Society, Community Coordinated Care for Children (4C), Community Life Center, Epilepsy Association of Central Florida, Father Flanagan's Boys' Home (Boys Town), Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools, Gift of Swimming, Harbor House, Health Care Center for the Homeless, The House Next Door, Lake Sumter Children's Advocacy Center, Lakeside Behavioral Healthcare, Lifestream, Lighthouse of Central Florida, North Brevard Charities Sharing Center, Orlando Philarmonic Orchestra, Inc., Orlando Repertory Theatre (The Rep), Quest, Ronald McDonald House, Safe House of Seminole, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, South Brevard Women's Center