August 14, 2007

Orlando, FL – The Orlando Magic held an internal ‘Back to School Drive’ during the week of August 6-10, and through the generous employee donations a total of $4,313.06 was collected in cash and supplies. Orlando Magic Community Ambassador Nick Anderson and the Magic Dancers will make a surprise visit to Richmond Heights Elementary (2500 Bruton Blvd., Orlando, 32805) on Wednesday, August 15 at 3:30 p.m. to present Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) Foundation for Title One Schools a check and the supplies.

Title One Schools are high poverty schools targeting children with low achievement. The schools selected to receive the supplies are those where the needs are the greatest. They include Richmond Heights Elementary, Orange Center Elementary, Palmetto Elementary, Ivey Lane Elementary and Memorial Middle School.

In addition, the Magic organization will be distributing $6,000 worth of school supplies to Pine Hills Community Center/New Directions Program, Union Park Elementary and Bo’s Place of Learning (Sanford Housing Authority).

The Orlando Magic is committed to the community. On an annual basis, the Orlando Magic gives more than $2 million to the local community by way of event sponsorships, donated tickets, autographed merchandise, scholarships and grants. Orlando Magic community relations programming impacts an estimated 75,000 kids annually. Over the last 18 years, more than $13 million has been distributed to local non-profit community organizations via the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. The OMYF, a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation, focuses on 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. Ticket highlights for 2007-08 include: a franchise-most 8,417 seats priced $25 or under per game, a $25 lower bowl ticket and, for the 10th straight year, tickets priced at $10 per game. For ticket information, log on to orlandomagic.com or call 407-89-MAGIC. Through NBA CARES, the league, players and teams will raise and contribute $100 million for charity, donate more than 1 million hours of hands-on volunteer service to communities worldwide and build more than 100 places where kids can learn and play over the next five years.