Dwight Howard named Ace Hardware "Helpful Player of the Month"
WHAT: Ace Hardware, in conjunction with the Orlando Magic, will honor one Magic player each month during the 2008-09 season as the Ace Hardware “Helpful Player of the Month.” Each selection will be based on their dedication to the Central Florida community and will exemplify Ace’s vision as “The Helpful Place.”
WHO: Dwight Howard has been named the December Ace Hardware “Helpful Player of the Month” for his willingness to give back to the community. Howard was active in the community over the holidays, teaming up with Operation Blessing International and Bread of Life Fellowship Inc., to distribute emergency preparedness kits and $100 Publix gift cards to 100 Central Florida families in need on Tuesday, December 16. On Thursday, December 4, Howard, along with teammates J.J. Redick and Keith Bogans, also stepped off the court and into the hospital to make a special visit to the pediatric patients at Disney Children’s Hospital at Florida Hospital. The Magic stars delivered gifts, signed autographs and brought ‘magic’ to their young fans.
About Ace Hardware
Throughout its 85-year history, Ace Hardware has been known as the helpful hardware store by both customers and communities. This year, Ace ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Home Improvement Stores for the Second Consecutive Year,” according to J.D. Power and Associates. With 4,600 hardware, home center and building materials stores that generate annual retail sales of more than $12 billion, Ace is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the industry. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace currently operates 14 distribution centers in the U.S. and one in Shanghai, China, and its retailers' stores are located in all 50 states and 60 countries. For more information on Ace, visit www.acehardware.com.
About The Orlando Magic
Orlando’s NBA franchise since 1989, the Magic’s mission is to be world champions on and off the court, delivering legendary moments every step of the way. On the court, Orlando has won three division championships (1995, 1996, 2008), had four 50-plus win seasons, and won the Eastern Conference title in 1995. Off the court, on an annual basis the Orlando Magic gives more than $2 million to the local community by way of sponsorships of events, donated tickets, autographed merchandise, scholarships and grants. Orlando Magic community relations programs impact an estimated 75,000 kids each year, while a Magic staff-wide initiative provides more than 4,000 volunteer hours annually. In addition, over the last 19 years nearly $14 million has been distributed to local non-profit community organizations via The Orlando Magic Youth Fund (OMYF) that serve at risk and disadvantaged youth. Ticket highlights for 2008-09 include: 7,569 seats priced $25 or under per game; a $27 lower bowl ticket; and tickets priced at $10 per game. For ticket information log on to orlandomagic.com or call 407-89-MAGIC.
Through the National Basketball Association’s NBA CARES program, 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.
The Orlando Magic is also the developer of the new downtown Events Center which will compete to host major national events, concerts and family shows. Opening in October 2010, the facility will be operated by the City of Orlando and owned by the Central Florida Community.
WHO: Dwight Howard has been named the December Ace Hardware “Helpful Player of the Month” for his willingness to give back to the community. Howard was active in the community over the holidays, teaming up with Operation Blessing International and Bread of Life Fellowship Inc., to distribute emergency preparedness kits and $100 Publix gift cards to 100 Central Florida families in need on Tuesday, December 16. On Thursday, December 4, Howard, along with teammates J.J. Redick and Keith Bogans, also stepped off the court and into the hospital to make a special visit to the pediatric patients at Disney Children’s Hospital at Florida Hospital. The Magic stars delivered gifts, signed autographs and brought ‘magic’ to their young fans.
About Ace Hardware
Throughout its 85-year history, Ace Hardware has been known as the helpful hardware store by both customers and communities. This year, Ace ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Home Improvement Stores for the Second Consecutive Year,” according to J.D. Power and Associates. With 4,600 hardware, home center and building materials stores that generate annual retail sales of more than $12 billion, Ace is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the industry. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace currently operates 14 distribution centers in the U.S. and one in Shanghai, China, and its retailers' stores are located in all 50 states and 60 countries. For more information on Ace, visit www.acehardware.com.
About The Orlando Magic
Orlando’s NBA franchise since 1989, the Magic’s mission is to be world champions on and off the court, delivering legendary moments every step of the way. On the court, Orlando has won three division championships (1995, 1996, 2008), had four 50-plus win seasons, and won the Eastern Conference title in 1995. Off the court, on an annual basis the Orlando Magic gives more than $2 million to the local community by way of sponsorships of events, donated tickets, autographed merchandise, scholarships and grants. Orlando Magic community relations programs impact an estimated 75,000 kids each year, while a Magic staff-wide initiative provides more than 4,000 volunteer hours annually. In addition, over the last 19 years nearly $14 million has been distributed to local non-profit community organizations via The Orlando Magic Youth Fund (OMYF) that serve at risk and disadvantaged youth. Ticket highlights for 2008-09 include: 7,569 seats priced $25 or under per game; a $27 lower bowl ticket; and tickets priced at $10 per game. For ticket information log on to orlandomagic.com or call 407-89-MAGIC.
Through the National Basketball Association’s NBA CARES program, 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.
The Orlando Magic is also the developer of the new downtown Events Center which will compete to host major national events, concerts and family shows. Opening in October 2010, the facility will be operated by the City of Orlando and owned by the Central Florida Community.
