Orlando Magic Assist with Parramore Home Renovation
Orlando, Fla. – For decades she served plates of delicious soul food to generations of Orlandoans, ranging from hungry city workers to Orlando Magic players looking for some old-fashioned home cooking.
But on this day, it was Lillie Johnson’s turn to be served.
Equipped with paint brushes, drills, hammers, gloves and garbage bags, 15 volunteers from the Orlando Magic’s corporate office helped renovate her Parramore home on Saturday, October 4.
The 82-year-old Johnson, founder of the local soul-food landmark, Johnson’s Diner, was humbled to have her home chosen by Helping Hands of Orlando to be refurbished.
“I am so happy, I am so thrilled,” said Johnson. “I have prayed to God to give me a blessing because I’ve been in this house 40 years, and I needed so much done to it and I didn’t want to go in debt to do it because I wasn’t able to pay the bills.”
The Magic was one of multiple area organizations that worked on a variety of downtown homes throughout the day.
“As an organization we care strongly about our neighbors in Parramore,” said Orlando Magic Community Relations Coordinator Robyn Guokas. “It was rewarding for us all to see the happiness on Mrs. Johnson’s face.”
Guokas, along with the Community Relations Department, heads up the Magic Volunteer Program (MVP), which encourages employee community involvement through various initiatives.
Last season, Magic employees totaled 5,858 hours of community service and have already amassed more than 1,000 hours since the beginning of July.
Magic employees have served the community through various initiatives including charity events, building playgrounds, serving meals, constructing homes and mentoring elementary school students.
“Volunteerism is one of the core values of the Orlando Magic,” said Director of Community Relations and Orlando Magic Youth Fund Kari Conley. “The revitalization of downtown and the Parramore community is important to the Orlando Magic and to the future of Central Florida. It takes a commitment from everyone to continue making progress.”
But on this day, it was Lillie Johnson’s turn to be served.
Equipped with paint brushes, drills, hammers, gloves and garbage bags, 15 volunteers from the Orlando Magic’s corporate office helped renovate her Parramore home on Saturday, October 4.
The 82-year-old Johnson, founder of the local soul-food landmark, Johnson’s Diner, was humbled to have her home chosen by Helping Hands of Orlando to be refurbished.
“I am so happy, I am so thrilled,” said Johnson. “I have prayed to God to give me a blessing because I’ve been in this house 40 years, and I needed so much done to it and I didn’t want to go in debt to do it because I wasn’t able to pay the bills.”
The Magic was one of multiple area organizations that worked on a variety of downtown homes throughout the day.
“As an organization we care strongly about our neighbors in Parramore,” said Orlando Magic Community Relations Coordinator Robyn Guokas. “It was rewarding for us all to see the happiness on Mrs. Johnson’s face.”
Guokas, along with the Community Relations Department, heads up the Magic Volunteer Program (MVP), which encourages employee community involvement through various initiatives.
Last season, Magic employees totaled 5,858 hours of community service and have already amassed more than 1,000 hours since the beginning of July.
Magic employees have served the community through various initiatives including charity events, building playgrounds, serving meals, constructing homes and mentoring elementary school students.
“Volunteerism is one of the core values of the Orlando Magic,” said Director of Community Relations and Orlando Magic Youth Fund Kari Conley. “The revitalization of downtown and the Parramore community is important to the Orlando Magic and to the future of Central Florida. It takes a commitment from everyone to continue making progress.”
