By Josh CohenDec. 23, 2015
ORLANDO – It has truly been a “magical” year for Mildred Rodriguez and her family. Just two months after the Orlando Magic and Habitat for Humanity presented her keys to a brand new Central Florida home, Rodriguez and her three children and one grandson experienced ‘Magic’ up close.
As part of NBA Cares Season of Giving, they celebrated Christmas with the Magic at Amway Center. The family rode in a limo to the Magic’s game against the Rockets, watched the team win from their courtside seats, enjoyed dinner at the Fields Ultimate Lounge and were showered with gifts at halftime. They received toys, a laptop computer, 55” flat screen TV, a tablet and a check for $1,500 to furnish their home.
Papa John’s provided them free pizza gift cards; PepsiCo. provided Aquafina water for an entire year; Disney surprised the family with theme park passes; Marriott Vacation Club provided a four day/three night stay at one of their locations and Amway gave them a basket with beauty and home care products.
Similar to her reaction in October when she moved into her new home, Rodriguez was overwhelmed with joy and elation on Wednesday.
“I’m excited, I’m surprised, I’m so grateful,” an emotional Rodriguez said immediately after she and her family were honored at halftime. “These are tears of joy.”
The new living conditions have already helped in many ways. The kids have a safe and comfortable place to do their homework and play outside and Rodriguez is able to cook healthier meals and she is enjoying furnishing all the rooms.
The home the family was previously living in had inadequate air conditioning, mold and roof issues. It was also in an unsafe neighborhood. This prompted Rodriguez to work towards homeownership with Habitat for Humanity. While caring for her family and working full-time, she found time to complete her more than 300 sweat equity hours and homeownership classes.
“It’s peaceful, relaxing,” Rodriguez said. “They (kids) want to work harder. It’s been a blessing to me.”
The Magic have been spending a lot of time this holiday season helping others live healthier lives. Last week, for instance, Magic players Evan Fournier, Channing Frye and Jason Smith took 100 kids from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida on a holiday shopping spree at a local Walmart.