Orlando, Fla. (March 29, 2013) – The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation’s (OMYF) Black Tie and Tennies Charity Gala raised $547,308 with matching funds at .50 on the dollar provided by the McCormick Foundation. All proceeds benefit the OMYF.
The 23rd Annual OMYF Black Tie and Tennis Charity Gala presented by FAIRWINDS Credit Union was held on March 23 at the Amway Center. More than 700 guests were in attendance for an evening of silent and live auctions, gourmet food, activities and interaction with Magic players, coaches and executives. One of the highlights of the evening was the announcement of the Rich and Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award winner. This year Magic captain Jameer Nelson was recognized for his efforts off the court and in the Central Florida community. Nelson will receive $50,000 from the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation to donate to the charities of his choice.
“The Orlando Magic is built to be a cornerstone of this community,” Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins said. “When the team succeeds, this community succeeds. And when a community succeeds, we are all winners. I also want to recognize the collaborative effort of this community, the DeVos family, our players, coaches, staff, corporate partners, season ticket holders and fans that make our gala such a incredible success each year. It is a complete team effort and we are so grateful for all of the support.”
From educational and arts programs to health programs focused on preventing childhood obesity, the OMYF is dedicated to nourishing the minds and bodies of children that need it most.
Over the last 23 years more than $18 million has been distributed to local nonprofit community organizations via the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation and Orlando Magic Youth Fund (OMYF-MFF), a McCormick Foundation Fund since 1994, which serves at-risk youth. The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation raises community dollars annually through donations, 50/50 Drawings, auctions and events such as the Black Tie and Tennies Gala and the OMYF Golf Tournament with matching funds at .50 on the dollar provided by the McCormick Foundation. In 2013, in addition to presenting checks totaling $1+ million to 17 nonprofit organizations the OMYF will also award scholarships totaling $12,000. To learn more visit omyf.org.