Orlando, Fla. (March 7, 2016) – The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation’s (OMYF) Black Tie and Tennies Gala raised $650,700 with matching funds at .50 on the dollar provided by the McCormick Foundation. All proceeds benefit the OMYF, which supports nonprofit organizations offering youth-based programs in the areas of education, housing/homelessness and health programs focused on preventing childhood obesity.
The 26th Annual OMYF Black Tie and Tennis Charity Gala presented by Levy Restaurants in partnership with Lee Wesley was held on March 5 at 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’s award featured Magic guard Victor Oladipo who was recognized for his efforts off the court and in the Central Florida community. Oladipo will receive $50,000 from the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation to donate to the charity of his choice.
The OMYF is committed to helping children in Central Florida realize their full potential, especially those most at-risk. Over the last 26 years more than $21 million has been distributed to local nonprofit community organizations through the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation and the Orlando Magic Youth Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund (OMYF-MFF) since 1994. The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation raises community dollars annually through donations, 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 2016, OMYF presented checks totaling $1 million to 18 nonprofit organizations from the tri-county area.
All proceeds from the event go to OMYF and will help change the lives of children and families in the local community.