By John DentonMay 11, 2015
ORLANDO – Even though he was fully aware that the Foundation for Seminole State College of Florida would be receiving grant money from the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, a McCormick Foundation Fund (OMYF-MFF), Dr. John Gyllin admitted to being nervous and jittery with excitement.
Dr. Gyllin’s anticipation was genuine when Seminole State College received a $50,000 grant from the OMYF-MFF back in February because he knew the wide-reaching effect that the money would have on the lives of so many students in Central Florida. The OMYF’s awarding of grant money showed faith in the school’s “Molding Another Generation in College” program, and the executive director could barely contain his excitement.
“When we’re invited to draft day that’s exciting because we know that the Orlando Magic Youth Fund is including our philanthropy in their efforts and that’s tremendous,” Dr. Gyllin said. “But I’ve said this publicly and socially to all my friends – the Magic’s draft is one of the most unique and creative ways to give away their grant money. I love ‘Draft Day’ and it’s one of my favorite days of the year. There’s a build-up and an excitement and I’m sitting in my chair shaking and waiting for our names to be called.”
In February, 21 Central Florida organizations received $1 million in grants from the Orlando Magic Youth Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund. In a ceremony held at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the OMYF-MFF All-Star team was announced much like the NBA Draft with each nonprofit organization being recognized and presented with an OMYF-MFF jersey or specialty basketball. Representatives were greeted by Orlando Magic Chairman Dan DeVos, Magic CEO Alex Martins, Magic Vice President of Philanthropy and Multicultural Insights/OMYF President Linda Landman Gonzalez and were honored at Magic games throughout last season.
The Magic take seriously the notion of making a difference in the Central Florida community, and they want to reward those shaping the lives of youth with grant money.
“Our mission is to be World Champions on and off the court delivering legendary moments every step of the way, and today truly is a legendary day,” Martins said. “This is truly my favorite day of the year because we know that we are making a significant impact in Central Florida with the funds that we distribute to these very worthy organizations.”
In the past five years, OMYF-MFF has granted nearly $5 million to various organizations throughout Central Florida. In the past 25 years, OMYF-MFF has given $19.8 million to more than 500 nonprofit organizations – funding that has impacted more than 2 million children and people in need. That philosophy of giving falls in line with the vision of legendary owner Rich DeVos, who has stated through the years that it was always his hope to use the Magic as a vehicle to assist others and make a difference in the community.
“One of the fundamentals of my parents and my family is us giving back with your time, treasure or whatever you have,” said DeVos, son of Rich DeVos. “Everybody needs to give a little bit back because we all benefit so much from this community. This is a very exciting time for us. The excitement of the individuals here is real because they all know the difference this makes on the community and their organizations.”
The $1 million in funds given to the 21 Central Florida difference-making organizations is raised by OMYF, and the match provided by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. After an extensive five-phase process, which began in April of 2014, the beneficiaries were recommended by the OMYF Board and then approved by the McCormick Foundation’s Board of Directors.
The grant money received by the Foundation for Seminole State College went toward its “Molding Another Generation in College” program. The program is set up to ensure that many first-generation college students have the support services needed to be successful while trying to better their lives. Dr. Gyllin knows that the program wouldn’t be able to have the impact that it does without the aid and support of the Magic.
“This financial support from the Magic helps so many first-generational students who otherwise may not have the financial resources to go to school, but also the support needed to be successful and get into that job that they want,” Dr. Gyllin said. “That’s what makes this so important. Without this funding from the Magic and these resources, lots and lots of students wouldn’t have the support to make it through college. The Magic see the impact that this has and we’re so happy to partner with them on this venture.”
Here is a closer look at the Foundation for Seminole State College of Florida’s mission and the Magic’s work in the Central Florida community:
2015 OMYF-MFF GRANT RECIPIENTS: Aspire Health Partners – Zebra Coalition, Apopka Family Learning Center, BETA Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Children’s Home Society of Florida, City Year Orlando, Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, Elevate Orlando, Florida Hospital for Children, Foundation for Orange County Public Schools, Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools, Foundation for Seminole State College of Florida, Harbor House of Central Florida, Hope Community Center, Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando, Junior Achievement of Central Florida, Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Osceola County Council on Aging, The Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families and the University of Central Florida Foundation, Valencia College Foundation.
FEATURED ORGANIZATION: Foundation for Seminole State College of Florida
PURPOSE OF GRANT MONEY FOR FOUNDATION FOR SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE: The grant will be used for the “Molding Another Generation in College” program so that many first-generation college students have the support services needed to be successful.
2015 GRANT MONEY TO THE FOUNDATION FOR SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE: $50,000
ORLANDO MAGIC QUOTE: “I’m really proud of what the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation has been able to do and the commitment that they have to Central Florida and so many organizations. The Orlando Magic Youth Fund, as part of the McCormick Fund, has been able to donate nearly $20 million to more than 500 nonprofit organizations and have a positive impact on 1 million youth throughout the community. That’s impressive. My family is very dedicated to this organization and to this community and it’s just great to see the response of organizations and the results that they are able to achieve.’’ – Magic Chairman Dan DeVos