ORLANDO – In celebration of the Magic’s 25th anniversary season through the Orlando Magic Youth Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund (OMYF-MFF), checks totaling $600,000 to 25 grantee organizations were distributed in a surprise ceremony on Wednesday, January 22 at the Amway Center. Over the past four years more than $3.8 million has been granted through OMYF-MFF.
The OMYF-MFF All-Star team was announced in the spirit of the NBA Draft as each nonprofit organization was 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 and OMYF President Linda Landman-Gonzalez and the OMYF team.
With funds raised by OMYF, and the match provided by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, a total of $600,000 in grants was distributed to these charities. In addition to the OMYF-MFF All-Star team announcement, the organizations will be recognized during the remaining home games this season.
After an extensive five-phase process, which began in July of 2013, the beneficiaries were recommended by the OMYF Board and the Advisory Council and then approved by the McCormick Foundation’s Board of Directors.
“In what has become one of my favorite days of the year, we are proud to assist these very deserving organizations who work tirelessly to improve the lives of youth in Central Florida,” said Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins. “It is through them that we are building a better future by investing in the youth of our community. I also want to recognize the collaborative effort of the McCormick Foundation, this community, the DeVos family, our players, coaches, staff, corporate partners and season ticket holders that make it possible to distribute the more than $18 million through our 25 year history. We owe so much to each organization and the people who work every day with the youth of our community. Through them anything is possible.”
The Orlando Magic Youth Fund and McCormick Foundation share a commitment to addressing the growing needs of disadvantaged youth in the Central Florida community,” said David Hiller, president and CEO of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. “Thanks to the generous fans and donors, we are able to support these amazing community organizations providing opportunities for at-risk kids to grow, thrive and succeed.”
The Orlando Magic is committed to making a difference in Central Florida. Each year, the Magic gives more than $2 million to Central Florida by way of sponsorships of events, donated tickets, autographed merchandise, and grants. At the heart of the Magic’s charitable efforts is the work done by the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation raises community dollars annually through donations, auctions, 50/50 drawings and events such as the Black Tie and Tennies Gala and the OMYF Open Golf Tournament.
Over the last 24 years, more than $18.8 million has been distributed to local nonprofit community organizations through the Orlando Magic Youth Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund (OMYF-MFF) since 1994 with support from the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. The McCormick Foundation matches all donations to the Fund at fifty cents on the dollar.
The OMYF is committed to helping children in Central Florida realize their full potential, especially those most at-risk, by supporting non-profit organizations offering youth based programs in the areas of youth education, housing/homelessness, and health and wellness programs that promote healthy living practices for at risk children and families. For more information, visit www.omyf.org
The 2014 grant recipients: Adult Literacy League, Apopka Family Learning Center, BETA Center, Boys Town Central Florida, Children’s Home Society of Florida, City Year, Early Learning Coalition of Orange County, Elevate Orlando, Florida Hospital for Children, Foundation for Foster Children, Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools, Gift of Swimming, Harbor House of Central Florida, Hebni Nutrition Consultants, Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families, Orange County Library System, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Orlando Repertory Theatre, Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Osceola Council on Aging, Rescue Outreach Mission of Central Florida, The Center for Drug Free Living-Zebra Coalition, The Salvation Army, University of Central Florida Foundation, Valencia College Foundation.