ORLANDO – It was close to two years ago when D.J. Augustin made his first visit to AdventHealth for Children, formerly named Florida Hospital for Children, to cheer up patients.
It was such a memorable experience for the now 32-year-old Orlando Magic point guard that a return to the hospital to lift even more children’s spirits was something he had been looking forward to doing for a while.
On Tuesday, Jan. 7, the 6-foot, 183-pounder made his highly anticipated return to AdventHealth’s facility, where he once again put smiles on children’s faces. Joining him were Community Ambassadors Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw, members of 321 Hype and STUFF the Magic Mascot.
“It means a lot. It’s unfortunate that they’re here. But they are doing well, they are having a good time. For me to come in and brighten up their day, it means a lot to us over here,” Augustin said. “We’re not just basketball players. We’re people also. To be able to come here and put a smile on these kids’ faces, it means a lot to us. It means a lot to me as a person.”
Augustin, who has been playing some of his best basketball of the season over the last few weeks, had a blast playing games with the kids. Just like the last time he was there, he could sense the impact his participation was having on their moods. A father of three, the New Orleans native also sympathizes with the parents, who are incredibly grateful to see him and other members of the Magic there to provide a boost for their children.
What also inspires Augustin, a 12-year NBA veteran, is being able to contribute to the community while playing for an organization that cares just as much as he does about helping children and families reach their full potential and heal from their struggles.
“It just makes it even better to be a part of this organization,” he said. “I’ve been on eight teams since I’ve been in the NBA and not all organizations are like this. So to be a part of this, it means a lot to me and my brand and what I stand for as a person.”
Anderson, the Magic’s franchise leader in games played and field goals made, is delighted every time he makes his appearance at the hospital to help rejuvenate kids. It never gets old, he says, and he has seen first-hand the difference it makes when he and others from the Magic take time out of their day to lend a helping hand.
“This is special. I’ve been doing this for a very long time. To have the opportunity to spend some time with the children, it’s a great feeling. It really is a great feeling,” he said. “When you see all these pretty smiles, you wouldn’t know it. You wouldn’t know what some of these children are facing. Just the smiles and the cheers that come up and everything, that’s special.”
Aside from playing board games, cards and other activities with the kids, the Magic volunteers also stopped by some of the hospital rooms where they handed patients get well teddy bears, Magic t-shirts and Magic basketballs.
Off the court, on an annual basis, the Magic give more than $2 million to the local community by way of sponsorships of events, donated tickets, autographed merchandise and grants. Magic community relations programs impact an estimated 100,000 kids each year, while a Magic staff-wide initiative provides more than 7,000 volunteer hours annually. In addition, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF), which serves at-risk youth, has distributed more than $24 million to local nonprofit community organizations over the last 29 years.
“I remember the day Mr. (Rich) DeVos purchased this team and he said this team is for the community and that’s been from day one,” Anderson said. “This is what the DeVos family has been and will always be about. This organization, since I’ve been a part of it and been around it, has always been known to get out in the community and do things. So, I’m happy to be a part of this organization. I’m happy to be a part of being here today. It means a lot.”