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ORLANDO – The Orlando Magic have signed guard Devin Cannady, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.

Cannady (6’1”, 190, 5/21/96) was signed to a 10-day contract by Orlando on March 31. He has played in four games, averaging 8.8 ppg., 2.0 apg., 1.5 rpg. and 1.25 stlpg. in 27.8 minpg., while shooting .393 (11-28) from three-point range. Before signing his 10-day contract, Cannady appeared in 16 games (11 starts) this season with Lakeland of the NBA G League, averaging 15.8 ppg., 2.8 rpg. and 1.9 apg. in 26.5 minpg., while shooting .468 (59-126) from three-point range and .957 (22-23) from the free throw line.

Last season (2020-21), Cannady played in eight games with Orlando, averaging 4.3 ppg. in 9.3 minpg. He originally was signed to a 10-day contract by Orlando on Apr. 6, then released on Apr. 13, before signing a two-way contract on Apr. 16. Cannady suffered an open fracture of his right ankle during the first quarter on Apr. 25 vs. Indiana. He was later waived on May 4.

Prior to his time in Orlando last season, Cannady played in 13 games (nine starts) with Lakeland of the NBA G League, averaging 11.7 ppg., 2.8 rpg. and 2.7 apg. in 25.8 minpg., while shooting .400 (28-70) from three-point range. He played and started in all three playoff outings, averaging 15.7 ppg., 4.7 rpg. and 3.3 apg. in 29.7 minpg., while shooting .450 (9-20) from three-point range. During the 2021 NBA G League Final on Mar. 11 vs. Delaware, Cannady tallied 22 points, six rebounds and four assists and was named G League Final MVP, helping Lakeland capture the 2020-21 NBA G League championship.

Cannady has played in 69 career NBA G League games (50 starts) with Long Island and Lakeland, averaging 14.2 ppg., 3.4 rpg. and 2.6 apg. in 29.0 minpg., while shooting .390 (203-520) from three-point range and .933 (84-90) from the free throw line.

Cannady played in 104 career games (67 starts) during four seasons at Princeton University (2015-19), averaging 14.6 ppg., 4.1 rpg., 1.6 apg. and 1.09 stlpg. in 31.1 minpg., while shooting .403 (268-665) from three-point range and a school-record .896 (285-318) from the free throw line. He was named Second Team All-Ivy League as a junior in 2017-18 and Honorable Mention All-Ivy League as a sophomore in 2016-17.

Cannady wears #30 with the Orlando Magic.

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Orlando Magic Sign Devin Cannady

Game Honored: Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (4/5/22)

Famous for her cookbooks, nutrition classes, and co-hosting the very popular Wednesday Live with Hebni Nutrition (IG and FB), Roniece Weaver is known for bringing out the best in you with simple, easy to follow tips and tricks for a guaranteed new you.

Weaver received her Bachelor of Science in Food Science/Human Nutrition from the University of Florida and Master of Science degree in Health Care Administration from the University of Saint Francis. She is also a Registered Dietician (RD) and Licensed Dietician (LD) in the state of Florida.

She is the Director of Agency Operations, former ED, and founding partner of Hebni Nutrition Consultants, Inc. Her company is widely known for the development of the original Soul Food Pyramid and the Soul Food Plate; a culturally sensitive food guide nutrition tool. Hebni’s programs, educational tools, and diabetes cookbooks have been featured in several media outlets.

She and her partner are responsible for nutritional analysis, taste testing, and promotion of both books. In addition, she provides educational seminars to many health care organizations across the country.  Weaver and her partners provided an integral part to the development of a state of the art Nutrition Resource Center in Downtown Orlando, which houses 4 commercial kitchens to serve as learning labs for wellness. This new facility has brought much notoriety to the health industry in bringing health messages to underserved populations in a different delivery mode.In 2014, Weaver launched the first Mobile Farmers Market on a city bus.  This innovative project is called The Fresh Stop Bus.

In 2011, Weaver was selected to participate in Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move Campaign” at the White House and was requested to provide health initiatives for school aged children. She and her team developed the “Healthy 4 Kids Cookbook," which aligns school recipes with the Let’s Move Initiative for the United States Department of Agriculture/ Food and Nutrition Services (USDA/FNS). She completed several contracts with FNS/USDA to revise up to 200 recipes for school food service national database of recipes.

Her newest venture is to improve the diversity of the field of nutrition through the development of their a dietetic internship program (FEM model) in Central Florida in addition to mentoring , and providing preceptorship opportunities to the next generation of dietitians. She’s also excited about her new launch of her new online website titled Black Dietitians Matter that promotes the diversity of nutrition through a network of minority dietitians.

She keeps a busy schedule lecturing nationally and instructing locally and web-based platforms on various nutrition topics and current health issues related to food and nutrition. Additionally, she served on the National Board for the American Diabetes Association (ADA); National Advocacy Committee for ADA, Past-Trustee for Health Central Hospital, and West Orange County District, Board Member for Florida Hospital Community Health Impact Council, and Board of Directors for the Central Florida Partnership in Health Disparities.

She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the Orlando (FL) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. Her many contributions have been recognized by receipt of the President's Award from the National Medical Association Auxiliary, The African American Chamber, and the Presidents Award for Alum of the year from the President of The University of St. Francis in Joliet Illinois.

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Magic Diversity Game Changer: Roniece Weaver

Game Honored: Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks (4/3/22)

Robert Coleman is a locally and nationally recognized Mercedes-Benz sales leader, with a proven ability to master local and corporate strategic sales initiatives. He has earned countless professional certifications in specialty fleet, AMG, and diverse inventory sales. Early lessons in the furniture industry equipped Coleman with transferable skills to employ innovative, client-focused strategies that create the exceptional sales experience. The premium client care which characterizes the Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando culture, fosters an environment of generational loyalty. Coleman strives to facilitate multi-vehicle transactions for every member of the family, making the sales experience a family affair.

Coleman's modest upbringing in a family with five brothers and sisters in Winston-Salem, North Carolina ignited a passion within him for serving. As a young boy he was taught to respectfully consider others and to reciprocate good will. Robert developed a strong work ethic which postured him to accomplish many goals, including entrepreneurial endeavors and partnerships. Robert’s pursuit of success empowers him to support diverse initiatives that are dear to his heart. As a community stakeholder and philanthropist, he gives tirelessly to programs and non-profit organizations whose objectives are to increase and improve opportunities for others. Coleman supports youth athletic and academic initiatives facilitated by Jones High School, 100 Black Men of Central Florida, Polk State College, Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations in Orlando and Eatonville, the Agape Perfecting Praise and Worship Center’s Jr. Magic Basketball teams; and as an Orlando Magic season ticket holder, he often gifts game tickets to others.

Coleman's opportunities to engage Central Florida residents increase with each social event, sports experience and cultural exposition. He is often found representing Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando at multi-cultural affairs, scholarship banquets, professional development forums, sports tournaments and arts presentations.

Coleman's business acumen and professional objectives align well with Mercedes-Benz’s values which promise “Das Beste oder nichts,” meaning, “the best or nothing.” The operational excellence at the core of Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando, and the genuine desire to delight clients are two of the values that make it an incomparable industry leader.

Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando delivers a VIP experience that parallels high standard expectations associated with long-term commitments. Each Mercedes-Benz vehicle that is purchased from Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando qualifies the client for enrollment in the VIP Rewards Program, a comprehensive benefits package that elevates Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando head and shoulders above other Mercedes-Benz dealerships. The VIP Rewards program is the perfect complement to an authentic professional partnership. Clients are favored by a host of exclusive perks at the dealership and through local merchant partnerships.

VIP Rewards benefits include local merchant discounts, gift certificates, state-of-the-art guest lounge with chef-prepared meals, complimentary car washes, complimentary airport shuttle service, Mercedes-Benz loaner cars, complimentary inspections, 24-hour roadside assistance, complimentary bulb and key replacements, and a personal travel concierge.  The exclusive VIP Rewards program is a comprehensive example of the client-focused strategies used by Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando to cultivate long-term client relationships, resulting in client loyalty and an appreciation for “the best or nothing.”

Coleman’s commitment to exceptional client experiences is one of the reasons he directs the sales at Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando, and exceeds expectations company-wide.

Coleman is a transformational leader and mentor who inspires and motivates others to successfully navigate opposing seasons while lifting others. He believes he is blessed to be a blessing. In his leisure time, Robert enjoys exploring business opportunities, spending time with his granddaughter, Nomi, and cycling.

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Magic Diversity Game Changer: Robert Coleman

Game Honored: Orlando Magic vs. Toronto Raptors (4/1/22)

Dr. James Michael Burkett, President of Florida Technical College, has an extensive background in higher education and a life-long commitment to public service. He is a Marine Corps Veteran and former Police Lieutenant.

During his tenure as the higher institution’s president, Florida Technical College has added:

Adding to his contributions to the college, Dr. Burkett has stepped forward with this commitment to future students with the establishment of new scholarships, including:

Since 1993, when he began his law enforcement career in Central Florida after serving in Desert Storm with the United States Marine Corps, the Orlando Business Journal’s Outstanding Diversity Helping Hand 2019 Award Recipient set his sights on a personal goal – to promote growth in others, especially those often overlooked by society.

As an active board member of the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges (FAPSC), Burkett advocates for protecting the rights of undocumented Hispanic students to receive an education free from discrimination.

The Certified Florida Cultural Diversity Educator uses his voice and leadership role to empower students from minority background to achieve their educational aspirations, and most importantly to close the racial wealth and opportunity gap.

Aware of the importance and benefits of giving back to your community, in his current role Dr. Burkett promotes volunteering as a training ground for honing students’ skills and to achieve higher standards of living and quality of life for the communities that it serves.

Some of the Community Involvement Initiatives under Dr. Burkett’s presidency:

In 2021, FTC received Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’Exceptional Commitment to Serving our Community Recognition for their exceptional contributionsto the regionand the Unity Award 2021 given byKissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce to an organization or individual who truly embodies the essence of the Chamber’s three core values, “Embracing Heritage,” “Creating Opportunity,” and “Building Unity.”

Florida Technical College is a Trustee of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando.

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Magic Diversity Game Changer: Dr. James Michael Burkett

ORLANDO – The Orlando Magic have signed free agent guard Devin Cannady to a 10-day contract, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.

Cannady (6’1”, 190, 5/21/96) has appeared in 16 games (11 starts) this season with Lakeland of the NBA G League, averaging 15.8 ppg., 2.8 rpg. and 1.9 apg. in 26.5 minpg., while shooting .468 (59-126) from three-point range and .957 (22-23) from the free throw line.

Last season, Cannady played in three games with Orlando, averaging 4.7 ppg. in 4.5 minpg. He originally was signed to a 10-day contract by Orlando on Apr. 6, then released on Apr. 13, before signing a two-way contract on Apr. 16. Cannady suffered an open fracture of his right ankle during the first quarter on Apr. 25 vs. Indiana. He was later waived on May 4.

Cannady will wear #30 with the Orlando Magic.

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Orlando Magic Sign Devin Cannady to 10-Day Contract

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic's signature fundraising event, the Orlando Wine Festival & Auction held on March 19 at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, raised nearly $700,000 for the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF), benefiting at-risk children in Central Florida. The fundraising extravaganza that endured a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, included live and e-auctions, as well as an outdoor festival, featuring live music, local and celebrity chefs, wineries, and food pavilions.

“After the break that we unfortunately had that obviously impacted so many people in a negative way, it’s great to get back together and look at the future,” said Orlando Magic Chairman Dan DeVos at the event. “This is a major event for us. There are so many needs out there. This is our big fundraiser of the year. This creates really the foundation that we build everything else on. We're so grateful for all of the support we've received and know the impact that will have on the youth of this community.”

In addition to the OMYF’s fundraising efforts, the DeVos Family Foundation is donating a total of $3 million to 30 area nonprofit organizations as part of the DeVos family’s 30 Grants for 30 Years Initiative, which aims to invest in people and projects impacting youth, essential needs for families, and community enrichment across Central Florida.

Each of the 400 guests at Orlando Wine Festival & Auction also received an invitation to the OMYF Grant Ceremony on April 10, where all funds from this event and other OMYF fundraising opportunities will be distributed to the local nonprofit organizations that help at-risk youth in Central Florida.

“We are becoming a bigger city. We are becoming a lot more philanthropic because of that,” said Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins. “It’s great for our at-risk children’s organizations because there is a lot of need in Central Florida. Now, you are starting to see philanthropy grow in Central Florida, which is great and I think it only bodes well for helping the children in Central Florida and helping the organizations that really are making these kids better and preparing them for a better life.”

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 OMYF, which is committed to helping children in Central Florida realize their full potential, especially those most at-risk, by supporting nonprofit organizations offering youth-based programs in the areas of education, housing/homelessness, the arts and health programs focused on preventing childhood obesity.

Over the last 31 years, more than $26 million has been distributed to local nonprofit community organizations through the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. The DeVos family’s investment in the OMYF covers all administrative costs which allows for 100 percent of all donations to go directly to the foundation to benefit children and families in need throughout Central Florida each year. The OMYF raises community dollars annually through donations, auctions and events such as the OMYF Open Golf Tournament and its signature fundraiser, the Orlando Wine Festival and Auction.

In March and June 2021, the OMYF presented checks totaling $1 million to 18 grantee organizations, with $300k in collaborative grants distributed in March and $700k in grants distributed in June, marking the 13th time the OMYF has distributed $1 million to the Central Florida community since OMYF's inception in 1990.

The OMYF's ability to reach such a milestone in 2021 was once in doubt. Due to the pandemic, OMYF was unable to hold fundraising events over the past year that traditionally helped to add to the total available for giving. To make up for that shortfall, Magic ownership – the DeVos family – provided $700,000 for 2021 grant-making activity.

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Orlando Wine Festival & Auction Raises Nearly $700,000 for At-Risk Youth in Central Florida

Game Honored: Orlando Magic vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (3/20/22)

Commissioner Patty Sheehan was first elected to the Orlando City Council in 2000. She served as President of the Colonialtown North Neighborhood Association, and is proud to come from a servant leadership background.  Sheehan attended Seminole State College and the University of Central Florida and earned her B.A. in art. A former Administrator with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, she serves her constituents full time. 

Sheehan was the first openly gay elected official in Central Florida, championed non-discrimination ordinances and the domestic partner registry, and was a first responder during the Pulse tragedy.

Sheehan has been recognized multiple times as Best Elected Official, was in Orlando Life Magazine’s Top 25 Inflectional Women, and was awarded the Diversity Champion Award by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce. She was recognized as a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of America, Citrus Council.  She has also been awarded the Pet Alliance’s Humane Hero Award along with the Chuck Hummer Visionary Award from the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida.

Sheehan is well known for her advocacy of pedestrian safety, neighborhoods and historic preservation and a thriving downtown, and is the founder and chairperson for the Wheels for Kids program, which provides bicycles to needy elementary and middle school students living in Reeves Terrace public housing.

Sheehan enjoys many outdoor activities including painting, silk screen printing, glassblowing, pottery, gardening and paddleboarding. She is a huge proponent of the arts and culture in Orlando, and is also a local artist who exhibits her “Bad Kitty” paintings in local restaurants, clubs and shops. She lives in a 1928 bungalow home with her rescue puppy Sienna, a diva kitty (also a rescue), Nina Simone along with her mini flock of urban chickens.

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Magic Diversity Game Changer: Patty Sheehan

Game Honored: Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers (3/13/22)

Natalie C. Jones, affectionately known in the community as Nat C. Jones, is the Founder and Executive Director of The Community Life Improvement Center, Inc. also known as The CLIC, where she develops innovative programming and conducts oversight for the personal development of at-risk boys and girls in Central Florida. Located in a 5400 sq ft unit in the West Oaks Mall, The CLIC offers youth mentoring, supportive services for children of incarcerated parents and creative community projects that serve as outlets for Central Florida’s most undervalued demographics. On Juneteenth of 2021, The CLIC featured a controversial documentary that challenged popular beauty standards, impacting the self esteem of teen girls. It was titled, More Than What U C and was written, directed and produced by Nat C. Jones. The documentary premiered at AMC West Oaks 14 as a red carpet event, attended by community members who were dressed to impress.

Nat is also a Certified Life Coach, 4x author and Master Facilitator who partners with social enterprises, nonprofits and government entities, offering workshop facilitation, strategic planning, team building and relationship management services to increase their cultural competency and strengthen their connection with underserved communities. Working strategically, she fills her calendar with public speaking engagements and leadership training, in an effort to create community leaders everywhere she goes. Through The CLIC, Nat continues to pursue her passion to develop the individual person and the collective community by serving the needs of citizens in the Central Florida Area in the most innovative ways.

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Magic Diversity Game Changer: Natalie Jones

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We appreciate your understanding and flexibility.

Due to Tropical Storm Nicole, the NBA has announced that the Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic game on Wednesday, November 9 will tip-off at 5:30 PM. Amway Center doors open at 4:30 PM.