As we look back on our first 30 years of partnership with the Orlando Magic, we can’t help but remark how appropriately named this organization really is. The faithful support and commitment from this community is nothing short of magical. We are as honored today as we were 30 years ago to serve as the team’s “caretakers” and continue to remind all that the fans, people who come to the games, and the Central Florida community are the Magic’s real owners. And we are so blessed to be able to say that and mean it.
As an expression of our gratitude, and in celebration of this 30-year milestone, we want to share an investment with the people and projects impacting this community.
Starting this week, the DeVos family will donate a total of $3 million through individual grants to 30 organizations throughout the course of the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons. This is our way of saying “thank you” for trusting us as community partners for the past 30 years. We have great excitement as we look forward to continued partnership with you in the years ahead.
Beyond the individual contributions, we also will highlight and honor each organization during upcoming home games.
We recognize the monetary contributions are important, but sharing the team’s powerful stage is just as critical to help each organization tell its story and reach those in need, as well as future supporters.
The first organization to receive one of the 30 grants will be a long-time partner – the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. We are inspired by the OMYF’s commitment to help each child reach their full potential and their amplification of so many worthy nonprofits in this region. This is a mission near and dear to our hearts – and is important for the future of Central Florida.
You – the fans and community leaders – are the true inspiration and ambassadors behind the flourishing community that is Central Florida, a place this franchise is honored to call home. And we are incredibly grateful for your enthusiasm, spirit, and commitment to the Orlando Magic and all it represents, as we strive to be champions both on and off the court.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Pace Center for Girls is built upon a belief in people and include a focus on strengths, acting with integrity and positive intent, embracing growth and change, exhibiting courage, valuing the wisdom of time, and investing in the future.
The Orlando Science Center (OSC) wants to be the spark that ignites innovation in Central Florida. For more than 60 years, the science museum’s award-winning and hands-on exhibits and programs have brought science to life for local residents and visitors from around the world.
Finding, creating, and supporting programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and families is the primary mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida (RMHCCF). At the heart of that quest is the organization’s cornerstone program, the Ronald McDonald House, which provides a home-away-from-home for families with children receiving treatment at hospitals and medical facilities in Orlando.
Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida aims to step in when a child and their family’s lives are disrupted by a serious diagnosis and looks to provide elements of encouragement and strength by granting a child’s one true wish.
Local nonprofit First Tee – Central Florida prioritizes aspects of the game of golf to teach essential life skills – including grit, managing emotions, resolving conflicts, and setting and achieving goals – while inspiring youth to use these characteristics far beyond the game.
Since its founding in 1939, the Heart of Florida United Way has been Central Florida’s largest supporter of local health and human service agencies, with a mission of fighting for the education, health, and financial stability of every person in the area.
ORLANDO - It’s a routine late Thursday afternoon for a few dozen kids in Orlando. Their school session is over for the day, but the learning and confidence-building is continuing at the Jacqueline Bradley and Clarence Otis Branch Boys and Girls Club just down the street from Camping World Stadium.
The DeVos Family Foundation continued its 30 Grants for 30 Years Initiative recently by making a $60,000 contribution to ELEVATE Orlando. The operations grant will, in part, support ELEVATE’s college and career pipeline program, which offers kids exposure and guidance to emerging industries and prepares students for thriving careers.
Soon, two families will move into safe and secure housing, thanks to the DeVos family’s $300,000 donation to Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County as part of their 30 Grants for 30 Years Initiative.
Called “30 grants for 30 years,” the family’s donation pledge seeks to recognize the Orlando community’s strong partnership with the Magic franchise since team was purchased by DeVos family 30 years ago.
Orlando, FL – Thirty years ago, shortly after acquiring the Orlando Magic franchise, Rich DeVos had one request – please don’t call him the owner. “The real stake in the team is the community and people who are the fans who come to the games,” DeVos said at the time. “We’re just the caretakers of your team and we’ll try to do a good job for you.”
Now, following its first three decades as caretakers, DeVos family members want to go a step further – formally thanking the community and fans with a new giving pledge called “30 grants for 30 years”.The effort will contribute a total of $3 million to 30 area nonprofit organizations over the next 18 months and seeks to invest in people and projects impacting youth, essential needs for families, and community enrichment across Central Florida.
“We can’t image better partners than Magic fans and the Central Florida community,” Magic Chairman Dan DeVos said. “We’re eager to come alongside nonprofits doing impactful work, providing financial support as well as an opportunity to shine a light on the great things these nonprofits do on a daily basis. It’s all to honor the great community we’re thankful to be in.”
As part of the 30 grants initiative, each selected nonprofit will be honored at its very own Magic game in the 2021-22 or 2022-23 season. Representatives will be honored during the game, featured on Magic digital platforms and given the chance to share their story with fans of the franchise.
To tip off the giving, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation – which is committed to helping children reach their full potential – has been selected to receive support as the initial grantee. The DeVos family seeks to “supercharge” this long-time partner’s efforts through the 30 grants initiative. Over the course of the coming months, 29 additional nonprofit recipients will be announced along with the game dates when they will be recognized.
“There are so many worthy nonprofits in this region that selecting only 30 nonprofits would be extremely difficult,” Magic Vice President of Shareholder Engagement Ryan DeVos said. “Given that OMYF is our first honoree, we’re able to empower their board to find even more recipients through their traditional grant making process and have even more impact. We’re honored to serve in the role of team caretaker and eager to highlight the meaningful work led by these organizations in our community.”
Gifts from the 30 grants initiative will come from the DeVos family in partnership with the Orlando Magic.
