Orlando Magic Community Relations: Orlando Magic Community Relations plays a vital role in fostering positive relationships with the local community and making a positive impact. The team is committed to using its influence to promote social responsibility, diversity, and inclusion, focusing on four main areas: youth and family outreach, health and wellness, education, and community revitalization. In terms of youth and family outreach, the Orlando Magic works closely with various local organizations to provide opportunities and support for children and families. They organize youth basketball clinics, summer camps, and partner with schools to promote education and healthy lifestyles. The team also hosts special events and activities for families, creating memorable experiences for fans both on and off the court. Health and wellness are another important focus of the Orlando Magic Community Relations.
Orlando Magic NBA team donated $50,000 to Ron DeSantis Super Pac
The Orlando Magic NBA team has donated $50,000 to a Super Pac supporting the presidential bid of Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis.
Kamala Harris rejects Ron DeSantis offer to discuss slavery curriculum Read moreAccording to Federal Election Commission records, the Never Back Down Super Pac received the donation made by the basketball team on 26 June. Further results showed the team making donations to other political causes in past years, with $500 going to Conservative Results in 2016, $2,000 to Maverick Pac USA in 2014 and another $500 to Linda Chapin for Congress in 2000.
In an initial statement to Popular Information, a Magic spokesperson said: “We don’t comment publicly on political contributions.” However, in a later follow-up statement, a spokesperson clarified the donation, saying that the check was “dated/delivered on May 19”, five days before DeSantis declared his presidential bid.
“This gift was given before Governor DeSantis entered the presidential race. [It] was given as a Florida business in support of a Florida governor for the continued prosperity of central Florida,” the spokesperson said.
According to Never Back Down’s website, the Super Pac describes itself as a “grassroots movement to elect Governor Ron DeSantis for president in 2024”.
The donation has drawn criticism online, particularly given the Magic’s claims of supporting “diversity, equity and inclusion all year long” and DeSantis’s culture wars in which he announced plans to block DEI programs in state colleges among other legislation targeting minority and marginalized groups including LGBTQ+ communities.
The Orlando Magic team is under Amway North America, a multi-level marketing firm co-established by Richard DeVos, the late father-in-law of Trump’s education secretary Betsy DeVos.
Over the years, the DeVos family has made multiple donations to conservative organizations. In 2006, the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation made a $540,000 donation to Focus on the Family, a Colorado-based organization that opposes same-sex marriage and abortions, HuffPost reports. In 2008, Richard DeVos donated $100,000 to Florida4Marriage, a group that campaigned to add a state constitutional ban on same-sex marriages.
“That’s just a sacred issue of respecting marriage,” Richard DeVos said in a 2009 interview in reference to his donation.
Following reports of the donation, the National Basketball Players Association, a union representing NBA players, issued a statement on Wednesday, calling the donation “alarming”.
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“A political contribution from the Orlando Magic is alarming given recent comments and policies of its beneficiary. NBA governors, players and personnel have the right to express their personal political views, including through donations and statements.
“However, if contributions are made on behalf of an entire team, using money earned through the labor of its employees, it is incumbent upon the team governors to consider the diverse values and perspectives of staff and players.
“The Magic’s donation does not represent player support for the recipient,” the union said.
Wendell Carter Jr. is at the center of Magic's community efforts
ORLANDO, Fla. — Kylia Carter knows the question is coming. The smile on her face is a giveaway. She’s been waiting to give her answer after her son’s latest giveback to Orlando.
What You Need To Know
- The Magic's Wendell Carter Jr. wants to help boost the community as well as the team
- The center's foundation works to empower youth and families through education
- Carter recently held a fundraiser for the organization, A Platform^2 Foundation
- The Magic recently recognized him with the Rich & Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award
“Of course, that makes me a proud mama,” she says with a big laugh. “It’s just exciting to know that he’s a good guy, a great guy. That’s what we wanted all along.”
What she and her husband got for a son was a 6-foot-10 NBA center with a drive to perfect his game and his community. In late March 2021, Wendell Carter Jr. arrived in Orlando via a trade.
“Once I got traded, signed my deal and understood that, I wasn’t satisfied, but I was more so content,” Carter Jr. says. “I can more relax a little bit and put more time and effort into my foundation, and I told her (Kylia) I didn’t want to start my foundation if I couldn’t be a part of it.”
Like his game, he’s gone maximum effort. A charity event at TopGolf Orlando is his latest fundraiser for his A Platform^2 Foundation. The organization's mission is to empower youth and families through educational efforts, with focuses on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), financial literacy, African American history, social injustice and equality awareness.
“STEM, aviation, engineering, those are areas where minorities are not found most often,” Kylia Carter says. “With us being able to connect with that so well, I think it’s just a win-win.”
The event was not a one-off. Over the past few seasons, Carter Jr. and his family have hosted numerous community service efforts in the Orlando area, including mentorship meetings with local high school students and holiday food giveaways.
“This is something that always makes me happy,” he says. “Of course, I’m an NBA player and I want to go out there and play basketball, but this is what gives me a smile. Knowing that I may be able to help a kid or two or three or four makes me feel good.”
Using his platform to better others is a goal and a promise kept. As he grew up in metropolitan Atlanta, Carter Jr.’s parents instilled in him the value of helping others.
“Always keeping her happy is always a good thing for me,” Carter Jr. says about his mom.
He smiles when he sees his efforts make a difference. You could spot that same grin when he received the 2023 Rich & Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award.
“It just means a lot. I’m just getting my feet wet in the philanthropic world,” Carter Jr. says after the ceremony. “I’m just excited that I’m already getting recognized for it, and this is just the beginning for me.”
Now the smile on Kylia Carter’s face is even more understandable. Seeing her son hold up his end of the bargain is everything she wanted.
Orlando Magic Announce Orlando-Based ThreatLocker as a Champion of the Community Partner
ORLANDO, Fla. Dec. 1, 2023 – The Orlando Magic announce ThreatLocker, cybersecurity leader, as a “Champion of the Community” (COTC) partner. The Orlando-based company provides cutting-edge cybersecurity tools which allow companies to chart their own course free from cybercriminals. ThreatLocker grows their existing partnership with the team to new heights through the COTC partnership, providing additional protection of the Magic’s endpoints through its market-leading cybersecurity services.
Through this partnership, ThreatLocker will be one of the team's eight COTC partners. These partners represent a unique tier of brands with a shared commitment to the Central Florida community. Magic COTC partners include AdventHealth, City National Bank, Florida Blue, L3Harris, PepsiCo, Simply IOA, ThreatLocker and Walt Disney World.
"The Orlando Magic are thrilled to elevate its existing partnership with ThreatLocker," said Magic Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships J.T. McWalters. "As a leader in the cybersecurity space, we are excited to help them grow their brand further in our business community and beyond. Through this COTC partnership, our organizations share a commitment to the local community and look forward to seeing the partnership flourish through a collective commitment to the great city of Orlando.”
As a COTC partner, ThreatLocker will continue to impact the Central Florida region by supporting a variety of programs and initiatives to benefit the community. ThreatLocker plans to continue supporting initiatives like the Ronald Mcdonald House Charities and has recently launched a program with Tech Sassy Girlz, a local non-profit focused on educating middle and high school girls about STEM fields. ThreatLocker will continue to grow these types of programs in the Orlando area.
“ThreatLocker is excited to strengthen our collaboration with the Orlando Magic, an integral contributor to the Central Florida Community,” said Danny Jenkins, CEO and co-founder of ThreatLocker. “As a champion of the community, ThreatLocker remains committed to its roots in education. Bridging gaps in STEM opportunities, breaking barriers, and fostering diversity in the industry are vital to our mission.”
ThreatLocker has tripled its size in the past year and is on track to add an additional 200 jobs in 2024.
ThreatLocker will also become the official partner for the Magic’s other entities— the Osceola Magic, the Magic’s NBA G League affiliate; the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL, which serves as the affiliate to the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning; and Magic Gaming of the NBA 2K League.
Additional COTC partnership components include exclusivity in the cybersecurity category, logo/arena rights for all properties, and club level entitlement at the Amway Center. The Magic and ThreatLocker will also continue to team up for unique experiences for the business community, including recently hosting a Magic happy hour with ThreatLocker for local IT professionals.
ThreatLocker offers a cost-effective approach to cybersecurity using controls to prevent threats like ransomware. With a team of skilled cybersecurity professionals offering 24/7 support, ThreatLocker assists businesses globally and continues to create a safer and more secure community. For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Gabrielle Rose-Green at [email protected].
About ThreatLocker
ThreatLocker® is a leader in endpoint protection technologies, providing enterprise-level cybersecurity tools to improve the security of servers and endpoints. The ThreatLocker® platform with Application Allowlisting, Ringfencing™, Storage Control, Elevation Control, Endpoint Network Control, Configuration Management, and Operational Alert solutions are leading the cybersecurity market toward a more secure approach of blocking the exploits of application vulnerabilities. To learn more about ThreatLocker® visit: www.threatlocker.com
ABOUT THE ORLANDO MAGIC
Orlando's NBA franchise since 1989, the Magic's mission is to be world champions on and off the court, delivering legendary moments every step of the way. Under the DeVos family’s ownership, the Magic have seen great success in a relatively short history, winning six division championships (1995, 1996, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2019) with seven 50-plus win seasons and capturing the Eastern Conference title in 1995 and 2009. Off the court, on an annual basis, the Orlando Magic gives more than $2 million to the local community by way of sponsorships of events, donated tickets, autographed merchandise and grants. Orlando 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 $29 million to local nonprofit community organizations over the last 34 years. The Magic’s other entities include the team’s NBA G League affiliate, the Osceola Magic, 2021 G League champions; the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL, which serves as the affiliate to the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning; and Magic Gaming of the NBA 2K League. The Magic play their home games at the award-winning Amway Center – voted by fans no. 1 in the NBA for game experience; honored with TheStadiumBusiness Awards’ Customer Experience Award; named SportsBusiness Journal's Sports Facility of the Year; and awarded the Venue Excellence Award (VEA) by the International Association of Venue Managers. For ticket information, visit OrlandoMagic.com or call 407-89-MAGIC.
Orlando Magic Awards $30,000 in Scholarships
In surprise presentations at their high schools on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 Winter Park High School student Ideanna Acosta, Evans High School student Shardy Camargo and Boone High School student Lisette Dominguez will be awarded the Magic Achievers Scholarship and two University of Central Florida (UCF) Minority Scholarships, respectively. Magic Community Ambassadors Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw along with other representatives from the team will travel to Winter Park H.S., Boone High School and Evans High School to surprise the students with large novelty checks and news of their scholarships.
The Magic Achievers Scholarship awards one high school senior $10,000 ($2,500 annually). The winner must reside in Orange, Seminole or Osceola county and meet the academic and financial-need criteria. The academic requirements include a minimum 1010 on SAT or 21 ACT score, a weighted cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, extracurricular activities/honors, two letters of recommendation and a 500 word essay on what has been the most rewarding life experience for you to date and why. The scholarship may be used at any accredited four-year college or university in Florida. Acosta plans to attend the University of Miami in the fall and work towards a career in the medical field. She is a valedictorian candidate for her high school.
The UCF Minority Scholarship, in its 16th year of existence, provides TWO $10,000 ($2,500 per year) scholarships to two minority students residing in Orange, Seminole or Osceola county who meet the academic and financial-need criteria. Some other requirements include: a minimum 1010 on SAT or 21 ACT score, a weighted cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, extracurricular activities/honors, two letters of recommendation and a 500 word essay on what has been the most rewarding life experience for you to date and why. Camargo will attend UCF in the fall and plans to study computer science and Dominguez will attend UCF in the fall and plans to study molecular biology.
“Since 1996, the Orlando Magic has awarded a total of 34 college scholarships. We are proud to provide this opportunity to deserving individuals like Ideanna, Shardy and Lisette,” said Linda Landman-Gonzalez, Orlando Magic vice president of community relations and government affairs. “They were awarded the scholarships for their exemplary community and academic achievements. We would also like to recognize the University of Central Florida for its partnership in providing the UCF Minority Scholarship.”
Source: Orlando Magic, Orlando Magic Awards $30,000 in Scholarships to High School Students.
About The Orlando Magic
Orlando’s NBA franchise since 1989, the Magic’s mission is to be world champions on and off the court, delivering legendary moments every step of the way. On the court, Orlando has won four division championships (1995, 1996, 2008, 2009), had five 50-plus win seasons, and won the Eastern Conference title in 1995. Off the court, on an annual basis the Orlando Magic gives more than $2 million to the local community by way of sponsorships of events, donated tickets, autographed merchandise, scholarships and grants. Orlando Magic community relations programs impact an estimated 75,000 kids each year, while a Magic staff-wide initiative provides more than 5,000 volunteer hours annually. In addition, over the last 19 years nearly $15 million has been distributed to local non-profit community organizations via the Orlando Magic Youth Fund (OMYF), a fund of the McCormick Foundation since 1994, which serves at risk and disadvantaged youth.
Health and wellness are another important focus of the Orlando Magic Community Relations. The team collaborates with local hospitals and health organizations to raise awareness about important health issues, support children with serious illnesses, and provide resources for healthy living. They organize fitness and nutrition programs, host blood drives, and participate in charity walks and runs to promote a healthy community.
Education is also a key area of emphasis for the Orlando Magic. Through various initiatives, the team aims to encourage academic success, support teachers, and provide resources for students. They organize reading programs, scholarship opportunities, and school supply drives, working closely with local schools and educational organizations to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. Lastly, community revitalization is a significant focus of the Orlando Magic Community Relations. The team understands the importance of creating safe and vibrant neighborhoods. They support local programs and initiatives that aim to revitalize communities, improve infrastructure, and provide opportunities for economic growth. The organization actively participates in neighborhood cleanup projects, invests in community centers, and supports minority-owned businesses, contributing to the overall development of the community. In conclusion, the Orlando Magic Community Relations is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people in the local community. Through various initiatives and partnerships, they promote youth and family outreach, health and wellness, education, and community revitalization. The team understands the importance of being socially responsible and strives to create a positive and inclusive environment for all..
Reviews for "Orlando Magic's Environmental Initiatives: Protecting the Community's Natural Resources"
- John Doe - 1 star
The Orlando Magic Community Relations program is a complete joke. They claim to be dedicated to helping the community, but all they care about is self-promotion. They hold a few token events throughout the year, but the rest of the time they are nowhere to be found. It's clear that their main focus is on getting positive press and not actually making a difference in the community. I would not recommend getting involved with this program if you truly want to make a difference.
- Jane Smith - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the Orlando Magic Community Relations program, but I was sorely disappointed. They talk a big game about their commitment to the community, but their actions don't back it up. They rarely follow through on their promises and seem more interested in promoting their brand than actually helping those in need. It's a shame because there is a lot of potential for positive impact, but it seems like the organization is more focused on their own image than making a difference.
- Mark Johnson - 1 star
The Orlando Magic Community Relations program is a complete waste of time. They claim to be dedicated to serving the community, but all I've seen them do is host a few fancy events for the wealthy donors. They don't seem to care about the grassroots organizations and individuals who are doing the real work to improve the community. It's all about photo ops and publicity for them. Don't waste your time or money supporting this program. There are better organizations out there doing real, meaningful work.