BY DAN SAVAGE, OrlandoMagic.com
ORLANDO – The holiday season is all about tradition and giving back to those in need around you.
The Orlando Magic have built many of their celebrations during that time of year around this tenet.
Whether it’s Thanksgiving breakfast at the Coalition for the Homeless or shopping sprees for local youth in mid-December, the Magic have rooted their holiday traditions in supporting the local community.
Sandwiched in between those staple events this year is one of the Magic’s most important annual fundraisers, which supports at-risk children in Central Florida.
On Wednesday, the Magic hosted the 34th Annual OMYF Open Golf Tournament, benefiting the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF). The sold-out fundraising event had more than 200 golf participants, talent and celebrities in attendance.
“It’s become a huge tradition,” said Magic CEO Alex Martins. “This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year for the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. It’s great to get so many golfers out here really playing for the cause of at-risk children in Central Florida. The money we raise at this tournament every year gives us the opportunity – over the last several years – to distribute over $1 million to at-risk children’s organizations throughout Central Florida.”
Following a competitive round on the links, participants enjoyed a one-of-a-kind shopping experience at the on-site Magic golf shop and an exclusive happy hour. It’s expected that the overall event raised nearly $200,000 for the OMYF.
“It’s an amazing opportunity just to be out here,” said Magic Vice President of Shareholder Engagement Ryan DeVos. “We have a great group of people supporting a wonderful cause. We’re in between the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, so it’s such a great opportunity to remind ourselves of the meaning of the holidays and what it’s all about. If we can do more for those who are less fortunate and help kids live a better, healthier life, that’s a win in my book. So, to be able to come out and do this for a great cause is fantastic.”
The Orlando Magic and the DeVos family are 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 OMYF.
“The outreach to the community, and in particular, the work of the OMYF really all started with the DeVos family,” Martins explained. “Their commitment to this community and their desire to give back to the community and be a community leader. It’s their foundation that has developed all of this. We’re now at the point where the third generation of the family is getting more and more involved in the organization, and getting involved in events like this. It’s great to have them here and see the support that we get from our ownership.”
The OMYF 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 and wellness programs.
Over the last 35 years more than $30 million has been distributed to local nonprofit community organizations through the OMYF. The foundation 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, to be held on March 1, 2025.
Over the years, many players have marveled at the Magic’s commitment to the local community. While the team was out of town preparing for a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, former Magic players such as Vince Carter, Chucky Atkins, Keith Bogans, Anthony Bowie, Reggie Theus and Brandon Bass stepped up to the tee to help raise money for such a critical cause.
“It’s always important,” said Carter, a Central Florida native who was recently inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “I’ve been a part of the event (before), so (thankfully) my schedule worked out where I could be here. So, without a doubt, I was going to be here. Orlando is my home. I’ve played for this team. So, any time I can do something for this community, I will.”
Much like the Magic organization, many of the team’s players both past and present have the same mindset of giving back during the holiday season.
