By: Elizabeth Brett
In concurrence with NBA Week of Service, the Orlando Magic teamed up with the Christian Service Center to hold the first Family Fall Festival for the Parramore community Thursday, October 22 as part of the Magic’s continuing efforts to help revitalize the Parramore neighborhood.
The festival brought out more than 500 families who were served food provided by Chick-fil-A, participated in games and activities, interacted with Magic Dancers, STUFF and the Magic’s Community Ambassadors, Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw, all in a carnival-like atmosphere. The free festivities the community enjoyed included live music, face painting, a game booth, moon bounce, pop-a-shot, cotton candy and snow cones.
Every day of the week for the past 38 years, the Christian Service Center has helped people in the Central Florida area that are in need, primarily in a family, medical or financial crisis, by paying their bills, handing out meals, providing clothing as well as whatever else they might need. A couple of times a year, the center likes to branch out from immediate needs and throw events such as the Family Fall Festival, which gives the members of the community something to be excited about.
“People in the Parramore neighborhood are so concerned with meeting their basic needs that they seldom have time just to smile and celebrate things like cotton candy or music,” said the Christian Service Center’s Director of Marketing and Development Chrissy Garton. “With the economy the way that it is right now and with the demand being through the roof, a lot of people just need help right now. So, we thought that having an event in the fall might be a nice breakup from their worries.”
Garton feels that people in the Parramore neighborhood really appreciate these kinds of events, and after speaking with Parramore community member Tamara Dozier, who is currently homeless living out on the Parramore streets and trying to get back on track, it appears that this conviction holds true.
“It gives us hope,” Dozier said. “I’m in a tough situation and haven’t been able to celebrate anything. It really feels nice coming here and having a good time.”
Dozier anxiously requested Orlando Magic Community Ambassador Nick Anderson’s autograph, and upon getting it, she looked as though she had just won the lottery, smiling from ear to ear.
“This is so exciting,” expressed Dozier. “I never met anyone famous before and never thought that I would.”
As a result of the Orlando Magic and the Christian Service Center’s efforts, hope is exactly what she got.
