Photo caption: Dwight Howard at 2009 Gala singing karaoke
Photo credit: Gary Bassing/Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic Youth Fund (OMYF), a fund of the McCormick Foundation, Black Tie and Tennies Charity Gala was recently named Central Florida’s “Best Charity Gala” in Orlando Magazine’s “Best of” edition. Orlando Magazine’s annual Best of Orlando list reveals the top picks in 89 categories as decided by the magazine’s readers. The magazine awarded the “Best of” designation based on total votes for a candidate.
The annual OMYF Black Tie & Tennies Charity Gala, along with the Magic’s Championship for Charity Golf Tournament and online auctions, represent the most significant fund-raisers of the OMYF. The 2009 Gala raised more than $340,000 to be granted to non-profit agencies in Central Florida. In February 2009, with funds raised through OMYF, and the match provided by the McCormick Foundation, a total of $751,000 in grants were awarded by the Magic’s foundation to non-profit agencies that improve the Central Florida community.
OMYF focuses on helping children in Central Florida realize their full potential, especially those most at risk, by supporting programs and partnerships that empower families and change lives.
OMYF, founded in 1988, became a fund of the McCormick Foundation in 1994. OMYF is supported through a team effort by Magic players, coaches, staff and the DeVos Family, in partnership with season ticket holders, corporate partners, fans and the community and matching funds provided by the McCormick Foundation.
Communications Contact: Trish Wingerson, (407) 916-2635, [email protected]
