The Orlando Magic Youth Fund (OMYF), a fund of the McCormick Foundation, will present checks to 26 of this year’s 27 grantee organizations from nine counties in Central Florida (Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Volusia, Flagler, Lake, Polk and Sumter) at halftime of the Wednesday, February 11 game vs. the Denver Nuggets (tip-off at 7:00 p.m.). With funds raised by the OMYF, and the match provided by the McCormick Foundation, a total of $751,000 in grants and scholarships were distributed to the community this month through OMYF.
The beneficiaries were recommended by the OMYF “VIP” Committee and then approved by the McCormick Foundation’s Board of Directors after an extensive five-phase process which began in July of 2008.
“Through the OMYF we are committed to ensuring the team provides a positive, encouraging example,” said Vice President of Community Relations/OMYF and Government Affairs Linda Landman-Gonzalez. “We hope to leave an indelible mark in our community through our charitable endeavors and are committed to that task. Tonight we honor those who help to make Central Florida a better place.”
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. Since inception, nearly $14 million has been granted through OMYF to local nonprofit organizations.
The 2008 grant recipients: A Gift for Swimming, Adult Literacy League, Inc. Beta Center, Boys and Girls Club of Central FL, Central FL Police Athletic League, Children’s Home Society of FL, Coalition for the Homeless, Community Coordinated Care for Children (4C), Florida Hospital Foundation, Foundation for Orange County Public Schools, Grows, Health Care Center for the Homeless, Hebni Nutrition Consultants, Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando, Justice and Peace Office, Magic Action Team Community Fund, Mayor’s Fund Foundation, National Society to Prevent Blindness, Orlando Ballet, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Orlando Repertory Theatre, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Second Harvest Food Bank, Special Olympics Florida, Steinway Society of Central FL, UCP of Central FL, Valencia Community College Foundation
