ORLANDO, Fla.,None — Press release from the Orlando Magic:
Orlando Magic's Commitment to Parramore
With the building of the Amway Center, the Orlando Magic has been one of the largest private investors in the Parramore community. The Orlando Magic has made a social and financial commitment to the revitalization of Parramore.
The Orlando Magic efforts in the city's west-side community have included: The Orlando Magic efforts in the city's west-side community have included:
Aiding West Church Street businesses impacted by construction on the new Amway Center. Retroactive to coincide with the commencement of construction, the Magic provided West Church Street businesses nearly $50,000 ($49,259.44, 25 percent of the $197,037.76 total rent due during the 24-month period) to help pay the 11 tenants' rent from July 2008-June 2010. The shops are located across the street from the main entrance of the Amway Center on a roadway that was closed to traffic for portions of construction for 20 months. "We wanted to help set the tenants up for success so that at the end of the two years, they were ready to take advantage of the million people each year that will be coming across their front door from the Amway Center," Orlando Magic President Alex Martins said. "From the very beginning, we set out to create the framework for a facility that will be the catalyst for economic revitalization on downtown's west side, while establishing a flexible design that serves as a great home and attracts the nation's premier events."
Pledging $250,000 to the Parramore Kidz Zone and After School All-Stars to provide positive programs for local youth vulnerable to drugs, gangs and violence.
Refurbishing Parramore's New Image Youth Center. Once moldy and rat-infested, the new education center now features flat-screen televisions, freshly painted walls, desktop computers, new carpeting, a Nintendo Wii and central air conditioning.
Building a new playground at the John H. Jackson Community Center in Parramore.
Renovating the Downtown Boys and Girls Club.
Providing school supplies to the Bridge to Independence School and sponsoring a trip for kids from the Parramore Kidz Zone to New York City.
Partnering with the Orange County Arts Education Center to provide Parramore youth exposure to the arts via a series of ongoing arts-enriching endeavors, including sponsoring educational field trips to the Orlando Shakespeare Theater for children at the Grand Avenue Primary Learning Center.
Former Orlando Magic center and current Magic Director of Player Development Adonal Foyle delivered healthy snacks, Magic backpacks and a meaningful message on making healthy lifestyle choices to the elementary students at Nap Ford Community School in Parramore. The visit coincided with the school's commencement of the "Junk Free Zone," which focuses on eliminating bad language, unhealthy foods and unproductive habits, while encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
Equipped with paint brushes, drills, hammers, gloves and garbage bags, the Orlando Magic staff through the Magic volunteer program (MVP) helped renovate a Parramore area home. Over the last several years, Magic employees have totaled nearly 19,000 hours of community service.
As proud partner of the Orlando Magic, Kia Motors America and the Orlando Magic teamed up to renovate Hi-Tech Tutoring (HTT) Reading and Learning Center. Magic staff members, spent more than two weeks renovating the HTT facility with new floors, paint, furniture, computers, TVs and a host of school supplies, educational games and books. In April 2009, HTT received $15,000 from the Magic and Kia Motors to purchase new computer software, furniture, TVs, school supplies, educational games and books. This project is part of the Magic's commitment to assisting local community centers with reading and learning programs. The Magic previously assisted the Pine Hills Reading and Learning Center presented by Kia Motors, Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center and the New Image Youth Center in Parramore presented by Kia Motors.
On May 27, 2009, the Orlando Magic developed a state-of-the-art computer lab at the Jackson Community Center in Parramore. The computer lab has expanded services to children, adults and seniors who are seeking to learn or advance their computer skills. It also provides them with the resources they need to seek employment and create resumes. The new computer lab features 24 desktop computers, desks, chairs, printers, overhead projectors, lap top computer, upgraded network equipment, new hardwood floors and fresh paint.
As part of the 2009 NBA Finals, the Orlando Magic unveiled a new Reading & Learning Center at the Northwest Community Center on June 10. The Center, renovated by NBA Cares and the Magic, provides local youth with a safe place to explore their educational interests and access to the tools and resources they need to succeed in today's high-tech world. President Alex Martins and President of Basketball Operations Otis Smith were on- hand to help dedicate the transformed space which includes a library stocked with new books, a game room, and a renovated technology center outfitted with brand-new HP Tablet PCs and a printer. The center also features new couches, tables, cabinets, desks, chairs and bookcases. This marked the league's 418th live, learn or play space worldwide.
The Orlando Magic renovated the Nap Ford Community School Computer Lab in February 2010.
In celebration of Black History Month, the Orlando Magic unveiled their seventh computer lab presented by Kia Motors at the Nap Ford Community School on February 23, 2010. Members of Hunt Construction supported the initiative throughout the construction and design process.
The Orlando Magic supported Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer's "Buddy Jam 2010" on March 19 at Amway Arena to benefit the Parramore Kidz Zone.
For the past 18 years, the Orlando Magic has provided and served Thanksgiving breakfast to the residents at the Coalition for the Homeless in the Parramore area. Throughout the years, Magic players, coaches, front office executives, dancers and STUFF the Magic mascot have served and visited with the residents. The team also hosted a carnival for the children after the breakfast with face painting, pop-a-shot, a bounce house and music.
The Orlando Magic assisted Nap Ford Community School with their wellness program by donating $10,000 to support their nutritional, health and safety initiatives. The program initiatives include Safe Walk to School Day, Bike Safety, Junk Free Zone/Nutrition program. This program also aligns with one of the Orlando Magic three key focus areas: arts, education and childhood nutrition and exercise, and assists in the Magic's mission to help children BE Healthy.
The Orlando Magic partnered with Pepsi for the Pepsi Refresh Holiday Shopping Spree in December 2010 with the Downtown/Parramore Boys & Girls Club.
In January 2010, the Orlando Magic Youth Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund (OMYF-MFF) provided a $50,000 grant to the Downtown/Parramore Boys & Girls Club.
Orlando Magic backpacks and other back to school supplies were donated to the Callahan Center, Jackson Community Center and Northwest Community Center in August 2010.
Planted a community garden at Amway Center in honor of the building's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification.
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