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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:
Brie
Turek (407) 246-2106
Heather Allebaugh (407) 246-3423
Orlando Magic Pledge
$250,000 to Youth Programming in the City of Orlando
Orlando, FL (March 5,
2007) – On Wednesday, as part of the annual
State of the City address, Mayor Dyer announced the
Orlando Magic’s commitment of a quarter of a million
dollars ($250,000) to give at-risk youth, who are
vulnerable to drugs, gangs and violence, opportunities
that will take them off the streets.
The Magic's funding comes in
anticipation of the Mayor’s SAFE Orlando Task Force
recommendations, which includes specific efforts to
address crime prevention. A portion of the contribution
will launch a “Roving Leaders” program, an initiative
used in cities across the nation, to provide resources
for athletic activities, community service projects,
field trips, teen dances, arts initiatives, special
events, movie nights and leadership development for
youth.
"Through this partnership with the
Orlando Magic, we're equipping at-risk children and
teens with the necessary tools and skills to become the
next generation of leaders, advocates and teachers for
our community," said Mayor Dyer.
The program will initially be
implemented through the Parramore Kidz Zone (PKZ) as a
model to take to other neighborhoods citywide.
Spearheaded by the City of Orlando and supported by a $2
million dollar investment from the Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation and other local partners, PKZ has reached out
to more than 2,000 at-risk children and their families
in the Parramore neighborhood.
Additionally,
the Magic's contribution will expand the Orlando After
School All-Stars program beyond schools, and into City
community centers. Under the direction of District 2
Commissioner Betty T. Wyman, this critical program
provides daily opportunities for over l,000 local middle
school students to excel in academics and sports.
“The After-School All-Stars offers
a proven alternative to children throughout Central
Florida,” said Commissioner Wyman. “We have programs
designed to keep children safe and help them achieve
success in school and life. Our goal is to engage
middle-school children in activities that promote
confidence and encourage success.”
"Historically, the Magic have had a
long standing financial commitment to this community,
particularly in times of crisis and to its youth,” said
Orlando Magic Chief Operating Officer Alex Martins.
“Through our ticket programs, Orlando Magic Youth
Foundation and scholarships, the Magic have contributed
over $2 million annually to youth programs and
organizations. Our financial pledge is a natural
extension of our giving philosophy to help provide
positive alternatives for the youth of central Florida.
For more
information on the City’s children and education
programs, visit
http://www.cityoforlando.net/executive/children.
For more
information about the After-School All-Stars National
Program please visit: www.afterschoolallstars.org. For
more local program information visit:
www.orlandoafterschoolallstars.org.
For more information on the Orlando
Magic Youth Foundation, go to orlandomagic.com.
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