Orlando Magic Pledge $250,000 to Youth Programming in the City of Orlando
Orlando, FL (March 2, 2007) - On Wednesday, February 28, 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://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.
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://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.
