ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic’s mission statement is “to be world champions on and off the court, delivering legendary moments every step of the way.”
Something the Magic do in the community annually that creates legendary moments off the court is make a surprise visit to AdventHealth for Children to cheer up young patients.
The latest such visit came Wednesday, Feb. 28. Among those to pop by the hospital and lift the spirits of children were players Joe Ingles, Caleb Houstan and Goga Bitadze, as well as community ambassadors Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw.
“I think it’s one of the things that most guys (NBA players) are very happy to do,” Ingles said. “For us, just the understanding of how lucky we are. And to give back to kids, families that are going through some tough stuff – it’s always (something) that when I’ve been asked to join in, I’ve always wanted to do it.”
After Outlaw, Anderson and other volunteers played board games, cards and other activities with the children, Ingles, Houstan and Bitadze stopped by some of the hospital rooms where they brought the patients gifts and smiles.
Although he’s just in his second year with the Magic, Houstan has come to learn just how philanthropic the organization truly is. It’s something that the 21-year-old is incredibly proud to be a part of.
“It’s great that they (the Magic) have these opportunities for us to come here and be with these kids, spend time with them,” he said. “I’m very grateful to be here.”
Throughout the season, Magic players have said that everywhere they go they can feel the energy and excitement from the fans. The support they are getting from the community is something they don’t take for granted, and they realize it’s a big part of what’s driving their success.
“Just that excitement of what our team has brought to this place (Central Florida area) – it’s a good feeling to walk around and have people proud to be Magic fans and want to come to games and talk to us,” Ingles said. “It’s been a fun year so far.”
Off the court, on an annual basis, the Magic give more than $2 million to the local community by way of sponsorships of events, donated tickets, autographed merchandise and grants. Orlando Magic community relations programs impact an estimated 100,000 kids each year, while a Magic staff-wide initiative provides more than 7,000 volunteer hours annually. In addition, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF) which serves at-risk youth, has distributed more than $29 million to local nonprofit community organizations over the last 34 years.
AdventHealth for Children is a nationally recognized children’s hospital and network of pediatric specialists, programs and care facilities that sets the standard for innovation, quality and comprehensive care. The flagship hospital in Orlando is home to the Walt Disney Pavilion, which features Disney best practices, theming, characters and activities to make a stay in the hospital more comfortable and less stressful for young patients and their families.
The AdventHealth for Children care network includes more than 250 pediatricians and pediatric specialists practicing 35 subspecialties, community specialty clinics, pediatric rehabilitation, pediatric emergency rooms and Centra Care Kids urgent care.