CommunityNews

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Josh Cohen

ORLANDO - Earlier this month, Cole Anthony was named the winner of the 2023-24 Rich & Helen DeVos Community Enrichment award, which goes to the Orlando Magic player each year that goes above and beyond in the community to enhance the lives of others.

With that honor, the DeVos family gives $20,000 to the winning player for them to then pass on to charities of their choice. The two Anthony selected, announced Monday night at his 50 Ways Foundation bowling fundraiser at Primrose Lanes, were Vibrant Families and CrossTown 119.&nbsp;

“This stuff is important because it’s bigger than basketball,” Anthony said. “Basketball obviously is a big part of our lives, but there are other aspects to our lives – whether that’s our family, trying to give back to the community, give back to people who are less fortunate than us. Everyone on this team does their part to help do it.”

Now in his fourth season with the Magic,&nbsp;the 23-year-old Anthony has consistently volunteered his time off the court and to the Central Florida community supporting the Magic’s mission to be world champions on and off the court, delivering legendary moments every step of the way. In addition to supporting the Magic’s initiatives,&nbsp;Anthony’s 50 Ways Foundation is&nbsp;dedicated to inspiring, empowering and mentoring youth by providing new experiences and resources that create different opportunities for them to be successful.

The 6-foot-3 guard was the 20th&nbsp;player in franchise history to win the Rich & Helen DeVos Community award. He’s one of four players on the current roster to earn the honor, with the others being Jonathan Isaac (2019-20), Markelle Fultz (2021-22) and Wendell Carter Jr. (2022-23).

“That kind of tells you about this team – we have so many selfless dudes on this team,” Anthony said after winning the award. “It’s bigger than you and me. That’s how everyone on this team looks (at it) – whether it’s on the court, off the court.”

Vibrant Families supports at-risk and fatherless young men from ages 10-19 in Central Florida. The programs include The Legacy Club— offering mentoring, new experiences and personal development; and The Better Together Partnerships—focused on building community collaborations.

CrosssTown 119 cultivates a Gospel environment where loved people, love people. Crosstown currently has a private school, an after school program, and a men’s discipleship program.

Each of these organizations received $10,000 from Anthony.

Making Monday’s bowling fundraiser, which included other games and a silent auction, even more special for Anthony was that all of his Magic coaches and teammates were there as well. &nbsp;

“That’s so dope. I have to give a big shoutout to everyone on the team,” he said. “Mose (head coach Jamahl Mosley), all the coaching staff. It’s really dope to see them all support this event.”&nbsp;

The event where Anthony won the award, the Orlando Wine Festival & Auction held at the Four Seasons Resort on March 2, raised a record of more than $1 million for the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF), which benefits at-risk children in Central Florida.

This was the first year the Orlando&nbsp;Wine&nbsp;Festival&nbsp;& Auction raised more than $1 million. The fundraising extravaganza in its fourth year included live and e-auctions, as well as an outdoor&nbsp;festival, featuring live music, local and celebrity chefs,&nbsp;wineries, and food pavilions.

The Magic players and coaches were all in attendance at that event to help create awareness on the needs in the community and the work the OMYF does each year.

“Having players get involved from a contribution side is really pretty special,” said Magic Chairman/Governor Dan DeVos. “The players of today are more sensitive and aware of the needs that are out there. They are more aware of their responsibility and their ability to make a difference. They are contributing, not only (with their) time, but of course a lot of their talent…I give them a great deal of respect for that.”

In August 2023, the OMYF announced it will distribute grants totaling $1 million in three ways – a summer grant cycle, a winter grant cycle and microgrants. Thus far, the summer grant cycle and the first set of microgrants have been announced (microgrants are distributed quarterly).

Over the last 34 years, more than $29 million has been distributed to local nonprofit community organizations through the OMYF, which raises community dollars annually through donations, auctions and events such as the OMYF Open Golf Tournament and the Orlando&nbsp;Wine&nbsp;Festival&nbsp;and Auction.

“For us at the Magic, it’s incredibly important that we give back to the community that gives so much to us,” Magic CEO Alex Martins said. “They support us all season long, and for the 35 years that we’ve been in existence. We feel it’s our responsibility to be a leader in the community, to give back to our community, and to help build our community.”

Earlier on Monday, Mosley and all of his players hosted a basketball clinic for youth at the AdventHealth Training Center. The kids learned from the pros about the fundamentals of the game through various drills focused on passing, ball handling, shooting and defense.

“It’s what this group and this organization understands – that’s it’s about the court, but we say we want to be champions on and off court. You want to give back (and) you want to take care of the people that are out supporting us and doing things for this organization and this team,” Mosley said. “It couldn’t come at a better time. We talked to the guys about fundamentals today and the clinic is about the fundamentals of the game (also).”

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Cole Anthony Hosts Bowling Fundraiser, Announces $20K Donation to Pair of Charities

ORLANDO - Moments after the Orlando Magic made him the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, which is now nearly 3 ½ years ago, Cole Anthony was asked during his first ever press conference as a pro how he describes himself as a basketball player.

Before even bringing up all the skill-related stuff, the 6-foot-3 guard out of the University of North Carolina highlighted something very endearing and noble about himself.

“I want to see every single one of my teammates succeed,” he said back then. “As much as I want to see myself succeed, I really wish nothing but the best for everyone around me.”

That reply clearly came straight from his heart, and as we’ve learned about the now 23-year-old over the last few years, his heart is made of gold.

Always the one to light up a room with his sense of humor and liveliness, that benevolence is something the Magic organization greatly appreciates about him, which is why on Saturday during the fourth annual Orlando Wine Festival & Auction, he was named the winner of the 2023-24 Rich & Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award for all that he’s done to help others in the community reach their full potential.

“It’s really dope,” Anthony said. “I’ve always been very blessed, very fortunate. I have a wonderful family, wonderful parents who have just instilled in me these values. To whom much is given, much is expected. For me, I’ve always tried to give back – even from a young age.”

Since 1995, the DeVos family has honored a player who has dedicated his efforts off the court for the purpose of enhancing other’s lives (due to the pandemic, the CEA was not awarded for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons). A panel of representatives selects the player and based this year's selection on the last year of the player's community work. In addition to receiving the award, Anthony will be granted $20,000 from the DeVos Family Foundations for him to donate to the charity of his choice.

Anthony has consistently volunteered his time off the court and to the Central Florida community supporting the Magic’s mission to be world champions on and off the court, delivering legendary moments every step of the way. In addition to supporting the Magic’s initiatives, Anthony has his own foundation, 50Ways Foundation, and also assists the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF) and the NBA in their community goals as well.

Among Anthony’s many community endeavors this season were providing tickets to Magic games for underprivileged youth; sponsoring a lunch at a Parramore school for the entire year; purchasing Thanksgiving groceries for 50 families of the Ivey Lane Community Center; and hosting a Christmas holiday party and distributing gifts at the James R. Smith Neighborhood Center.

Past winners of the award include Nick Anderson (1995-96), Penny Hardaway (1996-97), Darrell Armstrong (1997-98, 1999-00), Grant Hill (2000-01), Monty Williams (2001-2002), Tracy McGrady (2002-03), Pat Garrity (2003-04), Bo Outlaw (1998-99, 2005-06, 2006-07), Dwight Howard (2004-05; 2007-08; 2008-09; 2009-10; 2010-11; 2011-12, co-winner w/Redick), JJ Redick (2011-12, co-winner with Howard), Jameer Nelson (2012-13), Tobias Harris (2013-14; 2014-15, co-winner with Oladipo), Victor Oladipo (2014-15, co-winner with Harris; 2015-16), Elfrid Payton (2016-17), Arron Afflalo (2017-18), Aaron Gordon (2018-19, co-winner with Isaac), Jonathan Isaac (2018-19, co-winner with Gordon), Markelle Fultz (2021-22), Wendell Carter Jr. (2022-23), and Cole Anthony (2023-24).

For the first time in franchise history, there are four winners of this award on the team at the same time. That makes Anthony very proud, as it shows that this is a group that shares many of the same goals, both on and off the court.

“That kind of tells you about this team – we have so many selfless dudes on this team,” he said. “It’s bigger than you and me. That’s how everyone on this team looks (at it) – whether it’s on the court, off the court.”

The Orlando Wine Festival and Auction, which debuted in 2019 and is the Magic’s signature fundraiser for the OMYF, began Friday with exclusive vintner dinners. Then on Saturday, the wine and food festival was held. It included live and e-auctions, live music, local and celebrity chefs, wineries, food pavilions, and appearances from Magic players, coaches and legends. To cap the weekend off, the Magic will host the Detroit Pistons on Sunday at 6 p.m.

When NBA players get involved in their communities, it makes a massive difference. Not only are they able to use their resources and platforms to assist others, but they also are creating more awareness about all that’s happening in the area.

In August 2023, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation announced it will distribute grants totaling $1 million in three ways – a summer grant cycle, a winter grant cycle and microgrants. Thus far, the summer grant cycle and the first set of microgrants have been announced (microgrants are distributed quarterly). This marks the 16th time the OMYF has distributed $1 million to the Central Florida community since OMYF's inception in 1990.

The Magic and the DeVos family are committed to making a difference in Central Florida. Each year, the Magic gives more than $2 million to Central Florida by way of sponsorships of events, donated tickets, autographed merchandise and grants. At the heart of the Magic’s charitable efforts is the work done by the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation.

The OMYF is committed to helping children in Central Florida realize their full potential, especially those most at-risk, by supporting nonprofit organizations offering youth-based programs in the areas of education, housing/homelessness, the arts and health programs focused on preventing childhood obesity.

Over the last 34 years, more than $29 million has been distributed to local nonprofit community organizations through the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. The OMYF raises community dollars annually through donations, auctions and events such as the OMYF Open Golf Tournament and the Orlando Wine Festival and Auction.

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Cole Anthony Wins 2023-24 Rich & Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award

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.&nbsp;

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. &nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

“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.”&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Orlando Magic Players Joe Ingles, Caleb Houstan and Goga Bitadze Lift the Spirits of Young Patients at AdventHealth for Children 

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - The Orlando Magic’s next game at Kia Center – Jan. 19 against the Philadelphia 76ers – will be one of the 10 Classic Night home games this year. Thus, the Magic, as they’ve done four times already at home, will wear their 35th&nbsp;anniversary classic edition uniforms and play on the matching court, which evokes emotions from the past and taps into some fan-favorite memories.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now, there’s an outdoor basketball court in the area that will elicit those same sentiments.

As part of the Magic and AdventHealth’s continuing commitment to the Central Florida community, the two helped unveil a refurbished court on Wednesday at the Kissimmee City Chamber Park Community Center with a design inspired by the Magic’s 35th&nbsp;anniversary court.&nbsp;

“This to me is an amazing thing,” Kissimmee Mayor Olga Gonzalez said. “I was born and brought up in the hood, and because of community centers like these, I was able to learn and get to where I am now.”

“This is amazing because we are taking the kids to another level,” she added. “It’s not all about computers and telephones and all that. It’s about on-hand stuff. This is going to open up their eyes – not only to them, but so that they can share it with others. We have to take care of our youth, and how better than bringing them to be athletes…Take away all those phones and give them life. That’s what we need. This is amazing what AdventHealth and the Orlando Magic are doing. To me, it’s a gigantic blessing.”

There to celebrate with members of the community, including 60 children who were also treated to a hoops clinic on the redesigned court, were Magic players Chuma Okeke and Caleb Houstan.

“I feel like it’s real special,” Okeke said. “Just the looks on their faces when something new is getting done in their community. It just gives them a creative mind to anything-is-possible type stuff. This is some type of stuff that used to happen in my community as well – teams coming out, rebuilding and refurbishing. It’s real fun to see them enjoy it.”&nbsp;

The court was a collaborative effort between the Magic, AdventHealth, GAF (North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer) and the City of Kissimmee. The Magic and AdventHealth also teamed up to renovate the community center’s teen room and garden.&nbsp;

The teen room additions include a new television, study tables, gaming chairs, pop-a-shot, video games and board games. The staff members also planted strawberries, basil and sunflowers in the garden. In addition, the Magic and AdventhHealth will be donating sports equipment for the center to accompany the teen room and garden renovations.

This is the fifth of 20 courts the Magic and AdventHealth plan to refurbish in the Central Florida area. The five courts completed include Wicklow Elementary (August 2021), the Callahan Center (May 2022), the James R. Smith Neighborhood Center (March 2023), Lee P. Moore Park (on April 5) and the current one — Kissimmee City Chamber Park Community Center (Jan. 2024).

At this recent Magic and AdventHealth court refurbishment in Kissimmee, GAF donated the material used to transform the sport courts and covered the costs of installation labor. As part of the project, GAF applied StreetBond DuraShield with Invisible Shade technology to the asphalt courts. The colorful pavement coatings mitigate heat while adding protection and have been proven to reduce surface temperature on average by 10 degrees during the daytime on sunny days. The collaboration is part of GAF’s social impact initiative, GAF Community Matters, which is focused on making a positive difference as neighbors and partners by leveraging roofing expertise, resources and products to help build resilient communities.

Both Houstan, who was raised in Mississauga, Ontario before relocating to Florida during his high school years, and Atlanta native Okeke spent a lot of their youth at local parks developing their basketball skills and playing with their friends. It was such an important part of their basketball journeys, so joining in on Wednesday’s special occasion brought back fond memories from their own childhood.    

“I could definitely relate, just being able to go somewhere and just play with your friends, build relationships and have fun outdoors,” Houstan said. “It always helps when being a kid.”&nbsp;

As original Champion of the Community partners, AdventHealth has been working with the Magic on community projects that impact and benefit Central Florida. Magic Champion of the Community partners represent organizations that are committed to improving the lives of all Central Floridians. Since the Magic and AdventHealth partnership began back in 1989, they continue to grow their approach in community programming, unparalleled branding and category exclusivity in the area of healthcare while expanding their commitment to the local community.

“One thing I love about our organization, specifically, is yes, we provide opportunities for people to heal for rehabilitation and for us to get them back on their feet. We are a healthcare system, but we are as interested in the wellness of the community – wellness before someone even needs our care,” said Craig Moore, chief operating officer at AdventHealth Kissimmee. “So, when we see opportunities to provide that – to provide resources, especially in underserved communities – I think that’s very important. And that’s the way of extending our mission beyond just the business of healthcare. To find a partner like the Magic who are as invested in that – where we are on the same page in the way we look at giving back to the community – I think it’s just a wonderful thing.”

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Orlando Magic, Players Chuma Okeke and Caleb Houstan Join AdventHealth in Unveiling Refurbished Basketball Court in Kissimmee

ORLANDO - The last two seasons, following games against them, opponents would often applaud the Orlando Magic for how hard they played and how resilient they were. Being very young and inexperienced, the Magic didn’t come out on top in many of those games. But it was clear to the coaches and players on the other bench that Orlando was heading in the right direction.&nbsp;

Now, a little more seasoned while still playing extremely hard, the Magic have turned a corner, as they currently sit in the top four in the Eastern Conference standings.

Beyond basketball, and sports in general, the premise is the same. Those who work hard and stay resilient, even when things might initially seem grim and extremely difficult, often conquer challenges and achieve success.

And the Magic, as an organization, love nothing more than to reward those in the community who exhibit those characteristics.

That’s precisely what transpired at halftime of the Magic’s game against the Miami Heat at the newly renamed Kia Center on Wednesday night.&nbsp;

This year, in what was the Magic’s 15th&nbsp;Big Give celebration, the deserving family was Cyndi and her three children. At center court, they were showered with an array of gifts, including two 50-inch TVs, an air fryer, a driveway basketball hoop, a kitchen aid mixer, and other household accessories. The Magic's partners and others also surprised the family with a variety of gifts, including $5,000 for home furnishings from AdventHealth, Disney tickets, a $500 Kroger Delivery gift card, a PDQ gift card, a gift package from TELETIES, and a Total by Verizon Samsung Galaxy A13 with an Unlimited+ plan.

To put the cherry on top, Kia announced that they are giving Cyndi a brand-new Kia Telluride SX.&nbsp;

“It felt unreal. It was totally unexpected,” she said with tears of joy and gratitude running down her face. “I went to a gospel program and the amazing thing about it was I was believing God for a new car before 2023 ended, and look what he has done. I’m grateful and I’m appreciative and I thank you all (the Magic and all the other organizations).”

This wasn’t the first time the Magic joined Cyndi and her family for a celebration. Last month, the Magic partnered with AdventHealth and Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County for the family’s home dedication ceremony in the Silver Pines Pointe community.&nbsp;

Cyndi has had to endure unimaginable grief the last few years. In 2021, she lost her 11-year-old daughter, Jordan, to bone cancer. Although coping with such heartache has been extraordinarily difficult, the family’s work ethic, determination and perseverance has helped them get through these incredibly tough times.

“If you work hard for the things that you want, you can make your dreams, your goals, everything come true – if you put your mind to it,” she said.&nbsp;

Throughout this holiday season, the Magic have been very active in the community. Last week, players Franz Wagner, Moe Wagner, Anthony Black and Kevon Harris participated in a Pepsi-sponsored shopping spree at a local Walmart for Boys & Girls Clubs children. That same evening, Markelle Fultz, his mother Ebony, Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley, Magic two-way player Admiral Schofield, Community Ambassadors Bo Outlaw and Nick Anderson, and volunteers from the team’s staff distributed holiday gifts to 68 Head Start program children ranging in ages between 3 and 5 years old.

On Monday of this week, Cole Anthony lifted the spirits of children with a holiday party at the James R. Smith Neighborhood Center. Then on Tuesday, Wendell Carter Jr., who made his return to the court against the Heat,&nbsp;hosted a holiday party at Planet Hollywood for 95 youth from Boys to Men&nbsp;Mentoring organization.

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Orlando Magic, Kia Surprise Local Family With Gifts, Including New Car, During Special ‘Big Give’ Halftime Celebration 

Dan Savage

ORLANDO –&nbsp;Wendell Carter Jr. was full of surprises on Tuesday.&nbsp;

First, fans received the exciting news that the Orlando Magic center was no longer on the team’s injury report, signaling that he would make his return from a 20-game absence against the Miami Heat.&nbsp;

Later in the evening, Carter surprised 95 youth from the Boys to Men Mentoring organization with a holiday party. Carter through A Platform² Foundation, which he created along with his parents Wendell Carter Sr. and Kylia Carter, hosted the children for a holiday dinner at Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs. 

“It’s great to have an event for all the kids,” said Carter. “I’m partnered with Boys to Men – a charity organization that I partnered with when I first got to Orlando. This is our second annual Christmas event. I’m excited just to be here and give a little bit of holiday spirit leading into Christmas."

It was the second annual holiday party that Carter and his family have hosted for children from the Boys to Men Mentoring program&nbsp;–&nbsp;a nonprofit organization committed to creating communities of empowerment for all teenage boys on their journey to manhood. Along with a meal provided by Planet Hollywood, the children also received a holiday gift bag filled with goodies from Carter, the Magic, Rock ‘Em Socks and AdventHealth.

“It’s something that my mom and dad have instilled in me growing up,” he explained. “It’s just a perfect opportunity for me to give back. A lot of kids are not able to have the type of Christmas that they would want, so I just try to find ways and different avenues to help them. I just see it as a perfect opportunity. It’s about family this time of year. I just try to bring a little bit of that feeling to some of the kids during the season.” &nbsp;

Carter’s commitment to charitable work throughout the Central Florida region is a big reason why he’s the reigning recipient of the Rich & Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award, handed out annually to the Magic player that’s made the biggest impact off the court in enhancing other's lives.

“It’s the next best thing after playing basketball,” he explained. “For this organization, it’s all about the community. That’s something that I really love about Orlando since I got traded here. The DeVos family really takes a lot of pride in helping the surrounding areas of Orlando. So, I’m just excited to be on a team where everyone cares about it in their own way.”

While Carter was busy with off-the-court endeavors on Tuesday night, he’s thrilled to finally be able to return to action and make an impact on the court on Wednesday. After being sidelined for over a month (left hand; fractured third metacarpal), Carter is expected to take the floor for the Magic when they host the Heat.

“I’m super excited,” he said with a wide-stretched smile. “I’m glad it lined up for me to come back in front of the fans (in Orlando). It’s going to give us a little extra juice that we may need (on Wednesday). But it’s just good to be back out there with my brothers, who’ve been fighting for those games that I was out. I’m just glad to be back out there and I’ll try to get us a W tomorrow.”

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Orlando Magic’s Wendell Carter Jr. Hosts Second Annual Boys to Men Holiday Party

ORLANDO - Monday was an off day, basketball-wise, for the Orlando Magic. They’ll be back on the AdventHealth Training Center court for practice Tuesday, looking to clean some things up following a pair of defeats in Boston.

Still, that didn’t prevent Cole Anthony from stepping into a gym&nbsp;on Monday evening. Except in this case, even though he was probably itching to with how much of a gym rat he is, it wasn’t to work on his game. Rather, it was to lift the spirits of children.&nbsp;

The 6-foot-3 guard, who’s in his fourth season with the Magic, hosted a Christmas party, dubbed “A Cole Christmas,” for children on the James R. Smith Neighborhood Center basketball court that included games, food, raffle prizes and giveaways. The gifts distributed were courtesy of Anthony and Planet Fitness.

“I think it’s really, really important (to give back to the community),” he said. “Me personally, I’ve been blessed my whole life. I was raised by four great parents – I have step-parents too who I look at like my parents – and they’ve just always instilled these values into me. Just always trying to give back to people who aren’t as fortunate as I am. It’s dope that we are able to get this together. I’m so happy how this event turned out.”&nbsp;

Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley came by to assist Anthony in making this party one the kids will never forget.

Mosley has come to all of his players’ community events this holiday season. Around Thanksgiving, in addition to serving and sponsoring a breakfast at the Coalition for the Homeless, he helped distribute turkey meals at events hosted by Markelle Fultz and Wendell Carter Jr. Just last week, he joined Fultz again at the 6-foot-4 guard’s holiday party for Head Start program children.

“I think it’s so great that we can join them in what they are doing in giving back to the community, and just sharing all the blessings with a group of people that support us,” Mosley said. “It’s an unselfish group (Magic players). They care about each other. They care about doing the right thing. They care about giving back. We say it all the time; how much can you give to a group and community that gives so much to us?”

Anthony is known around the NBA for providing a spark off the Magic’s bench. Among reserves, he has, so far, totaled the third-most points and sixth-most assists.

Now, he’s also becoming known for providing a spark in the Central Florida community.

A finalist for last year’s Rich & Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award, which goes to the Magic player each year who&nbsp;has dedicated his efforts off the court for the purpose of enhancing other's lives, the 23-year-old is on a mission to help as many children as he can reach their full potential using his social platform and resources.

“It makes it really easy when both me myself and the organization’s values align like this,” he said. “It makes the whole process easy. Obviously, many Magic (staff) came and helped out with this. It’s been dope. I can’t put it into words how awesome this event has been tonight.”&nbsp;

It’s a game-changer when people, like Anthony and Mosley, and organizations, like the Magic and Planet Fitness, team up in the community.&nbsp;

“It’s incredibly important,” Planet Fitness Senior Vice President of Marketing Scott Breault said. “We are very fortunate in what we do and who we do it for, and we have to realize there are members of the community that aren’t as fortunate. It’s always important to give back and partner with like-minded organizations like the Magic and like Cole and his team to do some really great things and put some smiles on people’s faces.”

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Cole Anthony Lifts the Spirits of Children During Holiday Party 

ORLANDO - If you’ve attended an Orlando Magic game this season at Amway Center, you know all about the vibes inside. The energy and enthusiasm permeating through the building is a big reason why the Magic have won 11 of their first 12 games there.&nbsp;

That buzz is oozing out into the community as well. The Magic are the talk of the town right now, and the players sense it all around them, including at their off-the-court philanthropic events aimed at lifting the spirits of others this holiday season.

One such example took place in the early evening of Wednesday, Dec. 13 at the Walmart Supercenter on Princeton Street. There, Franz Wagner, Moe Wagner, Anthony Black and Kevon Harris teamed up with Pepsi for a holiday shopping spree for 100 Boys & Girls Clubs members. Each child received a $100 Walmart gift card, and then the participating Magic players, along with other volunteers, including Magic Vice President of Shareholder Engagement Ryan DeVos, his wife Michelle, Community Ambassadors Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw and many other Magic and Pepsi staff members, took them shopping.

“We are super happy that we can be a part of this,” Franz said. “Shout out to Pepsi and the Boys & Girls Clubs for putting this event on and it’s an honor to be here.”

This being his third year with the team, Franz can certainly tell the difference between this year and his first two as far as the excitement and backing from the fans. Everywhere he goes, he feels the love and support, which is extremely motivating for him and his teammates.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“When Moe and I are walking the streets, a lot more people are coming up to us, and I’m sure the other guys are feeling the same way,” he said. “We want to give back to the community that is supporting us all throughout the year.”

Even though he’s only been in Orlando for a few months now after getting selected sixth overall by the Magic in the 2023 NBA Draft, Black feels right at home in his new digs. One reason for that is the community support, which he’s extremely appreciative of and why he feels it’s so important to give back.&nbsp;

This is already the second major community event he’s been a part of since joining the team. On Thanksgiving morning, he and his parents helped serve breakfast at the Coalition for the Homeless. It was the 31st&nbsp;year the Magic held that event.&nbsp;

“The community is very supportive of us,” he said. “I think it might be because of what we do to help the community also. But it’s a good community, a nice community, and good weather. It’s definitely a good place to be.”

What makes the growth of both the team and the community that much sweeter for Moe is that he was one of the first players brought in after the rebuild started in the spring of 2021. He originally signed with the Magic in April of that season shortly after getting waived by the Boston Celtics, and is now thriving in a second-unit role for Orlando.&nbsp;

His efficiency near the basket, all the hustle plays he makes, and the energy and enthusiasm he brings every time he steps on the court have been essential. Most important, though, for Moe is doing whatever he can to help the Magic win, which is a characteristic shared by the entire team.&nbsp;

It's that collective approach and mindset that fans may appreciate the most about this group.&nbsp;

“People are picking up on it a little bit,” he said. “They recognize it on the street a little more. People are more excited about basketball. It’s cool, especially because we’ve been organically growing this thing and it’s cool to be part of something.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

A touching part of Wednesday’s event is that many of the items the kids pick out during their shopping will be presents for family members.&nbsp;

“Being that it’s the 15th&nbsp;year (of this event), in previous years (we’ve seen) kids think about their family members – their moms, their grandmas, their siblings – and they put themselves last,” PepsiCo President, South Division Heather Hoytink said. “They are just so caring and generous with the money that we do give them. It’s so touching to see how they choose to spend the dollars they get.”

several-orlando-magic-players-teamed-up-with-pepsi-to-take-boys-amp-girls-clubs-members-on-holiday-shopping-spree-20231213

Several Orlando Magic Players Teamed Up With Pepsi to Take Boys & Girls Clubs Members on Holiday Shopping Spree

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Due to Tropical Storm Nicole, the NBA has announced that the Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic game on Wednesday, November 9 will tip-off at 5:30 PM. Amway Center doors open at 4:30 PM.