Photos foe Headline Surfer® / ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Orlando Magic's Tobias Harris and Victor Oladipo were named co-winners of the 2014-2015 Rich & Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award for their efforts in helping with $1 million distributed to 21 Central Florida non-profit organizations in February.
The two Magic players were recognized at the 25th annual Orlando Magic Youth Foundation Black Tie & Tennies Gala presented by Levy Restaurants, which was held Saturday at the Amway Center. Harris has won the award for the second consecutive year while this is the first time for Oladipo.
Each year at the Gala, the OMYF honors a player who has dedicated his efforts off the court for the purpose of enhancing other's lives. A panel of representatives selects the player.
In addition to receiving the award, Harris and Oladipo each will be granted $50,000 each from the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation to donate to the charity of their choice. Harris and Oladipo have consistently volunteered their time off the court and to the Central Florida community supporting the initiatives of the Magic's community relations department, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation and the NBA, Orlando Magic spokeswoman Trish Wingerson said.
In addition to receiving the award, Harris and Oladipo each will be granted $50,000 each from the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation to donate to the charity of their choice. Harris and Oladipo have consistently volunteered their time off the court and to the Central Florida community supporting the initiatives of the Magic's community relations department, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation and the NBA, Orlando Magic spokeswoman Trish Wingerson said.
Highlights of Harris' community involvement for the 2014-1'5 season:
* Participated in the Share the Magic Ticket program by providing tickets to youth;Highlights of Oladipo's community involvement for the 2014-'15 season:
* Participated in the Share the Magic Ticket program by providing tickets to youth;Past winners:
Past winners of the award include Nick Anderson (1995-1996), Penny Hardaway (1996-1997), Darrell Armstrong (1997-1998, 1999-2000), Grant Hill (2000-2001), Monty Williams (2001-2002), Tracy McGrady (2002-2003), Pat Garrity (2003-2004), Bo Outlaw (1998-1999, 2005-2006, 2006-2007), Dwight Howard (2004-05, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12), J.J. Redick (2011-12), Jameer Nelson (2012-13) and Tobias Harris (2013-14).
Beneficiaries:
Earlier this year, the Orlando Magic Youth Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund presented checks totaling $1 million to 21 grantee organizations.
The organizations are also being recognized during various home games throughout the season. 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 youth education, housing/homelessness, and health and wellness programs that promote healthy living practices for at-risk children and families.
For more information, please visit www.omyf.org.