Orlando Magic Making a Huge Impact Off the Court During MLK Week of Service

In July 2006, just about 20 years ago, the Orlando Magic launched a new program designed to encourage team staff to engage in community service. The goal, at the time, was for Magic employees to collectively do 2,000 hours of service that upcoming season. 

Well, they exceeded that mark, tracking over 3,800 hours during the 2006-07 season. Clearly, this Magic Volunteer Program – or MVP for short – was a big hit. The opportunity to give back to their neighbors meant a great deal to the staff. Since then, the program has become a staple of the organization, consistently tracking more than 7,000 hours over the last several seasons. Magic staff, in fact, have totaled more than 100,000 volunteer hours in the history of the program.

Although we are not even two months into 2026, it’s very likely that the Magic will reach, and perhaps even top, that 7,000 number this year. That’s largely because of what they’ve been doing this week to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who dedicated his life to kindness, service that unites people, and building bridges.

Staff from all three of the Magic’s entities, which includes the Orlando Magic, Osceola Magic and Orlando Solar Bears, have been volunteering at 11 different nonprofits, including The Sharing Center, UCP of Central Florida, Rescue Outreach Mission, United Against Poverty Orlando, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Keep Orlando Beautiful, Clean the World, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida, Habitat for Humanity, A Gift for Teaching, and Quest Inc.

“It’s incredibly important for us to make sure we are giving back to our community,” Magic Managing Director Ryan DeVos said while sorting and organizing essential resources at The Sharing Center on Tuesday, Feb. 17. “We are celebrating the legacy of Dr. King, and we are continuing to deepen our connection and connectivity to the city of Orlando. (It means a lot) giving back to those who are maybe a little down on their luck and who may need these opportunities to improve their lives and take that next step forward.” 

The “giving back mindset” that the Magic have as an organization really originated from the late Rich DeVos. When he purchased the team in September 1991, he famously vowed that the Magic actually belonged to the people of Central Florida and he was merely a steward for the franchise. He always stressed that the Magic would strive for success – both as a championship-caliber team on the floor and a difference-making entity in the community.

That remains the same now. The DeVos family has maintained that view, which is a big reason why there’s so much devotion to community service throughout the organization.

“I’ve had the great fortune of working for the DeVos’ for 30 years and it all starts with them,” Magic President of Business Operations Charlie Freeman said on Thursday, Feb. 19 while preparing meals for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, which has provided a 'home away from home' for families of hospitalized children since 1996. “They are so keen on giving back. They call themselves stewards of the franchise. I know Ryan Devos and Cole DeVos (leads full-time management development program with the Magic) live here and they are contributing to part of this as well. We are just so blessed to have who I think are the best ownerships in all of professional sports.”

There’s also a strength in numbers when it comes to community work. The more people that get involved, the more that gets accomplished. And when people see professional sports teams being philanthropic, it often increases participation all around. 

“I really think that anyone that sees leaders – whether (they are) from a local business or organization -- coming out to support our families shows that really anyone can be doing this to support the families of RMC,” said Kaycee Flora Huber, vice president of community partnerships and programs at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida. “We really do make an emphasis on all ages and the whole family can come here and provide volunteering to our families. I think it’s a great opportunity for the local community to see that the Orlando Magic is involved and that they can get involved. It’s a great way to really provide just a little bit of closeness, comfort and care for families that are experiencing a really hard time in their journey as a family.” 

The Magic tipped off their Black History Month celebration back on Feb. 5 when they hosted the Black Business Summit Presented by Sire Spirits. The summit was a celebration of resilience, innovation, and leadership within the Black business community featuring impactful conversations, networking, and insights with influential leaders, while honoring the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.

The Magic celebrate diversity and embrace its many characteristics and the value it brings to both business and community — understanding what can be accomplished when everyone works together to achieve legendary moments. The Magic are committed to creating an environment in which employees, community partners and fans feel welcome, valued and appreciated.