As part of NBA Cares Season of Giving, the Orlando Magic are celebrating Christmas in a BIG way surprising one local family, Benjamat and her three grandchildren (AJ – age 7, Alia – age 6, and Aja – age 5), during the Magic vs. Hornets matchup tonight, Dec. 26. The Magic were joined by Kia, AdventHealth, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, Caribe Royale, Chick-fil-A, Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, TELETIES, Total Wireless to shower the family with gifts and other items to assist them through difficult times. This is the 17th consecutive season the Magic have hosted one family around the holidays for “The Big Give.”
At halftime the revelation occurred, they were given gifts from the Magic that included a 65” TV, air fryer, kitchen aid mixer, pots and pans, arts and crafts and other household essentials. The Magic's partners also surprised the family with a variety of gifts:
- Kia – 2026 Kia Sorento EX
- AdventHealth - $5,000 for home furnishings
- Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks – Family meals for a year and apparel from Boujee T’s
- Caribe Royale – three-day, two-night stay
- Four Chick-fil-A for a year packs
- Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream - ice cream party
- TELETIES – four gift bundles that include TELETIES clothing, hair care products and hair accessories.
- Total Wireless – one phone and three tablets (the phone and tablet include one year of service)
FAMILY STORY
Benjamat, age 63, is originally from Thailand and moved to the United States 30 years ago. After a brief period living in Denver, she settled in Florida, where she has remained. As a single woman she lives by the belief that helping oneself leads to divine support. She maintains a positive mindset and practices daily meditation, which brings her peace. In her home, she has created a small temple dedicated to this practice.
Since the birth of her three grandchildren—AJ (7), Alia (6), and Aja (5)—Benjamat has been their primary caregiver. Their mother, Benjamat’s daughter, has been incarcerated since 2024 and is expected to be released in 2026. With no other relatives in the United States, support has come from the Foundation for Foster Children (FFC), which Benjamat was introduced to by her daughter.
Each child has distinct characteristics. AJ is a first grader who is introverted and artistic. He holds a black belt in karate and enjoys gymnastics, basketball, and drawing. Alia, age six, is outgoing and full of personality. She is known at school as a “teacher’s pet” and has a strong affection for her teacher. Aja, age five, attends VPK and has been described by her teacher as a role model. She is considered very advanced for her age. All three children enjoy watching cartoons such as Peppa Pig, Bluey, and SpongeBob.
Benjamat works two jobs, which she finds challenging to manage. Transportation is a significant responsibility, spending approximately $400 per month on Uber rides, often using them to take the children to school and then walking 1.6 miles back home. She is a hands-on caregiver and is actively involved in the children’s daily routines. Every night, she reads two books with them and includes them in chores and creative activities.
She lives in a two-bedroom townhome in the University area, where she has resided since 2021. Gardening is an important part of her lifestyle. She grows flowers, mangoes, tomatoes, and chilies, and her landlord occasionally hires her to help with garden work. Despite her busy schedule, she consistently makes time for meditation and maintaining personal peace.
Benjamat has been involved with the Foundation for Foster Children for over six months. Through this support, she receives transportation assistance and is in the process of applying for food stamps and other benefits. She was denied Medicaid, but her grandchildren have health insurance. The children’s school principal supports their interest in reading by regularly providing them with books.
In addition to her caregiving responsibilities, Benjamat is known for her excellent cooking, particularly Italian, Thai, and Japanese cuisine. She is a passionate basketball fan, especially of Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Magic Johnson. She previously enjoyed bowling and continues to value staying busy, positive, and productive.
About the Orlando Magic
Orlando's NBA franchise since 1989, the Magic's mission is to be world champions on and off the court, delivering legendary moments every step of the way. Under the DeVos family’s ownership, the Magic have seen great success in a relatively short history, winning eight division championships (1995, 1996, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2019, 2024, 2025) with seven 50-plus win seasons and capturing the Eastern Conference title in 1995 and 2009. Off the court, on an annual basis, the Orlando Magic gives 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 $31 million to local nonprofit community organizations over the last 36 years. The Magic’s other entities include the team’s NBA G League affiliate, the Osceola Magic, 2021 G League champions, and the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL, which serves as the affiliate to the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning. The Magic play their home games at the award-winning Kia Center – voted by fans no. 1 in the NBA for game experience; honored with The Stadium Business Awards’ Customer Experience Award; named SportsBusiness Journal's Sports Facility of the Year; and awarded the Venue Excellence Award (VEA) by the International Association of Venue Managers. The Magic practice at the award-winning AdventHealth Training Center. The Magic was also recognized by the Sports Business Journal as one of the “Best Places to Work” in sports in 2023 and 2024. For ticket information, visit OrlandoMagic.com or call 407-89-MAGIC.
Orlando Magic
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Maritza Martinez-Guerrero Vice President, External Affairs & Philanthropy
- February 26, 2026
- (407) 916-2464
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