ORLANDO – Moments after the Orlando Magic made him the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, now nearly 3 1/2 years ago, Cole Anthony was asked during his very first conference press as a professional how he describes himself as a basketball player.
Before even talking about all the skill-related aspects, the 6-foot-3 guard from the University of North Carolina pointed out something very endearing and noble about him.
“I want to see every one of my teammates succeed,” he said at the time. “As much as I want to see myself succeed, I really only wish the best for everyone around me. »
That answer clearly came straight from his heart, and as we’ve learned in recent years for the now 23-year-old, his heart is made of gold.
Always one to light up a room with his sense of humor and liveliness, this kindness is something the Magic organization greatly appreciates about him, which is why on Saturday at the fourth annual Orlando Wine Festival & Auction, he was named the winner of the 2023-24 Rich & Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award for all he has done to help others in the community reach their full potential.
“It’s really awesome,” Anthony said. “I’ve always been very blessed, very lucky. I have a wonderful family, wonderful parents who just instilled these values in me. 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 their off-the-court efforts to improving the lives of others (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 bases this year’s selection on the player’s last year of community service. In addition to receiving the award, Anthony will receive $20,000 from the DeVos Family Foundations so he can donate to the charity of his choice.
Anthony has always donated his time off the court and to the Central Florida community to support the Magic’s mission to be world champions on and off the court, providing legendary moments every step of the way. In addition to supporting the Magic’s initiatives, Anthony has his own foundation, the 50Ways Foundation, and also assists the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF) and the NBA with their community goals.
Anthony’s many community efforts this season include providing tickets to Magic games to underprivileged youth; sponsor a lunch at a Parramore school throughout the year; purchasing Thanksgiving groceries for 50 families at the Ivey Lane Community Center; and hosting a Christmas 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 with 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), Cole Anthony (2023-24).
For the first time in franchise history, the team has four winners of this award at the same time. This makes Anthony very proud, as it shows that this is a group that shares many of the same goals, both on and off the field.
“That tells you a lot about this team – we have so many unselfish guys on this team,” he said. “It’s bigger than you and me. That’s how everyone on this team looks at him – whether it’s on the field or off the field.
The Orlando Wine Festival and Auction, which began in 2019 and is Magic’s signature fundraiser for OMYF, kicked off Friday with exclusive winemaker dinners. Then on Saturday, the wine and gastronomy festival took place. It included live and online auctions, live music, live auction exhibitions, local and celebrity chefs, wineries, gourmet pavilions and appearances by Magic players, coaches and legends . To cap off the weekend, the Magic will host the Detroit Pistons on Sunday at 6 p.m.
When NBA players get involved in their community, it makes a huge difference. Not only are they able to use their resources and platforms to help others, but they are also raising awareness about everything that is happening in the region.
“Having players step up from a contribution standpoint is really pretty special,” Magic Chairman/Governor Dan DeVos said. “Today’s players are more sensitive and aware of the needs that exist. They are more aware of their responsibility and their ability to make a difference. They contribute not only (with their) time, but of course with a lot of their talent… I give them a lot of respect for that.
In August 2023, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation announced it would distribute grants totaling $1 million in three ways: a summer grant cycle, a winter grant cycle, and microgrants. So far, the summer grant cycle and the first round of microgrants have been announced (microgrants are distributed quarterly). This is the 16th time OMYF has distributed $1 million to the Central Florida community since OMYF was founded in 1990.
The Magic and the DeVos family are committed to making a difference in Central Florida. Each year, the Magic donates more than $2 million to Central Florida through event sponsorships, ticket donations, signed merchandise and grants. At the heart of the Magic’s charitable efforts is the work done by the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation.
“For us at the Magic, it is extremely important to give back to the community that gives us so much,” said Magic CEO Alex Martins. “They support us throughout the season, and for the 35 years that we have existed. We feel it is our responsibility to be a leader in the community, to give back to our community and to help build our community.
OMYF is committed to helping Central Florida children reach their full potential, especially those most at risk, by supporting nonprofit organizations providing youth programs in the areas of education, housing/homelessness, arts, and health programs focused on childhood prevention. obesity.
Over the past 34 years, more than $29 million has been distributed to local community nonprofit organizations through the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. OMYF raises community funds each year through donations, auctions and events such as the OMYF Open Golf Tournament and the Orlando Wine Festival and Auction.
