Orlando, Fla. (Sept. 30, 2022) – The DeVos Family Foundation today announced a $1 million donation to assist with Hurricane Ian relief efforts in Central Florida and across the state.
The DeVos Family Foundation (DVFF) and the Orlando Magic organization are working closely with local partners and officials to ensure help is available to those most impacted in Central Florida and throughout the entire region.
DVFF is directing $500,000 to the Hurricane Recovery Fund set up by the Heart of Florida United Way and the Central Florida Foundation. This collaborative effort announced earlier today includes many corporate, individual and Foundation contributors across the region.
In addition, DVFF is directing $250,000 to the statewide Florida Disaster Fund championed by Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis. An additional $250,000 will be reserved for future rebuilding efforts as prioritized needs unfold.
“Our hearts are with this community, which has long been part of our family,” said Orlando Magic Chairman Dan DeVos. “We will continue to partner with organizations closest to those most impacted, and as always, prioritize the health and safety of the people in the region. This community is resilient, and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected as well as the leaders and first responders who continually put neighbors first.”
The DeVos family has a long history of helping out in times of need in Central Florida.
- In 2004, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Charley, Richard and Helen DeVos donated $1 million to relief efforts in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia and Polk Counties.
- In 2020, they backed a $2 million compensation fund for hourly employees of the Magic, Amway Center, Lakeland Magic and Solar Bears while their seasons were suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak, assisting approximately 1,800 part-time employees.
- In 2016, they contributed $400,000 to the One Orlando Fund following the tragedy at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando.
In addition to this community support, the DeVos Family Foundation will continue its 30 Grants for 30 Years Initiative with the Orlando Magic throughout the 2022-23 season, providing funding and in-game recognition for nonprofit honorees doing impactful work in the Orlando area. The donations are part of the DeVos family’s effort to contribute a total of $3 million to 30 area nonprofit organizations over the course of this season and last, seeking to invest in people and projects impacting youth, essential needs for families, and community enrichment across Central Florida.
According to Governor DeSantis’ Office, the Florida Disaster Fund and Volunteer Florida are working with the Department of Children and Families and Sunshine Health through the First Lady’s Hope Florida Initiative to open Family Resource Support Centers with one-on-one support for impacted families, including Hope Navigators and counseling resources on site for those who are struggling and need help. The first resource centers will open in Tampa and New Port Richey, but anyone who needs help can call the Hope Line at 850-300-HOPE.
