Aaron Gordon and other members of the Orlando Magic make donations amid COVID-19 outbreak

Aaron+Gordon+shooting+a+free+throw+against+the+Oklahoma+City+Thunder+on+Jan.+22.+Photo+by+Joey+Weierheiser

Aaron Gordon shooting a free throw against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Jan. 22. Photo by Joey Weierheiser

Nate Marrero, Sports Editor

With the NBA season being suspended as of March 11 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, multiple players have found ways to help people and organizations that have been impacted.

The arenas that teams play at have workers who don’t just help make fans’ experience at every game easier – they’re essential. Now those workers are unemployed for the foreseeable future. The suspension is expected to last until mid-June at the earliest, and it’s likely fans won’t even be in attendance if that happens. 

Schools have also been shut down amid the COVID-19 outbreak. 

To help curve the effects of school closures, Aaron Gordon and his foundation made a donation to Orange County Public Schools (OCPS). 

Gordon donated a gift through the Gordon Family Giving Foundation to the Homeless Education Fund at the Foundation for OCPS.

“We were, and are, extremely grateful for this gift,” OCPS senior director Deborah Pedraza said. “The Gordon family called us to let us know what they wanted to do; they are always thinking about how and who they can help. While it’s wonderful when the community steps up when we ask – and the Orlando community really does step up, time and again – it’s truly inspiring when people like Aaron and his family step forward without being asked.” 

“I’m very grateful that Aaron is able to contribute to the community, especially in times of great need,” Shelly Davis, Gordon’s mom, said. “I am proud that he has a giving heart and mindset. 

Helping others through tough times is probably the most gratifying feeling any person can have. Through our Gordon Family Giving Foundation work, we are often able to feel happy about helping people and communities.” 

Along with the donation to OCPS, Gordon and his teammates Al-Faruq-Aminu, D.J Augustin, Jonathan Isaac, Markelle Fultz, Michael-Carter Williams, Mo Bamba and Nikola Vucevic have pledged to donate money for employees at the Amway Center. 

Augustin also donated to the Krewe of Red Beans in his hometown of New Orleans and Isaac is helping to donate meals to Orlando residents in need with J.U.M.P. Ministries and Project Life. 

Magic chairman Dan Devos made $2 million to cover the salaries of the 1,800 part time workers at the Amway Center and workers for the Lakeland Magic and Solar Bears.