Recently (May 6), NBA Legend, entrepreneur and philanthropist Earvin “Magic” Johnson received the 3rd annual USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award. He received the 2008 USA Today Hollywood Hero award for all of his tremendous work off the court. View a clip of his acceptance speech here.
A long-time humanitarian and social advocate, Johnson was honored for his work in entertainment, underserved communities and the founding of the Magic Johnson Foundation. “He’s the perfect Hollywood Hero,” said USA TODAY president and publisher Craig Moon, “the award is about someone who gives more than just their name or money. Magic is a man who gives his time.”
The USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award is presented annually to an entertainment industry humanitarian who has made remarkable contributions of time and energies with a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the quality of life for others. The USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award recipient is unique in that his or her efforts extend far beyond a charitable contribution or simply lending one’s celebrity to enhance a cause or concern.
The Magic Johnson Foundation, founded by Magic in 1991, works to develop programs and support community-based organizations that address the educational, health and social needs of ethnically diverse, urban communities. Over the past few years, the Magic Johnson Foundation has awarded more than $1.1 million to community-based organizations that focus on HIV/AIDS education and prevention, supported more than 800 minority high school students with college scholarships (through the Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program), opened 20 Magic Johnson Community Empowerment Centers located in underserved communities across the country, and provided a range of community-based initiatives including an annual Children’s Mardi Gras and holiday toy drive.
So why do I call Magic Johnson - our hero? As in Sodexo's hero?
Because just about 2 years ago Sodexo and Magic and Magic Food Provisions, a subsidiary of Magic Johnson Enterprises joined forces and formed SodexhoMagic, LLC.
The SodexhoMagic, LLC develops new business opportunities and operates select Sodexo accounts at various locations throughout the U.S. and provides total management of food services, including dining and high-end catering service, grounds keeping, plant operations and maintenance, asset management, environmental services and laundry services.
Under this joint venture, historically black colleges and universities such as Morehouse College and Howard, Fisk and Florida A&M universities will gain access to other businesses in which the NBA all-star has an interest.
"Mr. Johnson has been a pioneer in the community in terms of giving back," Charles Johnson, Vice President of Business Marketing for SodexhoMagic said. This venture will be another opportunity for him to show that, providing services that he said would only be found with the new company.
Sodexo and Magic Johnson also joined forces in November to help the National Urban League raise a record $2 Million at their annual Equal Opportunity Awards Dinner. Read more about Sodexo and Magic Johnson here and watch a video here.
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Sodexho became Sodexo (without the H) in January did you remember?
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