50 Ways In The News
The latest such example came Wednesday at the Ivey Lane Neighborhood Center in Orlando, where he and others from the Magic surprised 50 kids with dinner, backpacks filled with school supplies, Magic basketballs and Magic socks.
Just several months after winning the Rich & Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award, which goes to the Magic player each year that goes above and beyond off the court to enhance the lives of others, Anthony was named the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award winner for October for his work supporting youth health and wellness through hosting a financial literacy workshop, fundraising events and youth basketball clinics. He will receive the David Robinson trophy, and the NBA will donate $10,000 to his 50 Ways Foundation.
“This stuff is important because it’s bigger than basketball,” Anthony said. “Basketball obviously is a big part of our lives, but there are other aspects to our lives – whether that’s our family, trying to give back to the community, give back to people who are less fortunate than us. Everyone on this team does their part to help do it.”
Because of his philanthropic efforts, Anthony was recently named the 2024 DeVos Community Enrichment Award winner for his work off the court. He was granted $20,000 and decided to split the funds between two Central Florida organizations, presenting Vibrant Families and CrossTown 119 with checks at his bowling fundraiser.
“It’s really dope,” Anthony said. “I’ve always been very blessed, very fortunate. I have a wonderful family, wonderful parents who have just instilled in me these values. To whom much is given, much is expected. For me, I’ve always tried to give back – even from a young age.”
“I think it’s really, really important (to give back to the community),” he said. “Me personally, I’ve been blessed my whole life. I was raised by four great parents and they’ve just always instilled these values into me. Just always trying to give back to people who aren’t as fortunate as I am.
“This Mother-Son Duo’s Newest Endeavor Speaks to their commitment to the development of today’s aspiring athletes”
Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony is doing his best to help the next generation of hoopers thrive. "I just want to extend the olive branch and be a resource and let them know that I'm here," Anthony told SNY.
"There are organizations for basketball development that can be really expensive for families to have their kids join, and they're almost selling the pipe dream,"
“Orlando is my home,” Anthony says. “I’m from New York, but this is where I live and I enjoy immersing myself in the city where I live. I love UCF; that’s our hometown university and everybody in Orlando should be backing the Knights!”