The Orlando Magic announce Katie Cassidy, director of philanthropy for Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, as recipient of the team’s Linda Landman Gonzalez Leadership Grant. Cassidy will be honored during the halftime of the March 6 Magic vs. Bulls matchup.
In its second year, the Linda Landman Gonzalez (LLG) Leadership Grant provides critical resources and support to emerging local nonprofit leaders, allowing them to develop their skills, expand their impact, and carry forward the torch of leadership that Landman Gonzalez illuminated throughout her career. The grant will be distributed once each season through the Magic’s charitable arm, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF). The recipient will receive enrollment at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy | Nonprofit Executive Leadership Certificate, including all travel costs; three-year all-access membership to the nonprofit learning lab; $1,000 donation to grantee’s organization for administration of the grant logistics; $10,000 for grantee to choose their professional development opportunities.
Cassidy has worked on the philanthropy team for the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra (OPO) since 2021 serving as grants and impact manager and assistant director before holding her current role. Previously she was the campaign manager at United Arts of Central Florida. As a native Orlandoan, Cassidy returned home after stints as the development director of the Lifeline Theatre in Chicago and managing director of Endstation Theatre Company in Virginia. Cassidy embodies the qualities of leadership, dedication, and compassion that this grant seeks to promote.
The LLG Leadership Grant is named after the Magic’s longtime Vice President of Community and Government Affairs and OMYF President, Linda Landman Gonzalez, who spent 15 years with the team. Linda dedicated herself to the nonprofit world for many years, tirelessly working to make Central Florida a better place. Her commitment, dedication, and leadership left an indelible mark on the Orlando Magic and the nonprofit community.
“The Orlando Magic are thrilled to be able to honor Linda’s namesake with this grant and recognize someone as deserving as Katie,” said Magic CEO Alex Martins. “Linda has been a guiding light for countless nonprofit leaders in our community and this grant is a testament to Linda’s incredible legacy and an investment in the future leaders of our nonprofit sector. We also congratulate Katie for this great recognition. She has made a commitment to the arts community, and the value that adds to the lives of all residents. With the support of this grant, there is no limit to what she can continue to achieve for arts in Central Florida.”
Each year, the Magic gives more than $2 million to Central Florida by way of sponsorships of events, donated tickets, autographed merchandise and grants. At the heart of the Magic’s charitable efforts is the work done by the OMYF. The Magic announced in August $1+ million in grants would be distributed through the OMYF. This marks the 17th time the team has distributed at least $1 million to the community with the Magic granting more than $30 million over the past 35 hears to local nonprofit community organizations through the OMYF.
The OMYF is committed to helping children in Central Florida realize their full potential, especially those most at-risk, by supporting nonprofit organizations offering youth-based programs in the areas of education, housing/homelessness, the arts, and health and wellness programs. The OMYF raises community dollars annually through donations, auctions and events such as the OMYF Open Golf Tournament and the Orlando Wine Festival & Auction.
For more information on the OMYF, visit www.omyf.org.
Magic media contact: Trish Wingerson | 407.538.0892 | twingerson@orlandomagic.com