By Josh CohenApril 11, 2016
ORLANDO – Monday’s Fan Appreciation Night at Amway Center featured exclusive performances, giveaways, special offers and experiences.
But perhaps the most memorable moment of the evening came between the first and second quarters of the Orlando Magic’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks when U.S. Army Sergeant Louis Lund and his two children were honored.
Recently, Building Homes for Heroes and Chase awarded Lund and his family a new, mortgage-free home for his military service. Lund, who joined the Army in 1997 and served four tours in war zones before being medically discharged in 2009, also was surprised during the ceremony with a check of $2,500 for a family vacation and home furnishings. Additionally, the Magic made a donation to Make a Wish and children’s cancer foundations on behalf of the Lund family.
“The Orlando Magic are honored to recognize Army Sgt. Lund and his family during Fan Appreciation Night,” said Magic CEO Alex Martins. “Tonight is all about honoring our fans and showing our gratitude for their support. What better way than to honor the Lund family for their all of their sacrifices and service to our country, and to be able to present them with other surprises to go along with their new mortgage-free home provided by Chase and Building Homes for Heroes.”
To make the experience even more special, Lund and his kids watched the game from one of the arena suites and were picked up and taken home in a luxury car provided by the Magic.
As much as the Magic and Chase are appreciative of Lund’s service to the country, Lund is just as grateful for what the Magic and Chase gave to him.
“Building Homes for Heroes is an amazing charity, Chase is an amazing bank to be able to give houses to the veterans and coming here the hospitality has been great, actually mind-blowing really,” an emotional Lund said after the presentation. “I feel proud, yet humble. It’s hard to believe.”
Lund values the Magic’s efforts to recognize active and retired U.S. military. The Magic host an annual Seats for Soldiers Night, which features an array of festivities that shows support for the troops. They also recognize a Central Florida first responder prior to each game as part of the Harris Hometown Hero program.
“For the NBA and Magic to come out to support the soldiers, the veterans and even active duty it’s wonderful,” Lund said. “A lot of guys feel like they’ve been left behind or forgotten. It’s nice to see them recognized.”
Building Homes for Heroes is strongly committed to rebuilding lives and supporting the brave men and women who were injured while serving the country during the time of the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan. The organization builds or modifies homes, and gifts them, mortgage-free, to veterans and their families. The mortgage-free homes to the nation’s veterans and military families around the country is made possible through partners like Chase–a Champion of the Community Partner for the Magic.
Appreciation has spread far and wide over the past week. Magic staff and players have spent the last several days spreading cheer and delivering gifts to families and children throughout the Central Florida community.
Elfrid Payton and Dewayne Dedmon surprised students at Rock Lake Elementary School with a Magic FIT Fun Day. Payton also took part in the refurbishment of the Wadeview Community Center.
Victor Oladipo and Evan Fournier helped pack healthy food for children during the Magic and UnitedHealthcare’s event to benefit the Second Harvest’s Hi-Five Kids Pack program. Nikola Vucevic delivered get-well teddy bears to young patients at Florida Hospital for Children.
