Magic Johnson Plans Southwest Florida Appearance In Answer to Quality Life Center’s Call to Action

January 28, 2014 CONRIC PR

Gates now scheduled to open at 5 p.m. at S.T.A.R.S. Complex with LIVE entertainment, food vendors and fun activities for all

Take a tour of Quality Life Center and you’ll understand why it is the heart of a community. For almost a quarter of a century, “The Q,” as it’s affectionately called, has been a haven for children in the Dunbar community, offering enrichment, education, refuge and hope for a successful future. Today that powerful legacy is in jeopardy, so a world famous basketball star is coming to Southwest Florida to rally support.

Q-color logoNBA legend, professional speaker and businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson will speak at a fundraiser for The Q on Wednesday, February 12, 2014. Due to the high level of interest, the event start time has been changed to 5 p.m. and additional festivities planned. Although the non-profit organization’s need is urgent, its track record of success is worthy of celebration. As it has demonstrated, one effective way to bring change to a community is to raise its spirits.

“We are raising awareness of the Q’s financial challenges and the importance of sustaining activities and programs that serve the community,” says Abdul’Haq Muhammed, Executive Director of Quality Life Center. He adds, “After learning of our situation from one of our board members, Magic Johnson has agreed to assist us in raising money and awareness that we hope will help us close the financial gap.”

Listen to an interview with Magic Johnson

Shortly after Magic Johnson’s arrival to Southwest Florida, a press conference will be held at Quality Life Center located at 3210 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. He will meet with some of The Q’s children, families and staff. From there Magic will be escorted to the Dr. Carrie Robinson Center located at 2990 Edison Avenue for a Private Mix & Mingle Party for $3,500+ VIP ticket holders and sponsors. This exclusive invitation-only event will include a meet and greet, photos with Magic, autographed basketballs, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Limited tickets and sponsorships are still available. At 7:30 p.m. Magic will join the party in the park and address the crowd at the S.T.A.R.S Complex, engage them in conversation, and inspire those in attendance to make a positive difference within the community.

The gates at the S.T.A.R.S. Complex in Fort Myers will open early at 5 p.m. for a party in the park hosted by TV show host Lee Pitts. Attendees are encouraged to bring a beach chair or blanket and enjoy an evening under the stars with a DJ and live entertainment, fun activities and food vendors. At 7:30 p.m. Magic Johnson will take center stage, walk among the crowd, and urge the community to work toward transformation by challenging the status quo, and inspiring youth and adults alike to be motivated by life’s opportunities. It’s all in an effort to raise funds for Quality Life Center, which has a balloon payment due on its mortgage in March.

“We are not alone. Home and business owners all across Southwest Florida have faced the threat of foreclosure as mortgages mature and rates jump sky high, leaving some without a place to call home. The Q having to close its doors means not one, but hundreds of children will be displaced from The Q, leaving them without a place to home critical thinking skills in a creative environment that promotes self-sufficiency,” adds Muhammed.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Quality Life Center and its life saving mission of helping children and families and fostering a community that is a safe, thriving, and positive environment for all who live there. As a testament to the Q’s success in transforming that cycle, children who have passed through its doors and gone on to college or a successful career or family life often return to the center as volunteers. The funds raised will help Quality Life Center reach out to more children in the area and continue to provide structured youth programs which have been proven to increase academic achievement among at-risk youth.

“This event is more than just a way to raise awareness and funds for Quality Life Center. Mr. Johnson will motivate and empower Dunbar children and families to stop the cycle of poverty and inspire those outside the community to help,” says Ted Sottong, Event Organizer, Chairman of the Board of the Quality Life Center and the President of Pickup the Ball, Inc., a non-profit organization in Fort Myers that seeks to strengthen pickup basketball in communities across the country.

Quality Life Center thanks event sponsors for their generous support, which makes this event possible. They include: Studio+, FGCU, Chico’s FAS, Lee Memorial Hospital, Sodexo Magic, Lewis Robinson M.D., News-Press Media Group, 99.3 ESPN, Lee Pitts Live, CTN10, Matteo Graphics, and CONRIC PR & Marketing. Tickets are $25 for general seating and $100 for preferred seating. VIP seating and sponsorship opportunities start at $3,500. For tickets or sponsor information, visit www.qualitylifecenter.org or call 239-334-2797.

About Quality Life Center of Southwest Florida
Quality Life Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization transforming the community by developing the potential of underserved populations in southwest Florida with adult job development training, early learning and youth development programs including afterschool, teen and summer camp programs. For more than 23 years, the “Q” has been instilling values of discipline, integrity and self-sufficiency. To learn more about Quality Life Center or to sign up for the next tour date, call 239.334.2797 or visit http://www.qualitylifecenter.org.

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