NBA All-Star Dwight Howard Launches Orlando Based D12 Foundation With Community Initiatives

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Five-time NBA All-Star and Orlando Magic Center Dwight Howard is pleased to officially announce the launch of D12 Foundation on Monday Feb. 14th.  With a mission of planting seeds, cultivating them and watching them grow, D12 Foundation has a vision of making a long-lasting impact on the lives of children worldwide.  With collaborative support from generous communities and partners, D12 Foundation will work with children's organizations worldwide in establishing programs that will plant seeds of generosity, support education, encourage leadership, and inspire activity and health in youth. The hope of Dwight is that its seeds will grow into initiatives that circle the globe and leave legacies for generations to come.

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The foundation launched on Valentine's Day with the first of a series of initiatives; "Gifts From The Heart." Dwight visited four outstanding local charities to present donations and spend time with the kids who benefit from these organizations, as well as the teams that work endlessly to help those in need. These initial beneficiaries include: Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Florida, Florida Hospital for Children, US Dream Academy, and Special Olympics.

"The foundation is an extension of my desire to help children all over the world by providing the tools in life they need to succeed." Howard continues, "My team and I look forward to continuing our plan to be a resource to the Orlando community, as well as communities and organizations worldwide."

Brooke Zapata, Executive Director

A graduate of the University of Central Florida, Brooke joined the team as one of the Founding members of the D12 Foundation. With extensive non-profit, fundraising and community benefit administration experience, Brooke is excited about spreading the mission of D12 Foundation around the world.  

Tina Wheeler, Major Gifts Officer

Tina Wheeler received her degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a certification in Nonprofit Management from Duke. With an impressive 90% funding success rate, finding over $200 million in funding for churches, nonprofits and businesses nationwide, Tina also joins D12 Foundation as one of the founding members.

About Dwight Howard

NBA All Star Dwight Howard has a long history of commitment and philanthropy to those in Central Florida and around the world. With the launch of D12 Foundation (www.d12foundation.org), Dwight is looking to assist those less fortunate in the Orlando area and hopes to inspire others in the community to do the same. Dwight was named the 2009-2010 winner of the Rich & Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award. This marks the fourth time and the third consecutive year Howard has won the award.

SOURCE D12 Foundation