Earvin “Magic” Johnson received the 3rd annual USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award. It was presented by USA TODAY President and Publisher Craig A. Moon. Johnson was honored for his work in entertainment, under served communities and funding of the Magic Johnson Foundation.
The foundation was founded in 1991. Its purpose is to work on developing programs and support community-based organizations that address the educational, health and social needs of ethnically diverse, urban communities.
Over the past few years, the Magic Johnson Foundation awarded more than $1.1 million to community-based organizations that focus on HIV/AIDS education and prevention It supported more than 800 minority high school students with college scholarships (through the Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program), opened 20 Magic Johnson Community Empowerment Centers located in under served communities across the country, and provided a range of community-based initiatives including an annual Children’s Mardi Gras and holiday toy drive.
“He’s the perfect Hollywood Hero,” said USA TODAY president and publisher Craig Moon, “the award is about someone who gives more than just their name or money. Magic is a man who gives his time.” -looktothestars.org
