Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, Inc.

In the 15 years since its founding, the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando has emerged as one of Central Florida's most highly-visible and successful organizations through its establishment of sound programs designed to support amateur athletics and various charitable causes.

The Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando was born from an idea developed by two sports-minded Central Floridians: Tom McCoy, an insurance executive, and Bill Malone, an attorney. McCoy and Malone based their concept of the proposed club on the structure of the Birmingham (Ala.) Quarterback Club.

The two men selected nine others who exhibited an interest in the scope and purpose of the new organization. After months of discussion, the group decided to proceed with the formation of a club which would seek a diversity of members, a non-profit status, a charitable purpose, and fellowship without regard to race, creed, or origin.

From the beginning, the founders had agreed that the club would emphasize all sports and athletic endeavors. The Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando was officially incorporated on June 10, 1985. Less than two months later- on August 1, 1985-the club received its charter from the State of Florida.

It was at the August 22, 1985, when the Board of Directors approved the sponsorship of an award for a college football player. From that meeting came an idea that has blossomed into what is now known nationwide as the Butkus Award®.

The development of this award has given the club national exposure and credibility and has enhanced Orlando's image as a community willing to support athletically-oriented endeavors.

While DAC-Orlando has received much recognition for its sponsorship of the Butkus Award®, the membership has also given much attention and energy to the establishment of other programs such as the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando Foundation, Inc. and the Central Florida High School Male and Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards.

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