Event Information
The Legacy of Magic Gala
Location: The Breslin Center
Address: 534 Birch Road, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
When: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Time: 5p.m. - 8 p.m.
We are honored to have you join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration and inspiration. As we celebrate an extraordinary legacy, your support helps ensure its spirit, impact, and magic continue for future generations.
Event details, including arrival information and any important updates, will be shared with you as the event approaches. In the meantime, please mark your calendar and prepare for a memorable evening with exceptional experiences, meaningful connections, and opportunities to make a difference.
For information about sponsorships, please contact Casey Thompson | cthompson@lansingymca.org
For information or questions about the event, please contact Ashlee Willis | Ashlee@MichiganPremierEvents.com.
About Our Gala
The Legacy of Magic Gala
The Legacy of Magic Gala The Legacy of Magic Gala, taking place Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at the MSU Breslin Center in East Lansing, will bring the Y’s power of connection to life. This event is designed to celebrate our nearly 150- year legacy of community impact and reinforce the YMCA of Lansing’s commitment to serving as our community’s mission-driven place and beacon of light for generations to come.
To make this celebration even more special, The Legacy of Magic Gala will feature and honor one of the greatest success stories to come out of our Y and our region: Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
Before he secured his place as one of the greatest NBA players of all time who successfully parlayed his talent and tenacity into the business world, Earvin Johnson was a Lansing kid who simply needed a place to go. Earvin and the Johnson Family found that personal and profound connection at the YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing.
“I was little boy who grew into a young man playing basketball at the YMCA,” he said.
The bolstering from a strong family, the backing of a community and the belonging discovered at the YMCA all played significant roles in Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s upward trajectory in life. The Legacy of Magic Gala will honor the enduring impact of Earvin “Magic” Johnson on the Lansing community and strengthen our work to ensure every child who walks through our doors finds a place rooted in belonging and beaming with possibility.
Since that first day Earvin stepped into the Y, there have been a million little Magics who have followed behind him.
Our goal is to make sure there is a place where opportunity takes flight for the next million. We have a lot in store for this event and beyond, but you’ll need to wait until Aug. 22 to learn more about the exciting future of the YMCA Metropolitan Lansing.