Magic Johnson hosts annual charity event at UCLA

By AJ Cadman

Daily Bruin Senior Staff

Former Laker legend Magic Johnson will bring Showtime to
UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion from August 4-6 for the 15th Annual
“A Midsummer Night’s Magic” (AMNM) Weekend.

A benefit event to raise money for the Magic Johnson
Foundation’s Taylor Michaels Scholarship Fund, the AMNM
Weekend culminates with the All-Star Charity Basketball Game on
Sunday, August 6, with tipoff at 6 p.m.

“This event is the highlight of the summer season and this
year will be no exception,”Johnson said in a statement.
“I am grateful to the NBA players, celebrities and corporate
sponsors who have supported and continue to support AMNM. It is the
hard work and dedication of so many people that makes this event
such a success.”

The Magic Johnson Foundation ““ a non-profit organization
that focuses on improving and addressing the health, educational
and social needs of the inner city ““ will direct the yearly
fundraiser.

“The most important thing is that deserving young people
who have worked hard toward achieving educational excellence will
benefit from scholarships through the Magic Johnson
Foundation,”Johnson said on the weekend’s focus.

Following a children’s Mardi Gras celebration on Friday
afternoon at the Magic Johnson Recreation Center will be a benefit
concert scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Los Angeles Tennis Center.

Last year at the Universal Amphitheater, Whitney Houston was the
featured performer at the benefit concert, and Eric Benet made a
guest appearance at the children’s Mardi Gras.

Then on Saturday, AMNM continues with a Corporate Dinner and
Gala Party beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Paramount Studios.

Sunday will conclude the event with the All-Star Game featuring
NBA superstars Magic Johnson, Allen Iverson (Philadelphia), Cedric
Ceballos (Dallas), Steve Francis (Houston), Antoine Walker
(Boston), Nick Van Exel (Denver), Shawn Kemp (Cleveland), Nick
Anderson (Sacramento), Byron Russell (Utah), Joe Smith (Minnesota)
and Tracy McGrady (Toronto),among others, are expected to
participate. A slam dunk competition will follow the contest.

For ticket information or more on how to be a part of the
weekend-long event, contact the Magic Johnson Foundation at (310)
338-8110.