The evening kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with a program featuring Fitzgerald, a College Football Hall of Fame inductee who previously led Northwestern for 17 seasons. Joining him is Portage native Carson Hocevar, who transitioned to full-time NASCAR Cup Series racing in 2024 and secured his first major victory at Talladega this past April.

Tickets are currently available for $300, which covers entry for two guests and provides one raffle ticket for a chance to win either a 2026 Honda Accord or a $30,000 cash prize, sponsored by West Michigan Honda Dealers. The gala includes a cocktail hour and both silent and live auctions to support local charitable initiatives. According to Aaron Zeigler, president of Zeigler Auto Group, the event remains a cornerstone for community philanthropy, having evolved from a modest $20,000 fundraiser in 1982 to a major annual benefit.