The Friars Club Plans a Slammin' Magical Night in Honor of Earvin `Magic' Johnson, September 4, 2002.

Entertainment Editors

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Aug. 2, 2002

Friars Club of California to Combine World Famous Roast and

Lifetime Achievement Award for Earvin "Magic" Johnson

Earvin "Magic" Johnson will once again take center court in Los Angeles as the Friars Club of California honors him with their world famous roast and Lifetime Achievement Award. The Friars Club of California announced today that Johnson, former Los Angeles Lakers superstar, and founder and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, will be the recipient of a roasting and the 2002 Friars Club Lifetime Achievement Award at a black-tie award dinner gala to be held at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles on Wednesday evening, September 4, 2002. The all-star evening will celebrate Johnson's induction into the basketball hall of fame, which will take place at the end of September, as well as his many personal and professional accomplishments. Being that it's the first time the Friars Club has combined the two awards events, and in addition the induction celebration, the evening promises to be unforgettable.

Johnson's receipt of the award links him with other entertainment legends who have been likewise honored -- Bob Hope, Danny Thomas, Jimmy Stewart, Gene Kelly, Johnny Carson, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis, Jr., Burt Reynolds, "Uncle Miltie" Milton Berle, Hugh Hefner, Steven A. Wynn and Aaron Spelling, who was given the award in 2001. Proceeds from the memorable event will benefit the Magic Johnson Foundation.

"The Friars honor only those they dearly love and admire, and Magic is one for whom we have tremendous affection. He played a key role as a Los Angeles Laker and continues as an important player in the Los Angeles business community," says Friars Club President Irwin M. Schaeffer. "In line with the Friars Club tradition of laughter and camaraderie, we will give Magic a tribute worthy of his lifetime of admirable work."

Master of Ceremonies Steve Harvey will lead an evening of entertainment, along with performances from Sinbad, Tommy Davidson, Wayne Brady, John Salley, Vinnie Favorito and others. Budd Friedman, owner of the Improv, will produce the evening's festivities.

"I am delighted to be able to celebrate my induction into the hall of fame with friends and family," said Johnson. "I just hope they're kind when they roast me."

Johnson continued, "I have long believed that we must do our part to improve the communities in which we live and do business. I greatly appreciate the Friars taking notice of my efforts and accomplishments."

About the Friars Club of California

The Friars Club of California, a private club, began in 1946 with Hollywood legends such as Jack Benny, George Burns, George Jessel and Milton Berle. Today, the Friars Club boasts a complete exercise facility, fine dining and numerous activities for members and their guests. Over its 56 years, the Club has been the setting for its Celebrity Roasts, Lifetime Achievement Awards and celebrity-hosted holiday fundraisers for underprivileged children and senior citizens of the entertainment industry, along with many other events.

About the Magic Johnson Foundation

The Magic Johnson Foundation was established in 1991 as a single-disease organization that worked to raise funds for community-based organizations

dealing with HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs. The Foundation has since responded to the growing need to address all aspects of our youth's lives by expanding its mission. This expanded mission emphasizes the Foundation's focus on supporting community-based organizations and developing programs that serve the health, educational and social needs of those residing in inner-city communities. In addition, the Foundation has made a strong commitment to raise awareness about several health and social concerns that threaten under-served communities.

About the World Famous Roasts and the Lifetime Achievement Award

The Friars Club is well known for its world famous Roast Events. The greatest honor Friars can give is to make you the subject of a Friars Roast. The basis of a roast: "The best is said about the best and then the real truth comes out." The Friars Club's Lifetime Achievement Award acknowledges excellence and dedication by honoring an individual whose contributions to the entertainment world and relentless involvement in the community have had an impact in the betterment of people's lives. The Award Dinner & Gala will be held at the Los Angeles Ballroom of the Century Plaza Hotel, 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Century City. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception and auction at 6 p.m., followed by the honorary roast, dinner and entertainment at 8 p.m. Ticket prices start at $350. For more information and reservations, please call 310/556-7731.

Note: Media will be allowed inside the Century Plaza Hotel to conduct interviews with Mr. Johnson and guests on an RSVP basis only. For media credentials and RSVPs, please contact Gary Kishner or Stefan Pollack at 310/556-4443 or [e-mail], [e-mail]