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Magic Johnson Event Boosts Scholarship Fund

SAGINAW, Mich. (AP) — Some high school students in Michigan will get a boost to their college plans thanks to Hall-of-Fame basketball player turned businessman Earvin "Magic" Johnson.

MLive.com reports (http://bit.ly/I13Bnl ) the former NBA star and Lansing native appeared Tuesday night in Saginaw at the "Magic of a Promise" fundraiser for the Saginaw School District's scholarship fund. He held an auction, offering Los Angeles Lakers seats and memorabilia to donors.

Johnson also spoke to the crowd about the importance of education.

Former Saginaw High basketball player Draymond Green, who wrapped up his senior season this year at Michigan State, thanked Johnson for supporting the effort.

The event pulled in at least $70,000.

Four audience members gave $10,000 during the fundraiser, another person donated $10,000 afterward and Johnson pledged $20,000 of his own money.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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