Today Is The Day!

Back to Eden:

A Gala for Legacy, Land, and Liberation

Today, we gather at The Cadillac Room in Lansing, MI, for an evening that honors our roots and invests in our future.

From 5–11 PM, guests will be immersed in an atmosphere of artistry, conversation, and celebration. Dinner will be served, Lansing artists will take the stage, and voices of vision will carry us through a night designed to uplift, affirm, and inspire.

This year’s program includes Legacy in Bloom, a panel conversation weaving wisdom across generations, and the Barbara Dean Awards, honoring Lansing’s living legends whose light continues to guide us forward.

All proceeds benefit ROOTed Ranch — a Black and Indigenous sanctuary in Idlewild, MI, reclaiming rest, land, and legacy for communities historically excluded from such spaces.

Event Details

📅 Date & Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025 · 5–11 PM
📍 Location: The Cadillac Room
1115 S Washington Ave, Lansing, MI 48910

Schedule at a Glance
5–6 PM · Networking & Welcome
6–9 PM · Dinner & Programming
9–11 PM · After Party

Presented by Delightful Comforter Productions

Why It Matters

“ROOTed in history. Planting for the future.”

The Back to Eden Gala is more than an event, it is a call to remember, to celebrate, and to invest in liberation. Together, we lift up legacy, nurture joy, and plant seeds that will bloom for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Attire is formal. Think elegant evening gowns, cocktail dresses, tuxedos, or dark suits. Jewel tones (emerald, burgundy, gold, black) fit beautifully with the gala’s luxe theme.

    Mood Board

  • Yes! We’ll have a full range of alcohol-free options, including crafted mocktails, juices, pop, and sparkling water — so everyone can raise a glass and celebrate together.

    Mocktails are non-alcoholic cocktails crafted with the same care and flavor as traditional mixed drinks — fresh juices, herbs, syrups, and sparkling mixers, all without the alcohol. They offer the fun and flavor of a cocktail, reimagined for everyone.

  • Each ticket provides:

    • Access to the pre-program networking reception

    • Dinner and programming (including performances, keynote, panel, and the Barbara Dean Awards)

    • Access to the after party

  • The gala is designed with accessibility in mind. Guests will be able to share accessibility considerations when purchasing tickets.

  • Dinner will include options for various dietary needs. Please let us know about any allergies, intolerances, or restrictions (such as gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free) when purchasing your ticket, and we’ll make sure you are accommodated.

  • Yes! Music is part of the joy. On the ticket form, you’ll be invited to suggest a song that makes you feel most at home — and we’ll do our best to include it in the after party playlist.

  • All proceeds benefit ROOTed Ranch, a Black and Indigenous–led sanctuary in Idlewild, MI, dedicated to reclaiming land, rest, and legacy for historically excluded communities.

  • There will be a cash bar available the day of the gala, where guests can purchase cocktails, beer, wine, mocktails, or pop individually.

    For those who’d like a seamless experience, we’re also offering Drink Packages as add-ons to your ticket at a discounted price. With a package, you’ll receive a wristband that turns your evening into an open bar — meaning unlimited access to cocktails, wine, beer, mocktails, and pop all night long.