LIVING AUTHENTICALLY • LEARNING CONSTANTLY • ADVOCATING FIERCELY • ACTING COURAGEOUSLY • FOSTERING COLLABORATION • BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS • GIVING BACK • CELEBRATING
Evening of Empowerment
Save the Date – Thursday, September 24, 2026
5:00pm – 8:00pm
Crowne Plaza Lansing
Tickets Available Soon
Featuring Keynote Speakers:
- Lupe Izzo: The Izzo Legacy Founder & President
- Raquel Izzo Mcdonald The Izzo Legacy Board Member
Emcee:
- Chivon Kloepfer: News Anchor at WLNS TV-6
Lupe Izzo is a lifelong resident of East Lansing, a graduate of East Lansing High School, and a dedicated community leader. She attended Michigan State University and later owned and operated the Rain Soft Water Treatment Systems Dealership of Lansing for over 20 years, earning the 1990 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the State of Michigan. Over the years, Lupe has served on the boards and as an advocate for many different charitable groups.
Lupe and her husband, Tom, have two children: a daughter, Raquel, and a son, Steven. Their family also includes their son-in-law, Matt, and their granddaughters, Isabelle (Izzy) and Sophie Guadalupe.
As one of twelve children, a mother, grandmother, and a basketball mom to hundreds more, family is an integral part of Lupe’s life. She and Tom have focused on building a basketball program that is inclusive to players of all eras and backgrounds.
In 2019, Lupe established The Izzo Legacy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, formalizing her commitment to supporting deserving charities and the mid-Michigan community. The Izzo Legacy’s annual event, The Izzo Run/Walk/Roll, focuses on inclusivity, wellness and charitable giving. The Izzo 5K has become the largest 5K in Mid-Michigan. Since its inception, The Izzo Legacy has contributed over $1.55 million to Michigan charities.
In 2022, The Izzo Legacy was recognized as the recipient of the Governor’s Service Philanthropist Award. And, in 2023, Lupe established The Izzo Legacy Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation, ensuring that her and her family’s legacy of giving back will last forever.
Raquel Izzo McDonald is a proud Michigan State graduate and an active member of the mid-Michigan community. She is the Co-Founder and a Board Member of The Izzo Legacy Foundation, and serves as Co-Chair, Marketing Chair, and a member of the Charity Partner Committee for the Izzo Legacy Run/Walk/Roll. In these roles, she plays an integral part in shaping the event’s growth, outreach, and overall experience, helping to expand its impact across the community.
Building on a strong family foundation of service and philanthropy, Raquel is dedicated to continuing the mission of The Izzo Legacy by creating an inclusive and meaningful event that brings people together while supporting deserving charities.
In 2022, The Izzo Legacy was recognized as a recipient of the Governor’s Service Awards. In 2025, Raquel was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Governor’s Service Commission, which works to strengthen communities through volunteerism and civic engagement.
Raquel and her husband, Matthew, have two daughters, Isabelle (Izzy) and Sophie. Family is at the heart of Raquel’s life, and she is passionate about creating experiences that bring people together and give back to the community.
Contact Sarah Bakken for more information on Exclusive and Limited Sponsorships sbakken@lansingchamber.org