
Join us for an unforgettable evening at our Sea to Sky Gala, hosted at LegaSea Aquarium and The Reptarium, as we come together for one shared purpose: to honor a legacy and help change the future of pancreatic cancer research.
Every dollar raised including ticket sales will go directly toward funding a $50,000 seed research grant through Sky Foundation. The aquarium is not retaining any proceeds, this night exists solely to support research, awareness, and progress toward better treatment options and earlier access to life-saving clinical trials.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, June 13th
Time: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM (Check-in begins at 7:00 PM)
Location: LegaSea Aquarium & The Reptarium, 45550 Van Dyke Ave., Utica, MI 48317
Cost: $100 per ticket
Attire
Cocktail or formal attire requested.
(In honor of pancreatic cancer awareness, guests are encouraged to wear purple or purple-accented outfits as a show of solidarity.)
What to Expect
Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated evening featuring:
-Light snacks and beverages
-A cash bar available for additional purchases
-Photo opportunities throughout the venue
-Interactive ways to show support and contribute to the fundraising goal.
Why We Gather
This event is held in memory of Brian Barczyk, co-founder of LegaSea Aquarium and The Reptarium. Brian passed in early 2024 during the construction phase of the aquarium after his battle with pancreatic cancer. His experience reflects a harsh reality: even individuals who are otherwise healthy can face sudden, life-altering diagnoses. In Brian’s case, access to clinical trials came too late, something we hope to help prevent for others in the future. The mission behind this gala is simple but urgent: no one should lose time, opportunity, or dreams because of delayed access to treatment options.
The Mission
All proceeds from this evening will go directly toward funding a Sky Foundation, Inc. seed grant focused on pancreatic cancer research, helping advance early detection, treatment pathways, and clinical trial accessibility. This is a night built on remembrance, but also on forward motion toward research, toward awareness, and toward hope.
Sponsors
Interested in becoming an event sponsor, please email Melisa.Sweet@TheReptarium.com for more information.
Not able to attend the event? Make a donation directly to Sky Foundation: https://secure.qgiv.com/.../theskymovement2026/team/1032380/