Discovery Gala 2024 ~ Lagoon's Eleven
We are THRILLED to announce that with the generous donation match from the Newell Family, we exceeded our fundraising goalbringing in
$257,000!
high roller welcome
With a jazzy twist, VIP guests were welcomed by the captivating music of With a jazzy twist, the VIP Patron Party, generously sponsored by Grand Pacific Resorts, began as attendees were greeted by the captivating melodies of Celeste Barbier, setting a stylish tone as they checked in and relaxed in the front lawn lounge.
Guests then made their way to the ocean-view terrace, where they spent the next hour enjoying the smooth vocals of our second Rat-Pack-style singer, Roman Palacios, while mingling with friends against the breathtaking coastal backdrop. During this special hour, CEO Lisa Rodman had the privilege of inviting the 2023 Hero on a Quest Award Winner, Tim Stripe, to announce and congratulate the 2024 recipient, Bob Beard. Bob's pivotal role in securing sponsorships for the Yellow Brick Road Campaign, which funds a week-long STEAM camp for underserved students and offers sponsors a lasting legacy with their names engraved on a brick at Mayor Matt Hall Hill, was celebrated with heartfelt applause.
The crowd, moved by Bob’s inspiring words about supporting the next generation of environmental stewards, erupted in cheers. As the VIP Hour drew to a close, Gala guests joined in, filling the back patio with congratulatory cheers for Bob as the
evening’s festivities continued.
Dinner at The Bellagio
Guests were transported to a high-stakes heist on the Las Vegas Strip as they savored their 3-course dinner. The Bellagio Hotel backdrop perfectly set the mood, while table centerpieces, overflowing with money and diamonds from safety deposit boxes, sparked lively debates about the best Ocean's movie in the series.
Winner Winner
Much like the movie, we wanted to keep the action alive. We started with the live auction in hopes of making people feel like they hit the jackpot with these unique, once- in-a-lifetime, opportunities.
Thank you to our in-kind Live Auction Donors:
- Advanced Air
- Alila Marea Beach Resort
- Alpenholf Lodge
- Arlo
- Breathless Wines
- Buckboard Catering
- Campfire in Carlsbad Village
- Dermacare Carlsbad
- Develop Your Team
- Gallegos Wine
- Grand Pacific Resorts
- Hansen's Encinitas
- Healdsburg Food and Wine Festival
- Jodi & Jon James
- JSX Airlines
- Leopold & Richter Family
- Connor Lillie-Liberto
- Mizu Life
- Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
- Paul Sanders
- SD Tequila Tasting
- Solterra Winery
- TaylorMade
- Town & Country Resort
- Valentina Restaurant
- Andy Wright (Hanalei Bay painting by Andy Wright)
An Impact To Remember
Did they cry in Ocean's Eleven? Because we sure did!
The evening began with a beautifully crafted video by Londen Productions, and by the time the 3-minute showcase of what makes AHLF magical came to an end, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The magic continued as every person in the room graciously raised their paddle to help us meet the $50,000 challenge set by the Newell Family.
We barely had time to reach for more tissues before our CEO, Lisa Rodman, took the stage to thank and celebrate our 2024 Honoree, Margie Newell, for her tremendous impact on the Foundation.
In recognition of the lasting impact she has made, not just on the Foundation but on all of Carlsbad, Mayor Keith Blackburn presented Margie with a proclamation honoring her good deeds.
Let The Party Begin!
After a beautiful dinner and program, the giant glass doors opened and the party began. Guests fled to the blackjack, 3-hand poker, roulette, craps, and Pai Gow tables to test their luck.
Guests who preferred to dance the night away hit the floor with DJ Closer picking the best songs that got every generation moving.
Everyone, regardless of whether they played in the casino or not, had an opportunity to turn in their complimentary Margie Money (in honor of our honoree Margie Newell) to win one of three AMAZING prizes.
Congratulations to our high-rolling winners:
Fuel Frenzy: 40 $25 Shell Gas Cards totaling $1,000
Winner ~ Josh Cantor
Jewel Heist: Diamond Tennis Bracelet valued at $1,500, and Lab Grown Diamond Stud Earrings valued at $1,100 by Famulare Jeweler's.
Winner ~ Cindy & Mike Metts
Triple Down Escape: 3 day/2-night getaway for two adults @ the Orleans Hotel or Gold Coast Hotel. Also, enjoy a one-night stay and spa massage at the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa. Lastly, enjoy a weekday night at Harrah's Resort SoCal and a $100 food
credit.
Winner ~ Jennipher Harris
A beautiful evening with beautiful people
Check out the full library of photos here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gjhmxitovJCHAYqWSmy2zCbMzTRHIwDS?usp=sharing
Photos by Mark Fitzgerald, Rini’s Photography, and Brooklynn Deal
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