We are proud to recognize the Ukegawa Family of the Carlsbad Strawberry Company as this year’s Discovery Gala Honorees for their unwavering dedication to the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation and the broader Carlsbad community.

Since 2018, their partnership has been the heart behind our Haunted Corn Maze—one of our most cherished and successful annual fundraisers. Their creativity, generosity, and steadfast support have helped us raise essential funds while cultivating deep, lasting community connections.

But their impact extends far beyond the lagoon. Jimmy and Heather Ukegawa are tireless champions of local nonprofits throughout Carlsbad, setting the gold standard for business leadership rooted in compassion and community.



A former Carlsbad Citizen of the Year, Jimmy fully embraces the role of Community Ken—always showing up with heart, humor, and purpose—while Heather shines beside him with the grace, strength, and kindness that make her the embodiment of a real-life Barbie.

Together, their time, talent, and treasure have made Carlsbad a better, brighter place for all. We are honored to celebrate their legacy at Barbie’s Dream Lagoon, on August 23, 2025, at the Westin Carlsbad Resort.