Discovery Gala 2025 ~ Barbie's Dream Lagoon

Discovery Gala 2025 ~ Barbie’s Dream Lagoon truly felt like stepping into a pink-and-blue glitter world—overflowing with magic, cocktails, dancing, and dazzling games.

The evening began with an intimate VIP Patron Party at the Water Tower, honoring our 2025 Hero on a Quest awardee: Carlsbad Educational Foundation. With live music by violinists Amanda Wirtz and Claire Braby and breathtaking ocean views, it was a sparkling kickoff to the night. Thank you to VIP Sponsor, Grand Pacific Resorts, for making this celebration possible!

As cocktail hour began, the excitement grew. Guests—dressed in their best pinks and blues—were welcomed with live music from Whit Aadland at check-in and Gin N’ Tonix on the terrace. Along the way, they walked through a hallway tribute to our very own AHLF Barbies and Kens—the incredible individuals who bring the Dream Lagoon to life.

Drinks flowed, “shell-fies” were snapped with Mermaid Barbie (Lavender Moon Goddess) and the sparkling Barbie & Ken backdrop… and then came the first surprise of the night: a flashmob performance by the AHLF team! A playful nod to the disco dance in the 2023 Barbie movie, it set the stage for an unforgettable four-course dinner.

The Live Auction brought paddle battles for trips to Hawaii, Palm Springs, and more. Tears followed during the Impact Video, sharing our vision for Discovery Island—a classroom and exhibit space ensuring environmental education can thrive rain or shine. Watch the video »

New this year, donors who gave $100 during Raise the Paddle were entered into a secret prize drawing featuring a stay at Omni La Costa, local dining gift cards, and diamond stud earrings. Congratulations to Tim Stripe, our lucky winner!

We also honored our very own “Barbie and Ken”—Heather and Jimmy Ukegawa. Joined on stage by their son Jade, with daughter Mia delivering heartfelt remarks, the Ukegawa family was celebrated with proclamations from Mayor Keith Blackburn and county, state, and federal representatives—recognizing their unwavering dedication to community and environmental education.

And of course… the catwalk! Our Barbies and Kens lit up the runway, showcasing opportunity drawing items with fabulous style.

To close out the night, guests returned to the terrace where the Mojo Dojo Casa House (casino + horse race game) and Barbie’s Disco (DJ Barbie + glitter tattoos) kept the energy alive until the very end.

A night of sparkle, joy, and purpose—thank you to everyone who made Discovery Gala 2025 ~ Barbie’s Dream Lagoon a dream come true!

Photo Gallery Here:  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ic1xcFYDvOMPNFSC6tt0tgaSeMVAAFtN?usp=sharing

Thank You Gala Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor: NRG Energy

VIP Patron Party Sponsor:  Grand Pacific Resorts

Program Sponsor: The Henry

Valet Sponsor: BMW of Carlsbad

Invite Sponsor: Vigilucci’s Restaurant Group

Specialty Cocktail Sponsor: DUAL North America

VIP Cocktail Sponsor: Hale & Associates

Paddle Sponsor:  The Silva Group (Lynnell Talone Honda)

VIP Patron Party Invite Sponsor: RDQ Inc.

Bar Sponsor: Pangea Biological and Withum

Entertainment Table Sponsor: California Watersports, Cbar, Dudek, Inspectors of the Election