Almost Gala raises over $32,000 for Carlsbad youth

As the crowd continued to grow, you could no longer look to find the person you were seeking by looking for the white or black cowboy hat…it seemed like everyone was wearing one. Everyone was also decked out in their other favorite western wear: vests, bolo ties, bandanas, denim, belt buckles, and of course boots. Lots and lots of boots.

Why all the western wear in Carlsbad at the kickoff of summer? That’s because the theme for the Carlsbad Chamber Community Foundation’s annual fundraiser was the “Carlsbad Roundup,” and over 210 community-minded people had descended upon the Carlsbad Flower Fields to support the CCCF.

Patrons could choose from several fun and engaging activities to participate in, such as a cornhole toss competition, a rare tequila and whiskey tasting, the ever-popular “saloon pull”, joining a line-dancing class led by the Coastal Outriders, and even riding a mechanical bull!

Of course, all these activities were just the prelude to the real reason everyone showed up – to raise money for the Carlsbad Chamber Community Foundation!

The CCCF raised over $32,000, which is greatly needed for the various programs the Foundation runs, such as their Rising Star Scholarships and the Future CEO program. Both of which had special guest speakers to tell the crowd how these programs have positively impacted their lives and families.

From Calavera Hills Middle School, 8th grader Charlotte Jessup explained how participating in the Future CEO program made a very positive impact on her and her sister, and how she now wants to focus on business as a career and sees herself as an aspiring entrepreneur.

A senior at Pacific Ridge School here in Carlsbad, Shara Chavez, talked about the excitement she had when she was first honored as a Rising Star recipient, but the news that she would be receiving a Rising Star Scholarship sent her “over the moon” with emotions. Shara will be the first person in her family to attend college, and she said that in part is due to the Carlsbad Chamber Community
Foundation’s support.

Sponsorship from The Olson Group and Apex 365 Workforce Solutions, along with food and margaritas from Señor Grubby’s, libations from Pizza Port, and dessert from Handel’s Ice Cream made the evening complete, and it seemed that the theme of the “Carlsbad Roundup…Almost a Gala” was a hit.

The Carlsbad Chamber Community Foundation appreciates everyone coming out and saddling up for a great cause!