The evening kicked off on the red carpet runway, where guests savored a cocktail reception and participated in a silent auction. Carnival games and a stilt walker kept everyone entertained as attendees mingled and enjoyed delicious hors d'oeuvres and cotton candy martinis.

The celebration soared to new heights as guests made their way into the ballroom, where they savored a gourmet dinner. The evening sparkled with a heartfelt musical performance by an Arc client, mesmerizing LED hula hoop show, and the excitement of live auction that kept the crowd engaged. The ever-charismatic Mark Mathis, Meteorologist from KUSI TV, lit up the room as the evening’s MC, keeping the crowd laughing and engaged with his signature wit and infectious energy. As the night drew to a close, guests were treated to a sweet finale—a decadent coffee and dessert bar—before dancing the night away to Wayne Foster Entertainment.

The magic of the evening was made possible by the unstoppable energy and vision of Gala Chair Linda Kurtin—a local philanthropist and longtime supporter of The Arc of San Diego. Her leadership, paired with the creativity and dedication of a dynamic gala committee, brought the gala to life. Many thanks to committee members Amy Balelo, Esther Coit, Lily Fallah, Eric Hanson, Jolie Jackson-Martine, Cris Joseph, Roxi Link, and Joanne Mull, whose behind-the-scenes brilliance helped make the night truly unforgettable.

"We are deeply grateful to our generous donors for their unwavering support, which made our gala an outstanding success," said Jennifer Bates Navarra, Vice President of Marketing & Development at The Arc of San Diego. "A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, supporters, and volunteers for their dedication in creating an unforgettable evening."