The Carlsbad Educational Foundation (CEF) proudly announces its annual Gala to Benefit Students, held May 17, 2025, at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, raised $300,000 in support of district-wide programs for the Carlsbad Unified School District (CUSD). With nearly 500 guests in attendance, the evening was a celebration of community, education, and impact.
Since launching in 2022, the Gala to Benefit Students has raised over $1.2 million, supporting more than 40 programs that reach over 11,000 TK–12 grade students across the district. These initiatives include elementary music instruction, STEAM experiences, outdoor education, and career readiness programs that inspire curiosity and prepare students for the future.
For all the details on the event, please follow the jump.
A Night to Remember: Carlsbad Educational Foundation’s Gala Raises $300,000 for Local Students
May 17 event showcases a powerful student documentary, live concert, and community generosity
The Carlsbad Educational Foundation (CEF) proudly announces its annual Gala to Benefit Students, held May 17, 2025, at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, raised $300,000 in support of district-wide programs for the Carlsbad Unified School District (CUSD). With nearly 500 guests in attendance, the evening was a celebration of community, education, and impact.
A highlight of the evening was the premiere of the compelling short documentary Scroll or Swim, which explores the growing influence of digital addiction on students and how hands-on, engaging educational experiences are helping them reconnect with themselves, each other, and the real world. The film shows powerful examples of STEAM learning, outdoor education, and student-centered problem-solving in action, from building moon landers to tagging white sea bass.
The event featured an elegant outdoor reception, a coursed dinner, and spirited silent and live auctions, followed by a showstopping performance from The Mighty Untouchables. Guests danced well into the night, celebrating both the cause and the community that made the evening possible.
Since launching in 2022, the Gala to Benefit Students has raised over $1.2 million, supporting more than 40 programs that reach over 11,000 TK–12 grade students across the district. These initiatives include elementary music instruction, STEAM experiences, outdoor education, and career readiness programs that inspire curiosity and prepare students for the future.
This year’s Gala celebrated the debut of CEF’s Secondary Teacher Grant Program, awarding over $80,000 to empower middle and high school educators with resources to bring innovative, hands-on learning into their classrooms.
As Laura Pitts, CEO of the Carlsbad Educational Foundation, shared in her opening remarks: “Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate, but to make a lasting difference. Our students deserve more than the minimum, they deserve experiences that spark curiosity, fuel passion, and unlock their potential.”
The Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to presenting sponsor Gafcon, along with all donors, volunteers, and attendees who made the night a success.
SAVE THE DATE – Join us next year for another unforgettable evening at the Gala to Benefit Students, returning on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.
About the Carlsbad Educational Foundation
Carlsbad Educational Foundation (CEF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that was founded in 1983, to raise private support for public education and contribute to the enrichment of nearly 11,000 students in the Carlsbad Unified School District. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded nearly $16 million to Carlsbad public schools, primarily for science, technology, and music – programs that would not be possible in California’s current school funding environment. 100% of donations go directly to support the Carlsbad Unified School District because CEF’s operating expenses are covered by student enrichment programs and Kids Care, a comprehensive before and after-school K-5 childcare program. For more information, visit CarlsbadEd.org.
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