CARLSBAD - The theme of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad gala dinner-auction, held Aug. 27 at the legendary La Costa Resort & Spa, was appropriately "It's Magic!" … Making a Difference in a Child's Life."

The glamorous black-tie-optional event, that filled the elegant Costa del Sol Ballroom to over-flowing, featured an elaborate cocktail reception, silent auction with all kinds of goodies, a gourmet dinner and a live auction.

The magical event, which raised $140,000 in support of the clubs' various after-school programs, was headed by honorary chairman Ken Ryan, district manager of Coast Waste Management.

"I am pleased to provide support to an organization that has proven time and again … it is actually succeeding in helping our youth," said Ryan.

Honored during the program were event sponsors Wells Fargo, KB Home, Aspen Properties, O'Day Consultants, Waste Management, Cabrillo Power I LLC and Furnishings 4 Less.

Enjoying the festivities were more than 350 area business and civic leaders including master of ceremonies Kathleen Bade, Channel 8 co-anchor; Steering Chairwoman Amber Turner, KB Home Coastal, Inc.; committee members Gloria Anderson, Interior Specialists Inc.; Dawn Blackburn, McMillin Realty; Bethlyn Burditt, The Edge Group; Liz Carnes, Aegis Electronics Group Inc.; Marylou Flanders, PBS&J; Robyn Hill, National University; David Kulchin, Kulchin & Associates; Sharon McCoy, Mortgage Loan Specialists; Becky Moore, Point Loma Credit Union; Karen Shaffer, Alyssa Mercier and Molly Smith of the North County Times.

The auction provides necessary operating funds for Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, which provides essential programs to more than 1,900 children at its two branches in Carlsbad Village and La Costa.