The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation honored the Rotary Club of Carlsbad and four volunteers at its annual Discovery Gala on Aug. 29.
The 1970s disco-themed fundraiser, dubbed "DC Disco," drew 200 guests to the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa. The evening also marked the 20th anniversary of the foundation's Discovery Campus, the environmental education center at 1580 Cannon Road that opened in 2006, according to a San Diego Union-Tribune preview of the event.
The Rotary Club of Carlsbad received the night's top recognition as the 2026 Gala Honoree. The foundation credited the club's volunteerism, advocacy and fundraising in a recap posted to its website, calling the Rotary a driving force for service and community impact across North San Diego County. The Rotary's annual Carlsbad Wine & Food Festival raised $10,159.50 for the foundation, according to a foundation Facebook post.
Four individual awards rounded out the program. Sunny Blende received the "Hero on a Quest" award for rallying neighbors to join the foundation, supporting trail restoration and recruiting fellow "Watershed Warriors." Former foundation board chair Mike Metts earned Volunteer of the Year for his ongoing work running audio-visual production at the gala. Steve Baker, who took on the treasurer role after joining the board, was named Board Member of the Year. Vinit Ahooja, who stepped into the secretary seat and joined multiple committees, won Board Member Rookie of the Year.
Guests arrived in sequined 1970s outfits and danced on an LED dance floor to Bee Gees, Rick James and Donna Summer tracks. A 360-degree photo booth, caricature drawing, handwriting analysis and a candy station stocked with Tootsie Rolls and Nik L Nips Wax Bottles filled out the entertainment. VIP attendees heard live music from The Mocha Tones on the Grand Patio.
One crowd draw was the Golden Ticket raffle. Only 100 tickets were sold. The winner chose from live auction prizes including trips to Hawaii and Africa, a visit to Disneyland's Club 33, a night at the Magic Castle with limo service and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Gunfighters at Camp Pendleton.
Emmy Award-winning journalist Neda Iranpour emceed the evening. The Olson Group served as the top-tier "Disco" sponsor, with Grand Pacific Resorts, Pangea Biological, Hoehn Family of Dealerships and others backing the event.
The Discovery Campus drew more than 55,000 visitors in the year before an October 2024 San Diego Reader report. Erin Hardin, the foundation's director of community relations, said in a November 2025 podcast interview that the education team welcomes more than 9,000 students each year. The city of Carlsbad has recognized the foundation as a Sustainability Champion and certified Carlsbad Green Business.
The foundation has not announced a fundraising total from the gala. Residents can find upcoming foundation events at aguahedionda.org.
