On the evening of October 18th, A Bridge For Kids held their 13th Annual Gala. Guests arrived in elegant evening attire and were greeted by a beautifully-lit ballroom at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. The décor combined upscale gala elegance with a fun “casino-night” vibe: gaming tables, ambient lighting, and upbeat music set the tone early. The mood was refined yet celebratory—befitting the mission of the evening: raising funds to support the next generation of high-achieving students from low-income families.
The evening opened with remarks from representatives of A Bridge for Kids. They reminded attendees that the DreamMakers Gala is the organization’s signature fundraising event and highlighted how critical the funds are for supporting underserved teens who strive for college success.
Shortly after, the casino-games portion went into full swing. Blackjack, roulette, craps and other gaming-style tables offered fun, high-energy interaction among guests. Unlike a typical gambling event, the “cash” was symbolic—guests played for chips and prizes, contributing to the fundraising in the process. The result was laughter, friendly competition, and an undercurrent of philanthropic purpose.
Just as the casino fun was peaking, the guest of honor entertainer stepped in: Derek Ostvani, performing a series of sleight-of-hand magic acts that delighted and mystified the crowd. From card tricks right at the gaming tables to stage illusions, his performance added a “wow” factor and kept energy high throughout the evening.
Interwoven with the entertainment was a sit down dinner service. During the dinner, there were stories shared by selected scholarship students who benefitted from A Bridge for Kids’ programs: their challenges, their goals, and how the support from donors is changing lives. The live and silent auctions followed, with generous bidding on unique items and experiences. These moments anchored the philanthropic purpose of the evening.
Importantly, the funds raised through the gala will help widen access to educational opportunities: college application assistance, mentoring, scholarship support, leadership retreats, and more. A Bridge for Kids describes its mission as building a bridge between teens who aspire to attend college and the resources they need.
Beyond the glitz, the 13th Annual DreamMakers Gala underscored a vital truth: in our community, academic potential is everywhere—but not all teens have the resources, mentorship, or networks to fully realize it. Supporting students from low-income families to become high-achieving scholars is not just charity; it’s investment. As the invitation put it: helping local teens turn potential to possibility.
Photography by Robert O'Neill
