The Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad’s Havana Nights Annual Gala takes place at Four Seasons Resort Aviara on Saturday, August 29, at 5pm, featuring John Cottingham, chief legal officer of Life Technologies, as honorary chair. Cottingham has served as the chairperson of his company’s annual Global Volunteer Day, which encourages its employees worldwide to participate in volunteer activities. Through these efforts he became involved in the Boys & Girls Club, and has spearheaded the company’s initiatives to support the club. “There is a great natural synergy between our company, which has scores of bright, talented, highly educated employees who are eager to share what they know. The kids down the street at the Boys & Girls Club are equally eager to learn,” notes Cottingham. “Our foundation seeks out opportunities to assist with science education internationally, so it just makes sense for us to connect with these kids right here in our backyard.” More than 500 business and community leaders are expected to attend this social event complete with lavish cuisine, lively entertainment by the Mar Dels, and an exhilarating auction. The event is projected to raise $200,000 in support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad’s proven after-school programs. Havana supper club attire/black tie is optional. (760/729-0207, www.bgccarlsbad.org) JANE SHIOMI
