More than 250 guests of Spring Valley-based Boys to Men Mentoring gathered for an evening of inspiration and empowerment at the 3rd Annual Rooted in Resiliency Celebration last month. Held at the Catamaran Resort & Spa, the event raised more than half a million dollars to expand mentoring programs to benefit struggling teen boys.

The evening was a powerful celebration of unity, generosity, and collective commitment to guiding young men toward a brighter future.

VIP guests were welcomed with live jazz music and a live painting of Bob Dylan by artist Sergio Gutierrez, all set against the backdrop of Sail Bay.

The magic of the evening continued with pincushions, centerpieces, and desserts adorning each table.

Allie Wagner took the stage as emcee, sharing her passion for the Boys to Men Mentoring mission. Community leader Ernie Hahn was honored with the Community Hero Award for his longtime support of B2M and his role in launching the annual Caddyhack Golf Festival. The evening concluded on a high note with a soulful live performance by Donovan Frankenreiter.

One of the most unforgettable moments of the evening was the live auction, led by San Diego’s own Anna Courvette, which helped drive total funds raised to over $500,000. Guests bid on a lineup of curated experiences and exclusive items—including the coveted “first out of valet” pass, a San Diego Padres batting practice and field-level seat package, ocean-inspired artwork by Aaron Chang, a once-in-a-lifetime African safari adventure, a wine getaway in the Bordeaux region of France, and a handcrafted soaking tub from Legacy Ranch. Built from oak trees sourced directly from the ranch and shaped by Boys to Men co-founder Craig McClain, this heirloom-quality piece is more than just a tub—it’s a work of art symbolizing transformation, resilience, and purpose.

“We’re deeply moved by the outpouring of support at our Rooted in Resiliency Celebration,” said Rose Courtney, executive director of Boys to Men Mentoring. “The generosity we witnessed will directly fuel our mission—allowing us to reach even more young men and provide the consistent mentorship they need to grow, thrive, and realize their full potential.”