This year, children in the Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Bedford/Wareham focused on the coast for the Kukoo project, an educational program that ended with the group’s largest fundraising event on Saturday evening.

“This helps us raise much-needed funds for the benefit of kids in Wareham and their families,” said Andy Springer, president of the Club’s Board of Directors.

Springer said of the Club’s $230,000 operating budget, roughly $40,000 is raised at the gala and auction, now in its fifth year.

Each year the theme changes for the project, but Kukoo, the Club’s bird mascot, is a constant.

The educational component of “Kukoo Goes Coastal” had Boys & Girls Club members learning about local birds, fish and coastal habitats. Springer said one program sponsored by the Audubon Society brought the kids out to see turtle habitats.

The event culminated with a dinner and silent and live auctions at Marion’s Kittansett Club.

Scott Record, a comedian and entertainer, was emcee for the night. Record, who divides his time between Los Angeles and Wareham, has performed at numerous charity events and recently helped raise $1 million for the Wounded Warrior Project.

“I’ve seen what the Boys & Girls Club does for kids,” Record said. “It gives them a chance to participate in activities that they never would have without the Club’s help.”

In addition to serving as auctioneer, Record donated his services as a cook for the live auction. The highest bidder won a dinner for eight served by Record using ingredients from his home garden.

Bidders also fought for everything from a seven-day stay at a home on Georgia’s coast, to several golf packages, a clam boil for 20 and a new kayak, courtesy of Eastern Bank.

Ken Fontes, the Wareham unit director, said he was thankful for the support from individuals and businesses that donated time and money.

“We had about 130 people for the event this year and all the money raised helps us provide educational opportunities for those Wareham kids that need it most,” Fontes said.