Supporters of the Boys & Girls Club of Wareham celebrated changes, both big and small, at the nonprofit’s largest annual fundraiser Friday evening.

“The word tonight is ‘new,’” said Ken Fontes, the Wareham Club’s unit director. “We’re at a new venue, and we’re excited that there is a new advisory board in Wareham.”

He spoke at the seventh annual Kukoo Gala & Auction, which was held in the Rosebrook Event Center for the first time. Previously, the event had been held in Marion.

Kukoo is the Club’s avian mascot. The gala supports programming and activities, usually raising approximately $30,000 each year.

Fontes highlighted the new advisory club, which was formed in May. Made up of 17 community and business leaders, the board is tasked with offering programming advice and fundraising support.

“They are also all about increasing our membership to make programs affordable for Wareham kids,” said Fontes.

90 supporters, including at least one young Club member, attended the event.

Robert Mendes, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Bedford/Wareham, said the support was encouraging.

“The money raised here goes a long way towards helping kids in the Wareham community,” said Mendes.

Fontes agreed.

“With all of your support, and the support of the community, we are able to keep our kids off the street and in the Club,” said Fontes.

One speaker, Apryl Rossi, touched on the positive impact the Club has had on her son, 11-year-old Dylan Turner, who was in attendance.

Rossi said her son, who is diagnosed with Aspergers, has benefited greatly from Club programs.

“Socially, he has blossomed being a member,” Rossi said, adding he’s part of “power hour,” an after-school study group.

With the help of student volunteers from Massachusetts Maritime and Tabor Academies, Dylan and others are doing better in school, said Rossi.

The night ended with an auction where the bidders competed for everything from becoming a bat girl or bat boy for the Gatemen to a package that included kayaks.

Mendes said the support is crucial for the Club's success.

“It’s always an exciting event for us and an important one,” said Mendes. “It keeps us operating.”