OCEANSIDE — The third annual “Miracles in Motion” variety show took to the stage of the Truax Theater on Aug. 9 with topnotch entertainment and a heartfelt purpose — to raise funds and awareness for Ivey Ranch Park.

The equestrian therapy park, which serves children with special needs, has its sights set on raising $250,000 by January for expansion. If this fundraising goal is not met, Ivey Ranch Park’s contract renewal is uncertain.

Plans to triple the capacity of the facility and extend program services to teens and disabled veterans are on hold until funds are raised, Scott Mortland, director of the show and Ivey Ranch Park Association board member, said.

Ivey Ranch Park currently works out of a 100-year-old building, and can’t keep up with the demand for present services that include day care, respite services and therapeutic horseback riding for special needs children, Mortland said.

While the need to raise funds to continue services is urgent, the mood in the Truax Theater was upbeat. Entertainment ranged from dance troops to bluegrass musicians and a laser light display.

“I’m amazed,” Linda Friedman of Vista said. “It was very professional.” She said the performances, music and lighting were top quality.

Highlights included the Dance Unlimited father and daughter performance “Friend Like Me,” in which tots and dads dressed up like genies, and “Free Hugs,” a heartfelt narration by Mortland on the mission of Ivey Ranch Park.

Mortland, who has a severely challenged 12-year-old son, is a strong advocate for Ivey Ranch Park. Mortland was warned that his son might be too challenged to receive services from Ivey Ranch Park, but asked anyway, and said his son and family were welcomed with open arms.

“Miracles in Motion” producer Patricia Riley shares Mortland’s affinity for children served by Ivey Ranch Park. She is hard of hearing and regularly works with special needs kids.

Performers, food suppliers and event organizers opened their hearts to the support the programs at Ivey Ranch Park and donated all the goods and services for the fundraiser.

Magician Kevin Viner has participated in the annual fundraiser for three years. “I feel my services are put to good use,” Viner said. “The foundation helps a lot of special needs children, and kids are our future.”

To prepare for the performance, Viner put in six hours of rehearsal time and several hours before the show to set up props and run through technical rehearsals.

Performing in the fundraiser changes the entire dynamics of the stage show, Viner said. “It’s something bigger than just you out there performing,” Viner said. “Every penny is for the kids. It’s a cool feeling.”