By Lookout Staff

March 10, 2016 -- With less than three months to go, fundraising for Santa Monica-Malibu public schools has reached nearly $2.6 million in contributions, or about $1.1 million shy of the goal, officials said.

As of February 29, fundraising totaled $2,590,555 for the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation (SMMEF), said spokeswoman Ann Conkle. SMEEF’s total fundraising goal is $3.7 million. The deadline is June 30, the end of the fiscal year.

That is a welcome accomplishment for the foundation, which has struggled in the past to meet its goals despite extensive campaigning with parents and supporters and a long list of fundraising events that will soon, for the first time, include a swanky wine auction and wine tasting at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel.

The money raised will be used to fill in gaps in district funding from the state, a significant source of revenue for all of California’s public schools. Officials say SMMEF proceeds are used for every school in the district, and include arts education for its 4,900 elementary students, 87 instructional assistants, and enrichment grants for all 16 schools.

Most schools use SMMEF money to provide programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), visual and performing arts or student wellness.

Next month, the foundation will hold its inaugural wine auction, which includes wine and food tastings, Conkle said. The event will take place Sunday, April 17, at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows at 5 p.m.

General Admission tickets are $125 each, and include the food and wine tastings and a standing-room spot for the live auction and the dessert buffet, foundation officials said.

The $150 reserved-seat tickets assure a seat at the auction, along with the event's other offerings. Tables of 10 with reserved auction seating are available at $1,400 each.

Tickets go on sale March 11. An online auctions will be held from April 8 to April 16.

“We are thrilled to be launching this exciting event,” said Linda Greenberg, SMMEF Executive Director. “It will be a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together to enjoy the best in food and wine, while raising funds for programs in every school in Santa Monica and Malibu.”