Santa Monica
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Harding, Larmore
Kutcher & Kozal, LLP

By Lokout Staff

February 6, 2017 -- In a record-breaking response, the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation raised $161,801 to meet a grant challenge from Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows/MSD Capital, Foundation officials announced Friday.

The matching funds -- which will support programs in all 16 district schools -- were raised during a five-day drive that ended Tuesday, which marked the end of the Foundation's annual parent pledge campaign.

"What an incredible show of support for our children!" Linda Greenberg, the group's executive director said in a statement. "Our community is dedicated to making sure that students receive the best education possible.

"Thank you to every donor who generously contributed during this campaign and
thank you to the Fairmont Miramar and MSD Capital for their leadership," she wrote. "We are so grateful!"

More than $100,000 was contributed on the last day of the campaign, the most the Foundation has ever raised from community donations on a single day, officials said.

"We are truly amazed and energized by the tremendous response to this match," said Ellis O'Connor, of MSD Hospitality, the hotel asset manager for MSD Capital, the Miramar's parent company.

"The response is a wonderful example of our community and local businesses partnering to affect positive change," O'Connor said.

The Foundation will contunie fundraising through the spring by holding events and seeking donations from businesses, foundatons and individuals.

Among the upcoming events is the Greg Coote Concert For The Arts on March 11 featuring the Doobie Brothers' Michael McDonald with special guest Amy Holland, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Richard Page (Mr. Mister), VENICE and student musicians.

The Fundation also will hold a wine auction on April 30 at the Miramar, which will sponsor the event. And on May 21, local luminaries will dance in a competition, based on "Dancing with the Stars," at the Sand and Sea Ball at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.

For a full list of programs, event information or to donate, go to smmef.org.