Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation Raises $285,000 at Wine Auction

By Lookout Staff

May 16, 2018 -- More than $285,000, including $92,500 in corporate support, was raised by the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation at its third annual Wine Auction fundraiser this month.

More than 400 people attended the event, which included dacing, tastings from more than 30 food and wine vendors and live and silent auctions.

The amount raised topped the $254,906 raised at last year's auction by more than $30,000 ("Wine Auction Raises More than $250,000 for Santa Monica-Malibu Public Schools," May 15, 2017).

The inaugural fundraiser in 2016 raised about $115,000, according to Foundation officials.

The May 6 event at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows was presented by the hotel and its owner MSD Capital, a private investment firm that manages the capital of Michael Dell and his family; Kaiser Permanente, and Santa Monica Place/Macerich.

“What a perfect evening of supporting our students!” Linda Greenberg, the Foundation's executive director said in a statement. “The positive energy at the event was palpable.

"The food and wine were top notch and the auctions were exciting. We are very grateful to everyone -- attendees, sponsors, vendors and volunteers -- who made this event our most successful Wine Auction so far.”

The funds raised met a $100,000 match from the Franklin Elementary School PTA, which will donate $100,000 to the Foundation’s Academics Endowment.

The funds will help "ensure crucial programs for students in perpetuity," Foundation officials said.

All funds donated to the Foundation are spread among the district’s 16 schools to support staff and programs involving arts, STEM (or science, technology, engineering and math), wellness and “other crucial elements of their education,” officials said.