November 20, 2024 -- Teams of super heroes and other imaginary characters helped raise $7,500 for local non-profits during the annual Volley-Ween fundraiser last month.
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Santa MoniCARES, Tourism Supporting Our Community raised the funds at the third annual event on October 30 at Perry’s Café and Beach Rentals, organizers said.
The event welcomed community members and attendees from local organizations engaging in a friendly beach volleyball competition at the birthplace of the sport -- Santa Monica Beach.
“We are honored to stand alongside fellow residents, city organizations and local businesses to support nonprofits that serve our beloved city,” said Misti Kerns, President/CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism.
“It’s a joy to be a part of such a strong community, and to raise funds for a good cause through a sport that’s integral to our city’s culture and history.”
Tourism officials note that the city’s first permanent beach volleyball nets were installed in the early 1920s while the sport was still a new phenomenon.
Today Santa Monica is home to dozens of courts and beach volleyball clubs across the city, including those at Annenberg Community Beach House.
This year’s tournament celebrated the Spirit Award winners from The Pierside Hotel and The Surfing Fox, who won a dinner at Socalo, while the Best Costume and Last Place winners from Regent Santa Monica Beach won volleyball lessons with Santa Monica Beach Volleyball.
Elevate Public Affairs took home the most Original Costume prize, winning Rabano and Bodega Wine Bar gift cards, and tournament winners from Blum Digital Marketing won a picnic with Santa Monica Picnic Co.
Santa MoniCARES is a coalition of representatives from Santa Monica Travel & Tourism and tourism community partners whose mission is "to harness the hospitable nature and generosity of Santa Monica’s tourism industry and provide support to local nonprofit agencies."
All funds raised at Volley-Ween are donated to Santa Monica nonprofits.