By Lookout Staff

March 25, 2025 -- A $25,000 matching grant from the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows will give the Santa Monica Education Foundation a critical boost after pausing its annual campaign following the Palisades Fire, Foundation officials said.

The grant provided by the Miramar for the eighth year in a row comes as the non-profit group relaunches it fundraising efforts with a participation campaign leading up to the Santa Monica Wine Auction in May.

The Miramar will match all donations, up to $25,000, made between March 24 and March 28, after the Ed Foundation paused its annual parent fundraising campaign in January.

“This match arrives at the perfect time in our fundraising, given our decision to pause following the devastating fires," said Danny Guggenheim, president of Foundation's board.

"Our hope (is) that the community will rally around a participation campaign as we look to close out the school year with a strong finish in support of Santa Monica’s public schools.”

Matching grants from the Miramar have raised more than $1.4 million for Santa Monica’s 11 public schools, which decide how to spend their "stretch grant," officials said.

Many schools use the funds for "important social-emotional programs," as well as STEM, additional arts programs or teacher training.

“Giving back to our schools and community has been and always will be a priority for us,” said Simon Fricker, the Miramar's general manager.

“Great schools strengthen communities, and we are proud to continue to play a part in providing Santa Monica students with the education they deserve.”

Raymur Flinn, the Foundation's executive director, said the Miramar's "eight-plus year relationship and dedication" exemplifies "the power of partnerships between the private and public sectors.

“Relaunching our campaign with a matching gift of this scale is an inspiring way to rally our community and directly support our students,” Flinn said.

The Miramar is also a presenting sponsor of the Ed Foundation’s 10th annual Santa Monica Wine Auction, scheduled for Sunday, May 4.

The auction features "outstanding wine and food tastings around the Fairmont’s iconic fig tree, along with silent and live auctions of world-class wines and exceptional experiences," Foundation officials said.

The Wine Auction "brings parents and community members together to sip, savor, and support students."

To learn more about the Ed Foundation and make a donation, visit smedfoundation.org.