By Lookout Staff

May 4, 2026 -- The Santa Monica Education Foundation raised more than $400,000 for the city's public schools and unveiled a first-of-its-kind student investment program at its eleventh annual wine auction last Sunday.

The event hosted by the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, a long-time partner, drew some 400 community leaders, donors and supporters, Foundation officials announced Friday.

The Foundation also launched its Samohi Student Investment Club, which will "give participants hands-on experience managing a real investment portfolio," officials said.

The students will research opportunities, present strategies, and make decisions with guidance from the Foundation's Investment Committee, "while generating long-term support for Santa Monica public schools."

“This is learning in action,” said Danny Guggenheim, president of the Foundation's Board. “Students are building real financial skills while directly investing in their peers, their schools, and the future of Santa Monica public education.”

Returns from the portfolio will directly support the Foundation's Arts and Athletics Endowments, "creating sustainable funding for programs that serve students districtwide."

The program will also help build a permanent Athletics Endowment that has to date surpassed $500,000 in gifts and commitments to the For Athletics campaign, which will hold an inaugural community event during the Samohi Homecoming later this year, officials said.

During the wine auction, guests gathered beneath the Fairmont’s iconic fig tree for tastings from top local restaurants, wineries, and spirits partners.

The tasting was accompanied by a live performance from the Samohi Chamber Orchestra, before guests headed to the Starlight Ballroom for dinner, a live auction, and a set from the Samohi Jazz Band.

“The Wine Auction is about more than one evening of generosity. It is about creating lasting opportunities for students,” Guggenheim said.”

Miramar General Manager Simon Fricker said the partnership with the Foundation "is rooted in a shared commitment to supporting local students and strengthening our community.

“We are honored to host the Wine Auction each year and to help bring together supporters who are making a meaningful difference in the lives of Santa Monica students,” Fricker said.

Funds raised will directly support enhanced academics, nationally acclaimed arts education, instructional assistants, and grants that benefit every Santa Monica public school, Foundation officials said.

In addition to the Miramar, presenting sponsors were Bjorn Farrugia Real Estate, BXP, Kilroy Realty, Kindo AI, Kramer Trial Lawyers, PHS Property Group, and Saint John’s Health Center Foundation.