The Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation (SMMEF) announced that it has received a $25,000 donation from MSD Capital and Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows. The funds will be used to provide programs at all 16 schools in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD).
“We are thrilled to support students in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District,” said Ellis O’Connor, Asset Manager of MSD Capital. “Strong schools are the foundation of healthy communities and vibrant economies, and we are happy to contribute to the excellence of our local public schools.”
SMMEF has partnered with local businesses for more than 33 years to support educational opportunities for students throughout SMMUSD, which serves more than 11,300 students and 8,000 families annually.
This donation was made as part of SMMEF’s Corporate Partners program, which provides the opportunity for businesses to publically support education in the Santa Monica and Malibu community. This is the third large corporate gift the organization has received recently, following a donation of more than $100,000 from Dun & Bradstreet and a donation of $25,000 from Kaiser Permanente.
“On behalf of all students in Santa Monica and Malibu public schools, SMMEF is grateful to MSD Capital for their generous donation,” said SMMEF Executive Director Linda Greenberg. “By investing in our community’s schools, MSD Capital is showing their commitment to this wonderful community that cares so deeply about ensuring an excellent educational experience for all its students.”
The donation from MSD Capital will fund programs for every school in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD). This year, SMMEF-funded staff and programs include arts education for the district’s 4,900 elementary students, 87 instructional assistants who provide small group instruction, and enrichment grants for all 16 schools in the district. Each school determines the programs funded by their own enrichment grant and many schools decide to use these grants to provide programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), visual and performing arts programs, or student wellness.
On April 17, 2016, SMMEF will host the inaugural Santa Monica-Malibu Wine Auction at the sponsor hotel, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows. Featuring outstanding wine and food tastings, and silent and live auctions of world-class wines and exceptional experiences, the Wine Auction will bring parents and community members together to sip, savor and support students.
