The event, organized by the Santa Monica Education Foundation, drew about 400 guests for an evening of wine tastings, dining and live auctions.
The 11th annual Santa Monica Wine Auction, held Sunday at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, raised more than $400,000 to support Santa Monica public schools.
The event, organized by the Santa Monica Education Foundation, drew about 400 guests for an evening of wine tastings, dining and live auctions. Proceeds will fund academics, arts programs, instructional assistants and grants benefiting every public school in the district.
A highlight of the evening was the announcement of a new Samohi Student Investment Club, a student-led program that will manage a real investment portfolio. Returns from the club will support the foundation’s Arts and Athletics Endowments. The foundation’s For Athletics campaign has already raised more than $500,000 toward a permanent athletics endowment.
“This is learning in action,” said Danny Guggenheim, president of the Santa Monica Education 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.”
The auction featured tastings from local restaurants including Beethoven Market, Blue Plate Taco, BOA Steakhouse, FIG, Lunetta and Milo & Olive, along with wines from producers such as DAOU, Frank Family Vineyards, Hourglass, Ramey and Salvestrin Winery.
