The entire Santa Monica community is invited to a unique live event this weekend – the 6th annual Santa Monica Wine Auction. Since 2016, this annual food and wine gala for the Santa Monica Education Foundation has raised funds for local public schools. Traditionally held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, this will be the second year that the Wine Auction will happen virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The live-streamed event will take place on Saturday, May 1 at 7 p.m. Lasting about an hour, the event will include a live auction, a Dessert Dash, prizes and more. Many guests will also be enjoying delicious dinners and wines purchased through FIG at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Ed Foundation.
Bidding has already begun in the online silent auction portion of the event at smwineauction.org.
More than 300 items are available for bidding in the silent auction, including wine, dining and exciting experiences.
“Like last year, we knew we had to move ahead with this event, despite the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Alison Havel, President of the Ed Foundation’s Board of Directors.
“Essential school staff, as well as arts, STEM and wellness programs, depend on funds raised at the Wine Auction. I hope that everyone will join us at this fun event to support and celebrate the incredible students in our local public schools.”
The five previous Wine Auctions have raised a combined $1.14 million for Santa Monica schools.
Registration and full details about the event are available at smwineauction.org.
The Wine Auction’s presenting sponsors are Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows/MSD Capital, DLJ/ Clarett West, Kilroy Realty, Saint John’s Health Center Foundation Community Impact Fund, and Santa Monica Place/Macerich.
Many local businesses are sponsoring the event through the Education Foundation’s Corporate Heroes program. In addition to the presenting sponsors, they include: Platinum Sponsors: Boston Properties, Cedars-Sinai, FreeAssociates, Harding Larmore Kutcher & Kozal LLP, Santa Monica Daily Press, and Sir Speedy Santa Monica.
Gold Sponsors: Boardwalk Pictures, Inc., Harley Ellis Devereaux, Raymond James, and UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica.
Silver Sponsors: Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo, Ghisallo, HGA Architects and Engineers, Jones Hall, A Professional Law Corporation, Khedr Management Company, Payden & Rygel, and Southern California Disposal & Recycling Company.
To learn more about the Ed Foundation, visit smedfoundation.org.
Submitted by Ann Conkle, Director of Communications and Events
