Education Foundation Raises $184K For Santa Monica-Malibu Schools

MALIBU, CA – The Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation concluded their annual parent fundraising appeal with a surge in donations – 698 donors contributed $184,709 for programs in SMMUSD schools during the match from Jan. 16-31. The donations were inspired by a $50,000 match from Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows/MSD Capital and CIT’s OneWest Bank, according to the SMMUSD press release. Each company offered $25,000 and partnered to provide a $50,000 match for the last two weeks of the Ed Foundation’s parent campaign.

All funds donated to the Ed Foundation support staff and programs at all 16 Santa Monica-Malibu public schools, ensuring that SMMUSD students experience arts, STEM, wellness programs and other crucial elements of their education, the press release said.

“We are honored to be part of this terrific effort to support programs in local Santa Monica schools,” Steve Solk, President of Consumer Banking for CIT said in a statement. “By working together to encourage programs in subjects such as the arts and STEM, businesses and community members are helping to prepare students for bright futures.”

Ellis O’Connor, Asset Manager of MSD Capital (Fairmont Miramar’s parent company), thanked the donors who joined in supporting Santa Monica-Malibu students. Like the other donors, MSD Capital celebrates excellence in public education and are thrilled to be part of the effort to ensure that all children have access to an equitable, outstanding public education, O'Connor said in a statement.

On behalf of their 10,500 SMMUSD students, the Ed Foundation is grateful to Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows/MSD Capital and CIT’s OneWest Bank for their leadership, Linda Greenberg, Executive Director of the Ed Foundation said in a statement. Their enduring commitment to public education makes them true corporate heroes, Greenberg added.

The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows is the sponsor hotel and CIT’s OneWest Bank is a presenting sponsor of the Ed Foundation’s third annual Santa Monica-Malibu Wine Auction, which will be held at the hotel on May 6. This annual event features wine and food tastings, and silent and live auctions to bring district parents, community members and corporate supporters together to sip, savor and support local students. To donate or see a full list of programs funded by donations to the Ed Foundation, go to smmef.org.

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