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January 27, 2021 -- Education supporters have until Sunday to match a $15,000 grant from the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and its owner to the Santa Monica Education Foundation.

The match from MSD Partners, L.P. and the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows coincides with the end of the Foundation’s annual parent fundraising drive.

It comes at a time when donations to the Foundation are about 15 percent lower than this time last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We realize this is a difficult time for many of our school families and other community members,” said Linda Greenberg, the Foundation's executive director.

“Many people cannot contribute at the same level as last year or at all, while students are still counting on donations to fund the programs they love," Greenberg said.

The donations help ensure "important staff and excellent art and STEM programs are available for students next year," Foundation officials said.

Like all donations to the Foundation, the funds raised during the matching drive directly support elementary instructional aides, elementary arts programs and stretch grants for each Santa Monica public school next year.

"Each school decides how to spend their stretch grant," Foundation officials said. "Many schools use these funds for student wellness, STEM programs, more arts programs and teacher training."

“We are extraordinarily grateful to MSD Partners, L.P. and the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows for their ongoing commitment to our students,” Greenberg said.

“Even in this very challenging year, they are staying true to their dedication to our children. I know that our parents and community members will once again be inspired by their leadership in supporting our local public schools.”

Last year, a $25,000 matching grant from the Miramar Hotel raised $213,000 in donations from 286 donors, exceeding the Foundation's goal ("Education Foundation Raises More than $200,000 Spurred by Miramar Matching Grant," January 7, 2020).

“One of our core values is our commitment to being actively involved in our community,” said Ellis O’Connor of MSD Partners. “These values become even more important during stressful times like we are experiencing now.

"We are proud to help keep Santa Monica schools strong," O'Connor said. "Strong schools benefit all of us -- everyone who lives and works in Santa Monica.

"We hope that many community members join us in supporting Santa Monica’s public schools, teachers and students by donating to the Ed Foundation.”

For more information or to make a donation to support Santa Monica students, visit http://smedfoundation.org.