By Lookout Staff

November 17, 2025 -- Santa MoniCARES raised $3,880, including matching donations, during the fourth annual Volley-Ween fundraiser event last month, said the Tourism group supporting the community.

Photo Courtesy Santa MonicaCARES

The money raised at the October 29 event will be donated to "support those facing food insecurity this winter season," according to Santa MonicaCARES.

“We are grateful to stand with the passionate and community-oriented organizations, businesses and residents of Santa Monica each Volley-Ween and all year round to support nonprofits serving our city,” said Misti Kerns, president/CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT).

“We look forward to this event annually as a valuable opportunity to gather as a community and contribute to important causes that make Santa Monica a wonderful place to live and visit.”

Members of the community and local organizations convened at Perry’s Café and Beach Rentals to take part in "a spirited beach volleyball tournament supporting Santa Monica nonprofits," event organizers said.

The Santa Monica Police Department won this year's tournament, while USC & Annenberg Community Beach House took home the Spirit Award and The Pierside Hotel won the Best Group Costume.

Tourism officials note that the city’s first permanent beach volleyball nets were installed in the early 1920s while the sport was still a new phenomenon.

Today Santa Monica is home to dozens of courts and beach volleyball clubs across the city, including those at Annenberg Community Beach House.

Santa MoniCARES is a coalition of representatives from Santa Monica Travel & Tourism and tourism community partners whose mission is "to harness the hospitable nature and generosity of Santa Monica’s tourism industry and provide support to local nonprofit agencies."

"We’ve been doing this for three years," said Nathan Nguyen, a member of SMPD's winning team. "I suggest everyone come out and participate. We have a lot of fun, so come on out next year!”