HBEF hosts Wine Walk

Photo by Ashley Cole

By Olivia Van Norman

Staff Writer

The fourth annual Hermosa Beach Wine Walk was held by the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation on October 10 in order to raise money for Hermosa schools.

The event took place on Power Street in Hermosa Beach. Wine tastings were placed around the event for participants to try. Food was also supplied by local restaurants as well as live entertainment.

“The Wine Walk raises money for the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation,” HBEF President Malone said. “HBEF helps fund critical instructional programs for Hermosa schools that are not funded by the state.”

The event raised money through donations from restaurants. Caterers were not hired and paid to work the event, but instead, everything was donated. Local restaurants such as Club 705, Rockefeller, Gum Tree Cafe, Boardwalk, Frito Misto and Frosted Cupcakes, gave to the cause.

“100% of the food and wine was donated by generous local restaurants and wineries,” Malone said. “The event was organized and run by our incredible parent volunteers and our supportive community.”

The event has grown much since its first years and HBEF plans to continue to expand the walk as it grows more popular. More additions have been added to this year’s fundraiser that the foundation hoped attracted more participants and helped raised even more money.

“Since the start of the Wine Walk 4 years ago, we’ve been able to add more quality restaurants and wineries as well as add live entertainment,” Malone said. “This year, one of our beloved crossing guards, Joe Cipolla, donated his time and talent to perform for all of our guests.”

The idea for the walk was first brought to the attention of the Board by former member Dawn Crawford. Soon after, the fundraiser was created and first held in 2012. According to Malone, the event has not shown any signs of going away since.

“Crawford wanted to combine her two passions, wine and fundraising, into one event to benefit our Hermosa schools,”  VP of Fundraising, Lynn Barr said. ”The event was incredibly popular the first year and has grown every year since.”

The event was sold out with 350 guests in attendance. The Wine Walk raised about the same as last year for HBEF. Board members were happy with the turn out.

“We usually don’t have a final number for a week or so,” Malone saiud. “I’m guessing it will be pretty close to last year’s $46,000.”