PUBLISHED: May 12, 2025 at 1:50 PM PDT

The Hermosa Beach Education Foundation celebrated the 30th annual “Hearts of Hermosa” fundraiser on Saturday, May 10, which is the nonprofit’s largest fundraiser of the year.

The event annually raises more than $400,000 and supports Hermosa Beach City School District needs not funded through the state, from librarians and counselors to school electives, according to HBEF President Belinda Oakes.

Oakes said in a Monday email that the money raised from this year’s “Hearts of Hermosa” has not been tallied yet.

Saturday’s event theme was “Boots on the Beach,” and multiple attendees took that to heart with country attire and hitting the dance floor to Vox DJs and local band Country Thunder.

The event featured food and drink from local restaurants, and a live and silent auction.

An “Attire Contest” with awards given out to contestants, including the “Saddled Up in Style Award” (best dressed), “The Rodeo Royalty Couple Award” and “The Fashion Outlaw Award (most outrageous), also took place Saturday.

Winners included Eric Oakes for “Fashion Outlaw,” Katie Ball and Tommy Ball for “Rodeo Royalty,” and Dan Watson and Amanda Brovick for “Saddled Up.”

The HBEF raised more than $1.5 million for Hermosa Beach schools in 2024.