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.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who registered, cheered, and supported the 16th Annual Skechers Friendship Walk.

Thanks to your incredible efforts, we raised a record-breaking $269,812 for Hermosa schools! This partnership with the Friendship Foundation and Skechers has now raised over $2.13M over 16 years, helping HBEF to fund vital educational programs that would otherwise be unavailable to our Hermosa students.

We are deeply grateful to our school administration, teachers, students, families, and everyone who donated or shared their team links. Your support was essential.

Special thanks to our incredible Skechers Walk Co-Chairs, Tricia Scaglione and Joyce Chaput!

Thanks also to the following generous supporters: Belinda Oakes, Deni Mileski, Nisha Gutterman, Rob Chong, Elizabeth Ashmun, Cedar Carter, Spencer & Alicia Hill, Bre & Brian Kelleher, Monica Saracino, Hook & Plow, The Good Patch, Phlur, Janessa Leoné, Urbane Ritual, and Kate Somerville.

Well Done, Hermosa!

And save the date for the next one: Sunday, October 19, 2025

We’re thrilled to announce the return of our Hearts of Hermosa Flash Parties, and if you don’t yet know what these are, read on for all the 411!

What is Hearts of Hermosa?
Hearts of Hermosa is HBEF’s annual spring fundraiser, featuring the Gala, Auction, Teacher Experiences for the students, and Flash Parties.

What is a Hearts Flash Party?
A Hearts Flash Party is an event hosted by Hermosa parents, groups of parents, or local businesses. Hosts plan and fund the event, while HBEF sells tickets, with proceeds supporting the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation (tax deductible!). These parties focus on community, fundraising, and fun—think tequila tastings and pickleball tourneys!

Who can host a party?
Any HBCSD parent, group of parents, or local business can host a Flash Party!

What is the timeframe for hosting parties?
For the 2024-25 school year, Hearts Flash Parties will be held throughout Winter/Spring (starting in late 2024) to allow for more events spaced out over time.

I want to host a party—what do I do?
Contact our Flash Parties Chair, Erin McMurray-Mendenhall, to discuss your party ideas. Inquiring doesn’t commit you; we’re here to help!

Can I get help with hosting?
Absolutely! You can enlist co-hosts or ask us for assistance in finding them.

How do I attend a Flash Party?
Sign up for parties as they become available. More information will be shared in an upcoming Surf Report. Tickets sell out quickly, so act fast!

Can anyone attend a Hearts Flash Party?
Yes! For the 2024-25 year, all HBCSD community members can purchase tickets—no Gala ticket needed.

Are the parties for parents or kids?
Parties can be exclusively for parents, kid-focused, or designed for the whole family!

Will past themed parties return?
Many favorite Flash Parties will return, and we encourage new ideas! If you have a favorite from the past, let us know—new hosts may be needed.

We believe the 2024-25 Hearts Flash Parties will be our best yet. Let’s get this party brainstorming started!

Thanks to the support of our generous Hermosa families and local businesses, we reached our 2023-24 fundraising goal! With those donations, we were able to fund over 5% of this year’s HBCSD budget.