Manhattan Beach: All-Volunteer Board Raises Funds, Awards Grants

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — More than $10,000 was raised by the all-volunteer board of the 2020 Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair thanks to their efforts for the "So unFair" Fair to go on after its physical, in-person version was canceled due to COVID-19.

Once the board canceled the Fair in late June, they refocused their efforts, determined for the beloved Fair, which is a fundraiser for countless organizations that host food and game booths, to still raise money for the community.

This past weekend, when the Fair is usually held on Valley Drive, on the fields of Live Oak Park and inside the Joslyn Community Center, President Joe Marcy and crew staffed a Fair merchandise booth at the corner of 13th Street and Morningside Drive in downtown Manhattan Beach, just blocks away from the usual Fairgrounds.

"As people stopped by our Information/Merchandise Booth over the weekend, we received nothing but positive feedback: 'What a great way to make lemonade' [some said] while others shared their favorite Hometown Fair memories," said Joe Marcy, Fair president. "One thing is certain, we're all looking forward to our 49th Annual Fair in 2021! Thank you to everyone in the community for your kindness and support. It was an honor and a privilege to continue our traditions for the community."

In addition to the online and in-person merchandise sales, the board held an online Silent Auction, online Battle of the Bands, posted links to vendors and continually thanked the community for its support.

"The virtual Fair was a resounding success," said Marcy. "Two hundred twenty-five bids were placed in our silent auction, which helped put us over the $10,000 [fundraising] mark [the board had set as a goal]. In merchandise, shirts, mugs and hats sold out quickly over the weekend. A few remaining puzzles, tanks, towels and sweatshirts are available on our website."

The following organizations received grants and those funds will be used to help

• Maintain emergency vehicles and replenish medical supplies
• Support outreach ministries
• Update historical exhibitions and purchase artifacts
• Support rank and merit badges
• Provide band and color guard equipment
• Help supply protective gear for COVID-19
• Assist athletes from inner cities
• Provide sports equipment and transportation to kids
• Support Gold Award projects
• Launch student mentorship programs for incoming freshmen
• Support competitions and cover operational expenses
• Support virtual philanthropic efforts
• Feed the homeless
• Establish enrichment programs for those less fortunate
• Support disabled children
• Provide humanitarian aid
• Provide sanitary and wellness kits for local shelters
• Support card making for healthcare workers/patients

Grants were awarded to the following organizations:

• Girl Scout Troop 3525
• Manhattan Beach Community Emergency Response Team Association
• Manhattan Beach Community Church
• Manhattan Beach Historical Society
• Manhattan Beach Troop 713
• Mira Costa High School Band
• Mira Costa High School Boys Lacrosse
• Mira Costa High School Boys Soccer
• Mira Costa High School Girls Basketball
• Mira Costa High School Girls Golf
• Mira Costa High School Girls Lacrosse
• Mira Costa High School Girls Soccer
• Mira Costa High School Latino Scholar Union
• Mira Costa High School Robotics
• Neptunian Woman’s Club
• Sandpiper Juniors
• South Bay Vietnamese Cultural Center
• South High Drill Team
• Vistamar Robotics
• West High Interact

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