We Are Santa Monica Fund Receives $1.1 Million In 2020 Donations

SANTA MONICA, CA — The Santa Monica community stepped up in a big way to fight food insecurity and racial inequity in 2020. The city announced individuals, businesses, and organizations donated over $1.1 million throughout the year to the We Are Santa Monica Fund, which was created in spring 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Funds will benefit residents facing food insecurity, through the Virginia Avenue Park Food Pantry. Money from the fund will also help advance racial equity work and support small businesses struggling to due coronavirus-related issues.

“This past holiday season was unlike any other, and the needs in our community are greater than ever before. The community’s holiday response to those needs shows how much love, care and commitment exists in every corner of Santa Monica. I am so proud that, in our darkest moments, we continue to support one another,” said Mayor Sue Himmelrich. “On behalf of Council, I extend my utmost gratitude for every donation, and for this community spirit that will lead us through to brighter days ahead.”

According to the City of Santa Monica, the Virginia Avenue Park emergency food pantry has provided fresh groceries to over 300 individuals and families each week, and has passed out 10,000 food boxes in the past 41 weeks. Santa Monica City Council contributed $10,000 in discretionary funding in December, and matched another $10,000 in donations made through December 31.

“Every dollar donated to the We Are Santa Monica Fund will help someone in our community through this emergency,” said Chief Communications Officer Debbie Lee. “We are deeply moved by the generosity of our Santa Monica community to help those struggling to feed their family. The pandemic has compounded the needs around food and housing security and the We Are Santa Monica Fund will continue to seek donors to address these needs.”

Donations can be made at www.calfund.org/wearesantamonica.