The Manhattan Beach Education Foundation this week recognized 13 donors who have contributed $100,000 or more in cumulative giving to MBEF or the MBEF Endowment.

The following donors' names have now been engraved on the Seeds of Knowledge art installation at Metlox Plaza in downtown Manhattan Beach: 

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Ashley McCarthy and Bret Barker

Lorin and Doug Dust

Lorena and Andrew Ellis

Jennifer and Chris Fenton

The Hott Family

Wanda and Chuck Kaminski

Lily Chang and Jeff Konsmo

Susan and Todd Purdy

Suzy and Mike Sadilek

Sherine and Sasha Siddhartha

Mariel and Remco Waller

Wysh and Dan Weinstein

(MBUSD Superintendent John Bowes)

The ceremony featured remarks from Mayor Amy Howorth, MBUSD Superintendent John Bowes, and MBEF leadership, including MBEF Executive Director Hilary Mahan.

Mira Costa senior Hudson Sagadevan also shared remarks on how MBEF donations have positively shaped his experience in the Manhattan Beach schools.

(MBEF Executive Director Hilary Mahan)

First unveiled in 2023, the Seeds of Knowledge Community Recognition Project is a collaboration with the city of Manhattan Beach. It serves as a tribute to the educators, parents, students, volunteers, and donors who champion public education.

Designed by artist Betsy K. Schulz, the installation reflects the community’s commitment to supporting ongoing excellence in Manhattan Beach schools. The mural depicts a child discovering the world: the layers of earth beneath her, the environment around her, and the future represented in the stars.