Manhattan Wine Auction Raises $1.4 Million for Schools
Jun 06, 2025 07:11PM ● By Jeanne Fratello
(The band Higher Ground plays at the culmination of the 2025 Manhattan Wine Auction. Photo via Manhattan Wine Auction.)
The 31st Annual Manhattan Wine Auction, held on May 31, drew more than 2,400 guests and raised $1.4 million for Manhattan Beach schools.
The wine auction, hosted by the Bay Club at the Manhattan Country Club, raises funds for the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation and its Endowment Fund. Over time, it has become one of the most prestigious fundraising events in Southern California.
“The Manhattan Wine Auction has become a cherished tradition—one that truly reflects the heart of our community,” said Hilary Mahan, executive director of MBEF. “This year’s incredible turnout and generosity highlight just how deeply our community values public education. From volunteers to vendors, sponsors to guests. It was an unforgettable night.”
(Lido di Manhattan hands out samples at the Manhattan Wine Auction)
(Wine pouring in the Reserve Room)This year, for the first time, guests voted on winners of the Best of the 2025 Manhattan Wine Auction awards. The winners included:
- Winery – Memento Mori
- Restaurant – Stecca Taverna
- Brewery, Distillery and other Beverage – El Negocio Tequila
(Auctioneer John Curley)
(MBEF Endowment President Roger Spencer, MBEF President Mike Brunick, 2025 Legacy Award Recipients Melanie and Richard Lundquist, MBEF Executive Director Hilary Mahan)Following the live auction, the event concluded with dancing under the stars to live music.
Major sponsors included the event's host, the Bay Club; founding sponsor Chevron; estate sponsors Desolation Hotel, J.P. Morgan, and Kirkland & Ellis; as well as Center Court experience sponsors.
To view more images from the event, visit the MWA Photo Gallery.
Contributions to Manhattan Beach Schools
All proceeds from the Manhattan Wine Auction benefit the MBEF Endowment Fund, which provides MBEF with a continuing and sustainable funding source. The endowment’s contribution to MBEF’s programs in the 2024-25 school year was $1.2 million, accounting for 19% of MBEF’s overall grant to the district. All told, in the 2024-25 school year, MBEF funded more than $7.4 million to MBUSD in directed grants allocated for program and educator positions prioritized by stakeholders for the coming year.
This year's Paddle Raise focused on an urgent priority—building connections on campus and in the classroom by restoring educator positions.
If you missed the event and want to contribute, there is still time: Give to the Paddle Raise before noon on Tuesday, June 10 to ensure that your donation makes an impact next year.
Since its founding, MBEF has invested more than $100 million in Manhattan Beach public schools.
