According to organizers, the Hermosa Beach Historical Society and Museum recently made its own history by hosting its biggest fundraiser ever.
Jamie Erickson, the museum’s director and curator, said this week that the recent gala, themed “The Beach Through the Decades,” raised around $60,000, doubling the goal set by organizers. The total was also an increase of $18,000 from the $42,000 raised at the pre-COVID-19 gala in 2019.
The gala, which took place Saturday, August 27 at St. Cross Church, sold out all 200 tickets, Erickson said.
The money raised will go towards operating the museum and its accreditation with the American Alliance of Museums, Erickson said Monday, August 29.
Accreditation with the AAM makes the museum eligible for grants so it can expand its programs and ensures it operates at a high level in terms of fiscal responsibility, collections management, and educational programming.
To be eligible for accreditation, the museum must be open the equivalent of five working days per week. It’s tough, Erickson said, because she’s the only full-time employee. But she recently hired an assistant and there are 15 volunteer docents who work from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday.
The event also included dancing, live music, raffle prizes, drinks and food.
For more information, visit hermosabeachhistoricalsociety.org.
