If you love the Santa float, you won't want to miss Santa's fundraiser... an opportunity to raise money for the restoration of Manhattan Beach's iconic Santa float.

The fundraiser will be held on Thursday, March 16, at 6:30 p.m. at Bo Bridges Gallery in downtown Manhattan Beach. The Santa float restoration effort is the signature project of the Leadership Manhattan Beach Class of 2017.

Tickets for the fundraiser are $20, which includes two drink tickets. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door for $30, subject to availability.

Highlights from the list of silent auction items include:

• Two tickets to the Tony-Award winning Broadway smash hit "Hamilton" in New York City with backstage access to meet the cast and a private meet-and-greet with star Javier Munoz (who plays Hamilton);
• A two-night stay at the Beverly Hills SLS hotel and dinner for two at the renowned SLS Bazaar restaurant;
• The original Rudolph reindeer from the historic Manhattan Beach Santa Float.

Each year's Leadership Manhattan Beach group picks one community improvement project as its mission, and this year's class has dedicated itself to funding structural improvements and modernization of the annual neighborhood holiday float. The group also hopes to build a permanent structure to house the float, if enough money is raised.

According to Leadership Manhattan Beach, a refurbished float would provide better photo opportunities, new seating and lighting, and updated technology, all while maintaining the integrity and nostalgia that has been part of the community for more than 60 years.

Last month, a group of 14 Manhattan Beach stores pledged 10 percent of all sales at a "Shop and 'Save Santa's Float" downtown shopping day.

The Kiwanis Club of Manhattan Beach is the lead organization in charge of the Manhattan Beach Santa float. During the Christmas season, the float stops at every block around town over a two-week period. It is an entirely volunteer-driven effort.