The Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair Association Board of Directors has approved a second round of grants to local community organizations. In total, the Hometown Fair has awarded thirty grants and two scholarships this year, totaling $16,000 (($15k in grants and $1k for scholarships).

The Hometown Fair was able to award a second round of grants due to the "overwhelming success" of this year's virtual Hometown Fair activities, according to Joe Marcy, president of the Hometown Fair Association's board of directors. The fair earned revenue from merchandise sales, a silent auction and fair food at local restaurants.

The second round of grant recipients ($500 each) are:

Los Angeles Rugby Club

Mira Costa High School Surf Team

Mira Costa High School Dance Team

Mira Costa High School Boys Tennis

Mira Costa High School Drama/Tech Boosters

Mira Costa High School Cross Country Booster Club

Mira Costa High School Boys Basketball Boosters

Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc.

Pacific Elementary School Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

South Bay Children of War Foundation

They join the first round of grant recipients:

Sandpipers Juniors

"Many of these organizations have participated in the Hometown Fair in prior years," said Marcy. "They’re an important part of our annual tradition and their dedication to the community is admirable."

The funds will be dedicated to a variety of purposes. Depending on the group, the funds will be used to maintain emergency vehicles and replenish medical supplies, support outreach ministries, update historical exhibitions and purchase artifacts, support rank and merit badges, provide band and colorguard equipment, help supply protective gear for COVID-19, assist athletes from inner cities, provide sports equipment and transportation to kids, support gold award projects, launch student mentorship programs for incoming freshman, support competitions and cover operational expenses, support virtual philanthropic efforts, feed the homeless, establish enrichment programs for less fortunate, support disabled children, provide humanitarian aid, provide sanitary and wellness kits for local shelters, support card making for healthcare workers/patients, and more.