The Women of the
Hermosa Beach
Education Foundation

Above L to R: Front: Rebekah Kellaway, Lauren Merriam Sprague, Renee Obrand, Kristine Kazanovski, Belinda Oakes, Kristen Luna, Bryanne DeGoede, Ashleigh Millette Back: Liz Tyndorf, Sarah Lefton, Jessica Tse, Jennifer Koppel, Genevieve Pujalet, Jennifer Faulk, Lindsay Gott, Connie Bern, Amanda Brovick, Kara Anderson, Grace Bonet, Nisha Gutterman, Leah Taubman, Stephanie Berger, Cameron Hudson, Molly Leeds, Amy Papanikolas

•••

Highlights

  • 100% Volunteer Run
  • $1.6M Raised Last Year
  • Fosters Community Involvement
  • Funds Vital Programs

The Hermosa Beach Education Foundation (HBEF) was established in 1992 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the aim of advocating for high-quality public education in Hermosa Beach. Its primary focus is to raise funds for academic programs such as STEAM, Spanish, art and music, as well as counselors and librarians. HBEF operates solely with the support of parent volunteers.

What do you want the South Bay to know about HBEF?

Belinda Oakes, president: HBEF is here to bridge the funding gap so Hermosa kids get the well-rounded education that fuels creativity, confidence and community. We are parents who care deeply about our schools. None of us are paid, and most of us are juggling jobs, kids and busy lives. But we show up because our kids deserve it.      While this feature highlights the women of HBEF, we’re proud to stand with an incredible group of men as well. Whether we’re planning fundraisers late at night or meeting between work and carpools, we’re united by one goal: making sure Hermosa kids have opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise get.

Even as my own child moves on to high school, I’ll continue to support HBEF because this mission matters that much. If you’ve ever smiled at a child’s artwork, heard them express their excitement over visiting the school library or heard them speaking Spanish at home, you’ve seen HBEF at work. 

But we can’t do it alone. We need more hands, more hearts, more help. Whether you donate, volunteer or simply spread the word, you can be part of something that changes lives.

What should parents know about HBEF?

Bryanne DeGoede, director of marketing: When my son started TK, I honestly had no idea how much HBEF actually funded at our schools. Once I learned, I knew I had to get involved because without it, our kids would miss out on so much like STEAM, PE, Spanish, art and music. I really wish more parents understood just how vital HBEF is to their child’s education. 

What’s even more surprising is that HBEF isn’t run by a paid staff. We’re regular moms and dads, like you, volunteering our time and doing our best for our kids and community. And there’s space for you here too. It’s pretty incredible, and the more support we have, the more we can do for our kids.

What motivates you to support HBEF?

Lauren Merriam Sprague, vice president and co-director of sponsorships: Our team is motivated  by the belief that strong schools build strong communities. As a mom of two and a professional in tech, sports and entertainment, it means a lot to be a part of something local where I can see a real, measurable and direct impact. HBEF funds over $1 million in programming annually, and we see our kids discovering their passions and thriving.      Beyond that, volunteering with HBEF also has given me a meaningful way to build relationships, strengthening my connections and investments in the Hermosa community—all while providing a direct impact on our kids.

Renee Obrand, co-director of events: What motivates me is knowing how underfunded our school district is. Hermosa Beach City School District is actually one of the lowest-funded districts in California. Once I understood what that meant for our kids, I knew I had to step up.      As someone who grew up here, this community means everything to me. I love that our events not only support vital programs but also bring parents together, creating friendships and a real sense of belonging. It’s a community in action, and that’s powerful.

What does the Hermosa Beach community mean to you?

Lisa Vargas Gardner, co-director of operations: Hermosa Beach is home. It’s a place where neighbors wave on the sidewalk and rally when someone needs help. That sense of togetherness is what inspires us to give so much to HBEF. Supporting education here isn’t just about our schools; it’s about investing in the future of the entire community we love.

Share with us a proud HBEF moment.

Rebekah Kellaway, co-director of annual giving: It’s not one big moment. It’s hundreds of small ones: kids lighting up in a music class, families gathering at a fundraiser, a parent realizing, “Oh, that’s because of HBEF.” Those everyday moments remind us why the work we do matters and how deeply it touches our community.

Photographed by Shane O’Donnell