Winter at the Santa Monica Pier. Have you ever really thought about it? Is the Pier a part of your late-year plans?
It should be, and for several reasons. If you have read my column before, then you already know my perspective about the very special thing that the Pier offers to everyone – Escape. And, that could not be better exemplified than during the holiday season. Tired of the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping? Tired of the crowded stores? Take a walk on the Pier, and you’ll be amazed at how relieved you will feel.
Then, of course, there is that year-end stress of how best to close out the tax year by determining which nonprofit organizations to show your appreciation to with tax-deductible donations. Have you considered the Santa Monica Pier Corporation?
That’s right, the Pier Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to curate the pleasure Pier experience for locals, visitors, and admirers. The bulk of that is our work toward producing the free public events that everyone enjoys throughout the year. Your donations help us to continue those events, plus develop wonderful new programs like our “A Walk Through Pier History” tours, and we are eager to launch more new, unforgettable ways to enjoy the Pier. Donating is easy – simply visit our website: santamonicapier.org/support
This Winter, there is another unique and vital way to engage with the Pier – join our Board of Directors. Our governing Board of Directors is appointed by the Santa Monica City Council, and we currently have an opening for one new Board Member. This is a great way to further engage with and understand the Pier, and I would be honored to work with you. For information about how to apply, please contact the Santa Monica City Clerk’s Office at smgov.net/departments/clerk/boards/
Finally, I must share that the Pier Corporation carries an inventory of some merchandise that really belongs in every Pier-loving household, so if you’re still brainstorming for holiday gift giving ideas, consider a miniature replica of the Santa Monica Yacht Harbor neon sign, the beloved children’s book, Stella Rose & the Sea Dragon, and the official history book, Santa Monica Pier: America’s Last Great Pleasure Pier, which has been acclaimed as a “must have” atop everyone’s coffee table. You can find these online at santamonicapier.org
By Jim Harris
Jim Harris is the Executive Director of the Santa Monica Pier Corporation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the Pier visitor experience, as well as an accomplished author and playwright.