Venice Chamber of Commerce Presents The 16th Annual WAVE Awards

The Venice Chamber of Commerce Education Committee proudly invites you to the 16th Annual WAVE Awards: Lighting the Way. This inspiring evening celebrates the hard work and dedication of our local educators.

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: BLANKSPACES Venice Campus, 606 Venice Blvd.

WAVE Early Bird Tickets On Sale Now!
Secure your ticket early and enjoy special advance pricing at $65 through Friday 05/01! Ticket prices increase to $80 afterwards. Your ticket includes dinner and refreshments; a cash bar will also be available for additional selections.


Lighting the Way: Inspiring Minds, Igniting Futures
In every classroom, there is a light.
A teacher who stays late.
Who believes a little harder.
Who sees potential before a student sees it in themselves.

The 2026 WAVE AWARDS will honor the extraordinary educators across Venice and surrounding neighborhoods who light the way for the next generation. These educators create environments where students not only thrive in the classroom but also develop a drive for knowledge and excellence beyond it. This year’s celebration shines a spotlight on the power of belief—and on the teachers who transform possibility into reality every day. 

This event is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and community partners. Please make a donation today to help us continue celebrating our local educators.

Givebutter: text Breakwater to 53-555
Venmo: @venicechamberca
Zelle: info@venicechamber.net

Thank You to our Major Sponsors for Making this Event Possible!
The We Are Venice Education (WAVE) Awards celebrate the outstanding educators who go above and beyond to deliver excellence in education and help our children reach their full potential. This event is an opportunity to show our appreciation, celebrate their passion and hard work, and recognize their lasting impact on our children’s lives. Whether you are a parent, student, or community member, the WAVE Awards are a meaningful way to express your gratitude and support for these exceptional educators.

We look forward to sharing this unforgettable evening with you. You will hear inspiring stories, meet incredible teachers, and experience the transformative power of education firsthand.

A Special Thanks to all of our In-Kind Supporters & Volunteers!
In-kind Supporters: BLANKSPACES, Catalina Crew, David J. Stine Design, Eve Capital
LLC, Firestone Brewery, Venice Paparazzi and Voodoo Doughnut.

Prize Donors: BOD, Feeling Swell, Hacker Fund, Hotel Erwin, Jamaica Bay Inn,
Kinney Hotel, Playbook Advisors, Shefayoga, Venice Breeze Suites.

Teacher Gift Bag Donors: Barely Canadian, Cabin Creek Crystals, Goodr,
Levain Bakery, M.Ray Parfums Couture Venice, Pacific Resident Theatre, Pro Sup Shop,
Sandra Zebi Art, Shefayoga, Sound Bird Center, Style Den, Venice Heritage Museum,
Venice Insider Pass, Venice Love Fest, Voodoo Doughnut.

Event Team: Chair: Chantel Hunter Mah Committee: Bonnie Roche-Blair,
David J. Stine, Elena Sweda Neff, Justin Brezhnev, Karen Joubert, Karen La Cava,
Karin Wallerstein, Laura Alice Scaturro, Mario Velasco, and Sunny Bak.