Starfish Signs Supports Orange County’s Premiere Cultural Center, Casa Romantica
Casa Romantica has a long and storied past. San Clemente is one of the first master-planned cities in California, as such, co-founder Ole Hanson wanted to create his ideal community, a “Spanish Village by the Sea.” So, in 1927, he built Casa Romantica as his family home. Over the years, the house passed through various owners and operated as both a senior citizen’s home and as a special event venue.
Today, Casa Romantica’s mission is to create a welcoming public place where people of all ages and backgrounds learn about the diversity of life in Orange County and southern California through programs about the history, ecology and culture of the region.
As a national registered historic landmark, Casa Romantica requires much needed funding to achieve their mission. One way they raise critical funds is through the annual event, Toast To The Casa. On Saturday, September 24th, more than 300 guests, including Mike and Laura Reilly from Starfish Signs, attended this intriguing, mysterious and exquisite celebration of Italian culture.
Berenika Schmitz, Executive Director of Casa Romantica explains, “Starfish and Casa Romantica have partnered together since 2013, starting with a simple auction donation. Today Casa Romantica is proud to be one of Starfish’s primary charitable organizations with more than $5,000 in cash and in-kind services donated for our 2016 event.”
“Starfish is committed to our community and as one of the five core values we follow, it has been great to contribute time and resources to Casa Romantica”, said Mike Reilly. “Berenika Schmitz and the entire Casa Team provide a tremendous service to San Clemente, and we are proud to partner with them.”
All of the proceeds from the event go to fund year-round cultural and educational programs that Casa Romantica provides, including more than 60 exhibitions, lectures, concerts, recitals, performances, classes, and workshops for people of all ages. The Casa Kids programs are provided for free, at no cost to the families! Including school field trips for more than 2,000 children in the Capo Unified School District every spring, a summer classical music academy, a summer dance workshop, and various art, garden, entertainment, and story time events throughout the year.
“Of course, some of the funds also go to maintaining and preserving our historic home, which was built in 1927 and requires intensive upkeep as a registered historical landmark”, said Berenika.
Starfish created the large public signs outside the Casa Romantica property and at the base of Avenida Granada at Del Mar street. When you drive by you can see our work.
Casa Romantica looks forward to working with Starfish on some exciting new projects, including signage for their upcoming amphitheater improvements. And Starfish looks forward to working with Casa Romantica for many years to come.
Photos courtesy of Casa Romantic and Our Story Creative
ABOUT CASA ROMANTICA CULTURAL CENTER AND GARDENS: Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and is the historic home of the founder of the City of San Clemente. Casa Romantica provides programs for all ages in arts, music, history, and horticulture and is a premier Southern California cultural center.