Happenings of the OCAIRF and Renaissance Lodge

By Frank DeSantis, President, OCAIRF

In January 2003 the Renaissance Foundation and the Renaissance Lodge of the OSIA agreed to the purchase of an Artist’s Loft condominium in downtown Santa Ana. The Artist’s Lofts were a new development by the City of Santa Ana along with the Olsen Company, located at 202 North Bush Street, at the intersection of First and Bush Streets. The building is located in the Main Street Artists Lofts and sits among many cultural exhibits and programs.

After many years of fundraising we now own one of the larger lofts which will be used as a cultural center and meeting place for our Lodge and Foundation.  The cost of the Loft was $405,000 and as a result of a fund raising campaign in 2003 an additional $30,000 was obtained to equip the Loft and $60,000 to pay the remaining debt on the building.

Italian artwork and paintings were donated by Gabriella Colao and others.  This artwork and the items purchased completed the furnishing of the loft.  Items included in the loft are: Seating for approximately 100 people, a custom-made Roman round table with Tuscan seats for board meetings, two giant TVs, a complete kitchen, 2 bathrooms, a storage area, fans, freezer, refrigerator, DVD-Video player and a stereo, as well as a gliding chair that escalates to the second floor.

The décor of the loft is Roman and the artwork adorns all of the walls.   A commemorative plaque for donors has been obtained for the wall as thanks to the major contributors. The largest contributor was First American Financial Chairman Mr. Donald P. Kennedy.   Other major gifts were from Phil Arciero, his brother Frank Arciero, Alphonse Licata, and Frank DeSantis. A larger number of Lodge community members donated $1,000 and other individual donations were obtained.

As a result of a very successful golf tournament spearheaded by Phil Arciero and Vince Ferragamo an additional $28,000 was raised.   The outstanding debt on the building was paid off in December, 2003 and the building is ours free and clear. To date, numerous plans have involved the use of the building and several cultural / social activities have been conducted there.

The city of Santa Ana is quite pleased to have the OCAIRF and the Sons of Italy Renaissance Lodge as a resident. Discussions have been held with the Bower’s Museum representatives to see if we may also obtain some exhibits from them in addition to other exhibits which are planned. The Italian Cultural Institute and Italian Tourism Board also plan to have programs at our new cultural center in Santa Ana.

During 2003 a very successful Columbus Program was also conducted at Bowers Museum and Dr. John LaCorte, President of the Italian Historical Association and his wife Cynthia, pledged $10,000 towards pictorials to surround the Columbus Monument. The planning work has begun on these pictorials. The Renaissance Lodge and Foundation have many ideas for cultural activities and programs and look forward to being of service to all members of the community.