About The Lorenzo Foundation
A legacy of supporting artistic excellence and educational achievement
Our Story
The Lorenzo Foundation was established to continue and expand upon the rich artistic legacy of the Brucia family, whose commitment to the performing arts spans generations. Guiseppe Brucia founded the San Francisco Opera in 1922, Joseph and Francis Brucia funded the first simulcast of the San Francisco Opera in 2006 and Larry, Rebecca, Louise and Francesca established the Avanti Awards for artists from 2008-2017.
With deep roots in the San Francisco Opera community and connections throughout the performing arts world, the Lorenzo Foundation bridges the gap between artist traditional and contemporary innovation, ensuring that the next generation of performing artist and scholars has the support they need to flourish.
Established to honor the Brucia family legacy while creating new opportunities for artistic and educational excellence in the 21st century.
Annual awards of up to $5,000 supporting performing artists and students in humanities education, recognizing excellence and potential for future impact.
Learn MoreBuilding connections between artists, educators, and community members to create a vibrant ecosystem of support for the arts and humanities.
Board of Directors and Advisors
Dedicated leaders bringing expertise in arts, education, and nonprofit management
Board of Directors
Christy Schumar
Director
After being in the business world for many years, her interest in non-profits became a passion, "It's easy to look around and find a need in most every corner of the world". Christy wanted to be part of the Lorenzo Foundation to support performing artist and students of all ages.
Scott Shaffer
Board Member
Scott's passion over many years has been in the food industry with the unique innovations associated with the retail and food service industries. He believes in supporting young people to develop skills that will last them a lifetime.
Hilary Aceves
Board Member
Hilary has worked with Lorenzo Brucia for over 20 years with the Avanti Awards, art projects in Europe and San Francisco. She supports the work that helps coordinate these events and feels that she help foster the passions of young artists with the Lorenzo Awards.
Advisors
Lorenzo (Larry) Brucia
Advisor
Lorenzo has over 20 years of being involved in the arts, including being the Director of the Joseph and Frances Brucia Foundation, establishing exhibitions of his art in Europe and the United States, a novelist of several books and a game adventurer.
Rebecca Brucia
Advisor
Rebecca has had extensive experience in coordinating the Avanti Awards for over 10 years. Her work experience was in the fashion industry working with women accessories and departments stores in New York City, New York and in Dallas Texas.
Walter Robb
Advisor
Walter Robb has had an extensive career in the retail food industry for over 30 years mostly associated with Whole Foods Market holding various positions within the company including as Co-CEO of the company. He helped created the Whole Kids Foundation which created salad bars, gardens and nutritional education in schools. He also helped start Whole Cities Foundation which offered food access through grants to organizations nominated by team members in or around their community. These foundations are now part of the Whole Foods Market Foundation.
Join Our Mission
Whether you're an artist seeking support, a student pursuing excellence, or a community member who believes in the power of arts and education, there's a place for you in The Lorenzo Foundation family.