Press Releases
San Clemente, CA – Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is proud to announce that the institution was selected to be the recipient of a $1,000 donation from Farmers & Merchants Bank on behalf of Dr. Standiford Helm, owner of the Helm Center For Pain Management in Laguna Woods. Dr. Helm was honored by Farmers and Merchants Bank along with nine other members of the Southern California community on November 2.
“Casa Romantica is humbled to be the recipient of this donation from Dr. Standiford Helm and Farmers and Merchants Bank,” said Casa Romantica Executive Director Berenika Schmitz. “This gift is a testament to the integrity and passion that our leaders have for their communities, and to their faith in South Orange County as a cultural catalyst.”
At its seventh annual “California’s Strongest People You Can Bank On” awards luncheon in Long Beach at Parkers’ Lighthouse, Farmers & Merchants Bank presented $1,000 charitable donations to honorees that demonstrated the same values and strength of character as F&M’s Declaration of Beliefs: Honesty, Faith, Loyalty, Integrity, Dedication, Gratitude, Humility, Dependability, Compassion, and Service above Self. The winners were nominated by Bank employees and represent many communities throughout Southern California that Farmers & Merchants Bank serves, including Long Beach, South Bay, San Clemente and Lake Forest. Each honoree donated their winning sum to a charitable organization of their choice.
Dr. Standiford Helm was the recipient of The Humility Award. He chose to donate his $1,000 to Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens for their mission to bring the benefits of art and cultural education to people of all ages throughout south Orange County. Casa Romantica was named “Outstanding Arts Organization of the Year” this October by Arts Orange County (ArtsOC), the county’s official arts agency.
Helm, who resides in San Clemente, is an active member of the Casa, and his wife Noel Cahan Helm is a board member. The Helms are most passionate about Casa Romantica’s Casa Classic music program, which brings international talent to San Clemente, and its Casa Wellness program, which promotes wellness of the body, mind and soul through a series of healthful lifestyle workshops, yoga classes, and weekly garden fitness meetups.
Casa Romantica plans to use the funds for its wellness and cultural programs.
