On April 9, 1998 at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, Lorca Venetos lost his courageous battle to survive a tragic hit-and-run accident. As we struggle to overcome our devastation at our loss, we looked for a way to give his shortened life enduring meaning. Lorca was an accomplished and dedicated musician. His love and enthusiasm for music and the joy he gave to those who knew him and heard him play led us to establish a charitable Trust to perpetuate this gift.

Now wrapping up its eighth year, The Lorca Venetos Music Fund was established in November 1998 to honor his memory and perpetuate his name and his music. The Trust shall exist and shall be operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes within the meanings of those terms as used in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, provided that such purposes also constitute public charitable purposes under the law of trusts of the State of New York. In particular, we desire that, in remembrance of Lorca’s love for music, the Trust Fund be used to the extent we deem appropriate, to contribute to the establishment and maintenance of musical education and enrichment programs for elementary school students. The Trust will be administered solely by James Venetos, Lorca’s uncle, and Bear Stearns. The school selection process will be made by the Trustees, George Venetos and Nancy Carpenter-Venetos, Lorca’s parents. All work will be performed by family members on a voluntary basis.

We believe that music enrichment is vital to early education and to the student’s growth and understanding of life and his or her own interests and abilities. It has been our experience that most public and private elementary schools struggle with adequate music programs. Each year we will select a different school that is interested in adding or expanding a music program. As a result, the funds raised in Lorca’s memory will go directly to benefit young children.