About us and Mission

about us

Schlaraffia Am Stillen Meer , meaning “Schlaraffia at the Tranquil Sea”, was formed on October 9, 1985 as a California Nonprofit Membership Corporation in San Diego, CA, and is an independent chapter of the worldwide organization Allschlaraffia, based in Switzerland. The company is an enterprise, whose activities are not directed towards financial or other economic gains. While originally concentrating on fostering and refining the engagement of its members in promoting its ideals the arts, humor, friendship and tolerance, the purpose of the companyn today has broadened significantly. At this time the comany has 20 active members. They meet regularly in their clubhouse to discuss various aspects of charitable activities, cultural integration, education, literature, fine arts, and music, primarily conversing in the German language. Members must not be Germans, but some German language skills are helpful to be able to follow the conversation. Invited guest speak about cultural or historic events or entertain with a musical performance. Several events are scheduled throughout the year to make the mission, values and goals of the company known to the public, attract new membership, and raise funds for the charitable activities of the company.

our mission

As a Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the company is organized for charitable and educational purposes. In the true sense of Give & Take and their strong belief in friendship and tolerance, the members actively engage in supporting charitable and educational activities for individuals, who are in need or are underprivileged. The support is given both through financial help and personal assistance.

As an organization with German roots, the company is providing the finances to support scholarships for children of needy families, who want to attend a local school which teaches the German language, culture, and history within a German-English immersion program. True to its ideals of fostering the arts, the company is engaging in supporting young local artists by organizing exhibitions or musical performances within their clubhouse facilities. Furthermore children are encouraged to learn to play a musical instrument by joining classes organized and conducted by members. Funding for those activities is provided by donations from members, friends and fundraising events.

Schlaraffia’s motto “In Arte Voluptas” - “Pleasure lies in the Arts” - has held the organization together for the last 38 years, it will hold it together in the future.