AROC Vision Becomes Reality
For 66 years, our Alfa Romeo Owners Club has carried the banner for Alfa Romeo in America. The mission has been to promote Alfa’s now 115-year history and its rich heritage, through coordinating driving events, providing technical support and organizing social activities. We successfully foster camaraderie among members, leading to long-term connections and friendships throughout the country.
As a byproduct, the Club has become a valued source of information about this beloved Italian marque. AROC has collected a sizable number of Alfa-related manuals, including owner’s manuals, service manuals, parts manuals, plus fuel injection system manuals and wiring diagrams for certain models. Maintained by the AROC Technical Librarian, these often-rare documents are available digitally to Alfa owners around the world. As respect for AROC’s historical data has grown, we continue to receive numerous offers of Alfa memorabilia – and even vehicles.
As the Club became the repository for all things Alfa Romeo in America, we realized that there was not a dedicated educational center or museum focused solely on Alfas where these treasures could be housed. Around 2018, the AROC Board began discussing the establishment of a charitable 501(C)3 foundation that would allow tax-deductible contributions to AROC. At the 2019 National Convention in Pittsburgh, the Board approved proceeding with the foundation planning and application process. When the time came to file the paperwork for the AROC Foundation, COVID hit, public institutions were shuttered, and our foundation dreams were put on hold. When life as we knew it began resuming and tasks still on the AROC To-Do list – including embarking on the legal process for foundation-building – were brought front and center, we acted.
Now, the Alfa Romeo Owners Club Historical and Educational Foundation is a reality. The foundation is incorporated as a not-for-profit organization and has been granted 501(C)3 tax-deductible status. The Foundation was setup to help achieve the goals of historical preservation, education, and community engagement:
- Preserve Alfa Romeo’s history – collect and archive Alfa-related historical documents, photographs, videos and artifacts in an appropriate repository, as we develop plans for the establishment of our AROC Foundation Library.
- Increase awareness of Alfa Romeo’s evolving adaptations of its cars with publications, educational programs, and resources.
- Support automotive-related studies and projects, including restoration of vintage vehicles.
- Establish an AROC Foundation Museum to showcase significant Alfa Romeo vehicles in an educational setting complete with exhibits highlighting the illustrious history of Alfa Romeo in Italy, America and beyond.
May this foundation be our legacy to keep alive in America not only Alfa’s storied racing history from the late 1920s and ’30s, but also its dedication to stylish transportation for working people. Our knowledge of and appreciation that after World War II, Alfa Romeo retooled its factories to help rebuild Italy and Europe with practical vehicles and domestic products strengthened our affection for the marque. This commitment to rebuilding captured the hearts of all Alfa aficionados. Making it even sweeter, as the design of the ’50s and ’60s cars evolved, they became family cars with passion.
When AROC was founded in 1958, before Alfa Romeos were sold through dealerships, the Alfisti passion was already spreading throughout America. It was found during the 2023 AROC National Convention in North Carolina, that most of the Alfas on the outstanding convention pre-tour were circa-2014 and newer. It was a pivotal moment as it was recognized that we are entering a new landscape for automotive transportation. Predictions are being made that in 10 years or so, today’s daily drivers might be on the back bench based on what’s coming down the pike. We believe that the AROC Foundation will play a significant role in documenting the history of this storied marque in America and hopefully we can help to have trained mechanics that will keep the classics running!
Charles Schwartz Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is for students of any age wishing to enroll in classes emphasizing repair/rebuilding engines or bodywork with a desire to specialize in old or newer Alfa Romeos.
Charlie’s Life
This memorial scholarship honors Charles “Charlie” Schwartz, a beloved AROC member for 47 years, who passed in February 2025. At the time of his transition from life as we know it, Charlie was the chapter secretary of Desert ALFAs, three-term past president of AROSC (SoCal), lifetime Alfista and bon vivant. He coined the term “Alfiesta” to name 2002 AROC National Convention run by AROSC and ran the event’s “Palms to Pines” Highway 74 drive, which became the AROSC’s Spring Driving Tour theme for a decade. After moving from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, he and wife Bonnie built their dream getaway in Joshua Tree, a house and garage designed by Charlie with their GTV-6 and ’91 Spider gracing the garage.
A graduate of Boston University with a B.S. in broadcasting and film and a M.S. in film production, Charlie worked in his chosen field as a writer/producer, and then in direct response advertising and marketing. In retirement, his creative energy flowed into architecture, including their home in Joshua Tree and painting. His art was appreciated at regular showings throughout the region at Hi-Desert Hospital, Yucca Valley Nature Museum and Carter-Sexton.
About Charlie Schwartz: A Life of Passion, Creativity, and Connection
As Shared by His Daughter Shana Schwartz
Charlie lived a life filled with artistry, adventure, and an unshakable love for beauty in all its forms. Whether designing a home that merged seamlessly with nature, caring for classic Alfa Romeos, or making lifelong friends during his travels, Charlie embraced every experience with enthusiasm and warmth. His legacy, now honored through this scholarship by the AROC Historical & Educational Foundation, will continue to inspire those who share his passion for craftsmanship, culture, and human connection.
A Visionary in Architecture and Design
Charlie was not just an admirer of architecture – he was a creator. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and others, he designed and built his own vacation home, ensuring that the structure harmonized with its natural surroundings. With clean lines and a mid-century modern aesthetic, the house reflected his appreciation for simplicity, functionality, and timeless beauty. This architectural vision extended beyond just buildings; it shaped the way he saw the world – blending art, nature, and purposeful design in every aspect of life.
An Artist with a Passion for Expression
His creativity was not limited to architecture – Charlie was also a talented painter, and his artwork was featured in local exhibitions. Through his brushstrokes, he captured the essence of the world around him, infusing his work with the same thoughtfulness and precision that characterized everything he did.
A Lifelong Love Affair with Alfa Romeos
Charlie’s love for Alfa Romeos was more than just an appreciation for cars – it was a passion for craftsmanship, engineering, and the thrill of the drive. Whether admiring classic models, engaging in conversations with fellow enthusiasts, or embarking on road trips that celebrated the joy of motoring, his connection to Alfa was profound. During one of his family trips to Italy, a chance encounter during the evening passeggiata led to a friendship with another Alfa lover – one that lasted for 19 years, a testament to Charlie’s ability to form deep and lasting bonds wherever he went.
A Citizen of the World
Charlie’s love for travel was more than just sightseeing – it was about experiencing life through diverse cultures, flavors, and perspectives. He explored France so often that locals mistook him for being French. He took his family to Italy multiple times, immersing himself in the country’s rich history and vibrant lifestyle. He and his wife Bonnie shared a love for scuba diving, exploring the depths of the oceans in places like Fiji and Belize. No matter where he went, Charlie formed genuine connections, embracing new friendships with open arms and an open heart.
A Gourmet Chef Who Brought People Together
Charlie was also an expert in the kitchen. Cooking was more than just a skill; it was a way of expressing love and bringing people together. Whether crafting an elaborate holiday meal or perfecting a simple dish, he infused his culinary creations with the same attention to detail and artistry that defined his life.
A Devoted Husband, Father, and Grandfather
While Charlie’s interests and talents were vast, his greatest joy came from his family. As a husband, he shared a deep, adventurous partnership with his wife Bonnie, exploring the world together. As a father, he nurtured curiosity, creativity, and resilience in his only child, Shana. As a grandfather, he passed down his love for culture, travel, and craftsmanship, leaving an indelible mark on future generations.
A Legacy That Lives On
Charlie lived with passion, humor, purpose, and an unwavering appreciation for the beauty of the world. This scholarship, created in his honor, will ensure that his spirit continues to inspire future generations, encouraging creativity, excellence, and a boundless curiosity for life. His legacy is not just in the homes he built, the art he created, or the Alfa Romeos he cherished, it lives on in the friendships he formed, the lessons he imparted, and the joy he brought to those around him.
DONATE TO CHARLES SCHWARTZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Those wishing to remember Charlie may donate to the Charles Schwartz Memorial Scholarship,
a directed fund in the AROC Historical and Educational Foundation.
This scholarship is for students of any age wishing to enroll in classes emphasizing repair/rebuilding
engines or bodywork with a desire to specialize in Alfa Romeos, old or new.
Donations may be made online using the ONLINE payment link:
Donate to Charles Schwartz Memorial Scholarship
Or mail Pledge Card with check –Print Pledge Card link
Send Pledge Card to:
AROC Historical & Educational Foundation
P.O. Box 92155, Portland, OR 97292
with Dedication to the Charles Schwartz Scholarship Fund
AROC Historical & Educational Foundation Pledge Card
