SAN SIMEON, CA, NOVEMBER 9, 2023 — The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s mission is to support the conservation and restoration of Hearst Castle in addition to offering youth programs to underserved students aiming to inspire and empower future generations. Our ability to execute our mission takes many talented staff and we are pleased to announce that we’ve brought on Mia Fuggetta to our team. “As we continue to grow in achieving our strategies direction we can only achieve organizational success by adding and empowering the talents of Mia Fuggetta who will embark on their role as Operations Coordinator for the Foundation ” says Mitch Massey, Executive Director. Mia will handle a multitude of responsibilities working closely with Vanessa Robbins, the Director of Operations and Marketing. She will be responsible for organizing S.T.E.A.M tours, assisting with fundraising events, and will facilitate member management. Having joined the team October 2, 2023, Mia is already showing how much of an impact she’ll have on the organization and we couldn’t be more excited to have her. “Having Mia on the FHC team has been a dream come true! Within a month she’s shown how valuable she truly is and will be to our organization given her background – not to mention her work ethic is outstanding. I’m excited to be entering 2024 with her by my side and look forward to executing our mission as a team,” says Vanessa Robbins. “My desire to join the Hearst Castle Foundation is deeply rooted in a personal connection that dates back to my childhood. Visiting the castle left an indelible impression on me, igniting a passion for its rich history and cultural significance. Now, as the Operations Coordinator, I am driven by the opportunity to contribute to the Foundation’s mission and help underserved students experience the same sense of wonder and appreciation for the history that fills the castle’s walls.” “In my role, I aim to enhance our members’ experiences and elevate the quality of events, creating memorable moments that resonate with the unique magic of Hearst Castle. Drawing inspiration from the enchantment felt during visits, I will curate experiences that foster a sense of wonder for the history within the castle’s walls, ensuring each interaction becomes a distinctive and unforgettable journey for our esteemed members and event attendees. Cheers to 2024 and preserving our beloved landmark,” states Mia Fuggetta. The Foundation at Hearst Castle strives to support all members’ experiences. You can learn how to become a member and support our mission at Support Us | Foundation At Hearst Castle The Foundation at Hearst Castle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association affiliated with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument® and the San Luis Obispo Coast District of California State Parks. EIN 77-0068533.
The Foundation at Hearst Castle Announces A New Board Member
SAN SIMEON, CA, SEPTEMBER 7, 2023 — The Board of Directors for The Foundation at Hearst Castle is pleased to announce that Douglas Ayres , Partner in the Ayres Hotels Collection, which includes The Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles, a property he developed and designed, has joined the Foundations Board of Directors. “Having Douglass join our board is very personal for me as we grew up together in Newport Beach and I have such admiration for his love of art and culture which compliments his business acumen,” says Mitch Massey, Executive Director for The Foundation at Hearst Castle. ‘I am very honored to be a board member of the Foundation at Hearst Castle”, says Douglas Ayres, Partner, Ayres Hotels Collection. “The memory is clear when I first visited the castle when I was 8 years old, It was awe-inspiring by the vision and building of what WR Hearst and Julia Morgan had accomplished,” adds Ayres. My love of art and architecture today was influenced over the many years of returning to tour the castle. Allegretto Resort is my version of the influences of my travels and collections of art & artifacts weaving together a symphony of Joy,” adds Ayres. Douglas was instrumental in creating the updated European ambiance for which the Ayres Hotels collection is known. He brings a William Randolph Hearst feel to our foundation considering Douglas was taken with the beauty and agriculture of the Central Coast region and has populated the hotel with arts and artifacts from his many travels throughout South America, Asia, Europe and beyond. On a personal note, Douglas has competed in five transpacific sailboat ocean races. On land, he travels around the world often with his wife Michelle and he is an avid winemaker. The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s Board consists of Christopher Burgart (Director), Gail Cayetano-Classic (Director), Victor Herrera (Director), Margaret Klevins (Director), Sam Mazzeo (Director), Bob Priola (Director), Dia Rianda (Director), Pilaar Terry (Director), Bill Thoma (Director), Nikki Wilmore (Director), Kristin Rasmussen (Treasurer), Evelyn Plemons (Secretary) Schuyler Hoversten (Vice President), Abraham Marquez (Board President) — View the full board here and learn more about the foundation here. The Foundation at Hearst Castle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association affiliated with Hearst SanSimeon State Historical Monument® and the San Luis Obispo Coast District of California StateParks. EIN 77-0068533.
The Foundation at Hearst Castle Announces Two New Board Members
SAN SIMEON, CA, JUNE 22, 2023 — The Board of Directors for The Foundation at Hearst Castle is pleased to announce two new directors who have joined the organization. Both are San Luis Obispo County residents: Bill Thoma, President of Thoma Electric, Inc. and Margaret Klevins, SVP and Local Market Executive for Bank of America. “Our board of directors now consists of 15 thought and business leaders representing many regions of California, which help support our partnership with California State Parks,” says Mitch Massey, Executive Director for The Foundation at Hearst Castle. “I have always been committed to children’s education and programs to support the underprivileged, whether it be sports, performing arts, education, or homelessness. Being part of the community has always been my passion and it goes hand in hand with the Foundation’s mission” says Bill Thoma, President of Thoma Electric, Inc. In the early 1990s, Bill had the honor of working with the Friends of Hearst Castle Lighting Committee, PG&E, California State Parks and other volunteers and donors to upgrade the hilltop’s electrical and lighting system, making evening tours possible for the first time. Bill says the privilege of working on this project was one of the great achievements of his career. “It’s an honor to be asked to join such a prestigious board that has always been an extension of my love for art and preservation,” says Margaret Klevins, Senior Vice President and Local Market Executive for Bank of America. Margaret currently serves on the executive committee and board of directors for Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo, and until recently was co-chair for the Bank of America Community Volunteers. Prior network engagements include communication chair for the first Seattle chapter of LEAF (Legacy for Elder Advancement Foundation) and active memberships in the Bank of America employee networks for Asian Leadership and Hispanic Leadership. Learn more about the foundation here. The Foundation at Hearst Castle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association affiliated with Hearst SanSimeon State Historical Monument® and the San Luis Obispo Coast District of California StateParks. EIN 77-0068533.
Meet The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s Newest Board Members
In early 2022, The Foundation at Hearst Castle added four new board members, Gail Cayetano-Classick, Sam Mazzeo, Christopher Burgart, and Bob Priola.
A View From the Past: Christmas in San Simeon
Kristin Rasmussen recounts her grandmother’s recollection of Christmas in San Simeon in the 1920s. Grandma Norma grew up in San Simeon, CA at the foot of Hearst Castle.
Online Experience: Hearst & Hollywood
Enjoy a 75-minute virtual tour of the Hearst Castle with an expert guide, focusing on W.R. Hearst and all things Hollywood.
Online Experience: Hearst & Hollywood
Enjoy a 75-minute virtual tour of the Hearst Castle with an expert guide, focusing on W.R. Hearst and all things Hollywood.
Online Experience: Hearst & Hollywood
Enjoy a 75-minute virtual tour of the Hearst Castle with an expert guide, focusing on W.R. Hearst and all things Hollywood.
The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s Board of Directors Finally Meets In-Person Again
This Fall, The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s board of directors met in-person for the first time in 17 months.
Conservation Highlight: 15th-Century Italian Marble Wellhead
Since 1985, The Foundation at Hearst Castle has raised funds to support the conservation of pieces like this 15th-century Italian marble wellhead.


