Our History

A Brief LACF’s History

The Lao Arts and Cultural Foundation, Inc. was officially organized as a Non-Profit 501 © 3 Tax exempt organization on May 23rd, 2014.  EIN:  47-1084767. The staff included Mr. Chantho Vorasarn served as a Chairman of the Board of the Directors, Mr. Somdeth Inthalangsy served as an Executive President, and Mr. Khoutkeo Vongsalay served as a Treasurer. On January 30th, 2020, fifty Lao families and the members of the LACF had purchased a lot of more than two acres and the existing buildings included in the amount of $725,000 after consistently looking for a physical building center for almost forty years. Acknowledging that the property was needed a request to change the way the property was formerly used to be a facility that serves the Lao community as a social gathering place, an educational center, a senior center, and a Lao Global Heritage Center in the Tampa Bay area covering three counties such as Pinellas, Hillsboro, and Manatee where the most former Lao refugees in Florida live. The request was unanimously approved and by the Pinellas County Court hearing on 3/5/ 2020. The address is located at 4090 58th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33714. The existing buildings include one big hall with 350 capacities, a small hall with 130 capacities, 1 conference room and 4 office rooms, a 3 bedroom-house with 2 bathrooms, 8 classrooms, 1 apartment building with 2 level-floor with 2 units, 2 bedrooms, and 2 bath and a warehouse.

            Unfortunately, right after the closing date, the COVID-19 pandemic had stopped all prepared activities and put us in a very difficult financial situation. The organization was unable to generate any income to pay our monthly bills and the operational expenses up to the present time. Therefore, we would humbly ask every organization and individual to please make a charitable contribution in any amount as you wish to help us saving the future existence and growth of the LACF. We welcome any unspecified and even minimal donation and thank you in advance for your generosity. If you wish to dedicate your generous support, please write a check or Money Order payable to: “Lao Arts and Cultural Foundation, Inc.” which will be Tax Deductible. We always are grateful to every generous donor and lender who have made a such historically important decision for the common good of the Lao American society. 

St. Petersburg, Florida, 7/19/2021