Gala a Rousing Success

Virtual Gala A ROUSING SUCCESS!

y any standard of measure, the Oaks Christian Virtual Gala “Together, A Day to Give” was

a rousing success, netting over $740,000 through sponsorships, silent and live auction items and Moment to Give contributions.

Like many other non-profits adjusting to the pandemic, Oaks Christian School hosted a virtual gala for the first time ever, and the total raised was the second highest in school history. The highest-netting gala was the last one, in-person, with former President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush at the Reagan Presidential Library in 2019. “What an amazing event. We are so grateful to God for all He has done through our generous donors to make this night a success,“ said Chief Development Officer Eddie Moore. “The future is bright because we are able to continue sending young men and women out into the world with minds for leadership and hearts for service. We couldn’t do it without you, our amazing community of partners and supporters. Thank you!”

The online event saw lively bidding action on items such as a European river cruise, a week-long African Safari, an exclusive Dodger package with Orel Hershiser, a purebred Labrador Retriever puppy, Napa Valley Wine tour, and more. The highest package, a Mexican Villa vacation extravaganza, topped the bidding at $35,000.

A ROUSING SUCCESS!

Despite the online nature, registered guests got into the spirit of the event, hosting watch parties at their homes, some complete with catered meals, full, sit-down elegant dinners and outdoor cocktail hours.

OCS parent Jean Kim and her family hosted a party at their home, and while they missed an in-person event, they enjoyed watching along with others.

“I loved gathering with other OCS parents in a social setting especially after the year we’ve had. It was just so nice to hang out and watch the gala together,” she said. “It definitely wasn’t the same BUT the school definitely made it the best it could be. All in all, it was SO much fun!” Fellow OCS parent Ryan O’Quinn who, along with his wife, cohosted the event with the Echevarria family and two other OCS families at the Echevarria home, echoes the sentiment.

“While it was no comparison to an in-person event, it was far better than having no event. We made the best of it by casting the full program on the big screen and enjoying each other’s company,” said O’Quinn.

“I enjoyed seeing the students showcase some of their gifts on behalf of the gala, such as the music at the top, the song on the beach at the end (of the livestream). It helps underscore the reason we are all a part of this amazing school,” he added.

ACADEMICS Offering innovative new institutes and individual learning pathways

ARTS Connecting an incredible arts program with the Godgiven talent bestowed on our students

ATHLETICS Nationally recognized athletics program with state-ofthe-art facilities that allow students to compete at the highest levels

SUPPORTING the ONE OAKS MISSION

Annual fund gifts make the most immediate impact in the life of the school because they are used in the year they are given.

The “One Oaks” Annual Fund will support the needs and priorities of the school each year and ensure excellence in ALL of our programs including academics, arts, and athletics.

Advancement of Oaks Christian School is a community-based effort to ensure annual funding for our outstanding programs, amazing teachers and the future of Christian education. Annual donations impact every area of the school. We work to build trust and partnership with our parents.

The Annual “One Oaks” Fund is the foundation of fundraising at Oaks Christian. Like other independent schools, unrestricted gifts provide critical resources for students, programs and teachers not covered by tuition. These gifts allow the forward-thinking and continuous improvement that is expected at a school the caliber of Oaks Christian.

OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

31749 LA TIENDA DRIVE • WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91362 WWW.OAKSCHRISTIAN.ORG

Make a Gift

VISIT www.oakschristian.org/support CONTACT Chief Development Officer Eddie Moore at emoore@oakschristian.org CALL 818.575.9204