Coming together at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village in April, the Oaks Christian community raised more than $2 million in support of the school’s mission at its annual Dinner Auction Gala.
Inspired by the generosity of Oaks Christian founder Dallas Price-Van Breda’s surprise matching gift challenge—pledging to match up to $1 million raised through auctions, direct donations and the Moment to Give campaign—the school community rose to the challenge, helping to achieve the fundraising milestone.
Emceed by Oaks Christian parent Neal McDonough, whose warmth and humor energized the evening, the program included performances by Grammy Award-winning producer David Foster and singer-songwriter Katharine McPhee, as well as vocalist Daniel Emmet, who earned a standing ovation with his powerful performance.
The live auction featured 10 exclusive items, including a rare 1927 World Series Yankees baseball signed by Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and other “Murderers’ Row” players, which sold for $24,000; an Australian Labradoodle puppy ($15,000); a luxury resort getaway ($44,000); and a unique Navy SEAL experience with a retired commander ($40,000).
Alumni also shared inspiring stories that reflected Oaks Christian’s commitment to academic excellence, artistic expression and athletic achievement. Olympians Amanda Longan (Class of 2015), Adrian Weinberg (Class of 2019) and Morgan Stickney (OCO Class of 2016) spoke about how their Oaks Christian experience helped shape their journeys to the world stage.
Alumna Emily Ricks Hahn (Class of 2019) moved the audience by sharing that knowledge gained in her science classes enabled her to recognize a life-threatening medical condition, ultimately changing the course of her life and future aspirations.
The evening was a celebration of generosity, community and the lasting impact Oaks Christian continues to have on the lives of its students and alumni.