Hundreds turn out to support Oaks Christian

PHILANTHROPISTS—Oaks Christian School's Headmaster Jeff Woodcock, center, is flanked by Stephanie and Mark Wracher. The Wrachers are one of three couples named Philanthropists of the Year at the school's annual dinner auction. Along with Chet and Cindy Huffman, and Karl and Dian Zeile, the Wrachers were honored as the 2009 Philanthropists of the Year at the gala, which took place May 8 at the school. Amidst salsa dancers and Latin music, Oaks Christian School hosted its ninth annual dinner auction on May 8 on the school campus.

More than 800 guests—school families, friends and members of the community—attended "Ven Conmigo . . . Come With Me," a gala-themed fundraiser.

Guests were treated to an assortment of Latinstyle foods presented as a casual strolling dinner by Rincon Catering. Attendees also had the opportunity to bid on more than 500 silent auction items donated by parents, faculty and local businesses.

Much of the decor was created by hand by Oaks Christian parents, who hammered and painted for weeks in advance. The school's Bedrosian Pavilion was transformed into a hacienda by Go West Productions of Westlake Village.

The evening also included a live auction and entertainment.

The master of ceremonies was local sports announcer Fred Roggin. Entertainment featured six middle and high school students who auditioned in April for the opportunity to work with Grammy-winning producer and Oaks Christian parent Jimmy Jam in preparation for the event.

A video presentation depicted the story of senior Jordan Morrison, a financial aid recipient and outstanding student who, through family hardship, used to struggle to completely support himself while attending his previous school in Canada. Now living with a local family, also his legal guardian, Jordan has excelled academically and athletically at Oaks Christian. He will attend Brown University in the fall.

Oaks Christian parent David Phillips, president of the international organization Children's Hunger Fund, also talked about how Oaks Christian has made a difference to his family.

Chet and Cindy Huffman, Karl and Dian Zeile, and Mark and Stephanie Wracher were honored as the 2009 Philanthropists of the Year.

Oaks Christian parent Kathleen Downey of Thousand Oaks won the grand prize in the opportunity drawing, one year's free tuition to the school.

The event raised funds for Oaks Christian's student financial aid program.

Oaks Christian School is a private independent school serving students in grades six to 12 from Los Angeles and eastern Ventura counties.