Oak Park Business Alliance will help schools, worthy causes

Concerned business leaders and owners have joined together to establish the Oak Park Business Alliance (OPBA) to raise funds and donate time to Oak Park schools and community nonprofits serving Oak Park residents.

The members of OPBA are residents and have been active volunteers in the community for many years.

Last year, OPBA founder and local realtor Diantha Shaffer called a group together with the intent to make an even bigger impact on the community through funding and volunteering.

"It’s the quality of life and the outstanding staff and curriculum in our schools that keep Oak Park one of the most desirable places to live," Shaffer said. "Because of that, we enjoy terrific real estate values."

Recognizing that future budget cuts could severely impact every child and every homeowner in Oak Park, the OPBA has committed to donating a minimum of 20 percent of all profits realized through the group to the schools and community. In addition to monetary gifts, members will also give one hour or more of service to each beneficiary group.

"We want to make a difference in our community and lead by example," said Jeffrey Lee, financial planner and OPBA marketing chair. "It’s no longer enough to live in Oak Park, pay your taxes and simply exist," said Laura Root of Customized Gift Baskets and OPBA treasurer.

"To maintain the gifts that living in our community provides to our children requires us as business owners and residents to contribute on a larger scale," Root said.

Since forming in December 2003, the group has already contributed nearly $1,000, giving to the Oak Park High School (OPHS) Track Improvement Fund, the OPHS Performing Arts Club and the OPHS Education Foundation.

The OPBA provides the services of certified public accounting, financial planning, real estate sales and purchases, residential appraisals, mortgage loans and equity lines, handyman services, business planning and start-up for-profit and not-for-profit, personalized gift giving and freelance general office assistance.

For more information, please call Shaffer at (818) 292-2002.