Oaks Christian hosts Latin-style gala

PHILANTHROPISTS—Oaks Christian School Headmaster Jeff Woodcock, center, is flanked by Stephanie and Mark Wracher, one of three couples named Philanthropists of the Year at the school's annual dinner auction. Oaks Christian School hosted its ninth annual dinner auction on May 8 on the school campus.

More than 800 guests attended "Ven Conmigo . . . Come With Me," a gala-themed fundraiser.

Guests were treated to an assortment of Latinstyle foods presented by Rincon Catering. Attendees also had the opportunity to bid on more than 500 silent auction items.

Much of the decor was created by hand by Oaks Christian parents. The school's Bedrosian Pavilion was transformed into a hacienda.

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

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 support himself while attending his previous school in Canada. Now living with a local family, 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 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 the school's financial aid program.