Oaks Christian Guide to Giving and Getting Involved

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OAKS CHRISTIAN GUIDE TO GIVING A N D G E T T I N G I N V O LV E D

Continue the Legacy

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Over the years, Oaks Christian School has been blessed by thousands of individuals and families who have supported the school’s philanthropic initiatives and provided the means to build our programs and fund our facilities. Although our beautiful Westlake Village campus is now a model of modern Christian education, it took many prayerful years and incredible generosity to solidify the facilities.

In a true answer to prayer, God provided the resources through our founders David Price and Dallas Price-Van Breda to fulfill their dream of a Christian school where their grandchildren and many other students could pursue “a mind for leadership and a heart for service.”

As we enter our 20th year, the dream is renewed through ongoing, philanthropic efforts of OCS supporters who give of their time, talent and treasure. It is the privilege and responsibility of our current families to ensure a strong partnership is alive and resources are available both now and in the future.

This conviction has led our advancement team to dedicate ourselves to procuring the resources necessary through the ONE OAKS FUND. We believe this will ensure premium Christian education for future generations of students in the Conejo Valley, the state of California and beyond. We look forward to meeting you and working with you in partnership at Oaks Christian School.

From our humble beginnings with less than 200 students, to the development of the Westlake campus for middle school and high school, the learning center and most recently the residential life boarding facility and IDEA Lab, Oaks Christian School has relied on the generosity of donors to support our mission.

Oaks Christian School must acquire all funds for operations and capital improvements through tuition and fees, annual charitable contributions, and occasional capital campaigns. We follow the Independent School Financial Model, wherein charitable giving finances significant enhancements to our programs. At Oaks Christian School, these enhancements and our pursuit of excellence—are funded by annual giving to the ONE OAKS FUND. The solicitation of these tax-deductible donations is intended to enable our families to give based upon their ability and calling rather than forcing their hands by only raising tuition.

Every student at Oaks Christian School is a beneficiary of charitable contributions made by past and present donors. These gifts continue to allow us to cultivate Lions with a mind for leadership and a heart for service who positively impact their communities and the world. For some students, an Oaks Christian School education is only possible because of the generosity of donors.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about the various ways to give to Oaks Christian School as outlined in this brochure. We truly believe that God will continue to bless the OCS ministry and impact. Your generosity is a vital component of extending the Oaks Christian School legacy into the future.

“Just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”

-2 Corinthians 8:7

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OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 31749 La Tienda Drive • Westlake Village, CA 91362 • www.oakschristian.org

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OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 31749 La Tienda Drive • Westlake Village, CA 91362 • www.oakschristian.org

Frequently UN-asked Questions

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Oaks Christian School has a tradition of philanthropy, and your gifts help ensure that we continually strive for excellence in our school. Every aspect of the school and mission is touched by annual giving through the ONE OAKS FUND including our A3 curriculum (Academic Excellence, Artistic Expression, and Athletic Distinction), financial assistance, and employee compensation.

Parents often come to Oaks Christian School with very different views of and experiences with philanthropy, and many have questions. It is our philosophy that all members of our school community should support annual giving at a level that is appropriate for them. To offer a better understanding of our philanthropic philosophy, we provide this list of some frequently “un-asked” questions, featuring topics that you may have questions about but feel uncomfortable addressing.

Why does Oaks Christian have the annual giving campaign (ONE OAKS FUND)?

In a manner consistent with many independent schools, Oaks Christian School relies on income beyond tuition to fully support its students and programs. Annual gifts to the ONE OAKS FUND are used during the year in which they are received and are the primary source of unrestricted funds we use to invest in our students. Ensuring broad support of the ONE OAKS FUND, through annual giving, is the most crucial part of OCS’ fundraising initiatives, and these gifts have the most direct and immediate impact on the school.

Why doesn’t Oaks Christian School operate like other businesses and at least charge the full cost of its educational offerings through tuition?

Oaks Christian School employs the Independent School Financial Model, which is like most of our private school counterparts. This model understands as fact that tuition dollars alone cannot support the breadth and quality of curriculum, activities, and facilities at Southern California’s stellar private schools. The amount of tuition necessary to fund our current level of education would price Oaks Christian School well beyond our counterparts and further restrict the number and types of families who could afford to attend. If tuition equaled or exceeded cost, enrollment would be limited, which in turn could mean a cutback in programs and opportunities for students. More importantly, it would also negatively impact the socio-economic diversity of our student body.

The solicitation of tax-deductible donations helps our families give based upon their ability and calling rather than by forcing their hand through raising tuition. Finally, a gift to Oaks Christian School is tax-deductible whereas tuition is not.

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OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 31749 La Tienda Drive • Westlake Village, CA 91362 • www.oakschristian.org

Why does Oaks Christian School ask that I support the ONE OAKS FUND each year?

There are many reasons why we have implemented the ONE OAKS FUND as the primary source to fund our pursuit of excellence in all our programs.

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Two of the most important points are as follows: Directed giving towards a specific program or teacher does not ensure that a standard for excellence is maintained throughout our entire curriculum. Oaks Christian School is committed to maintaining the highest standards in all areas of our A3 curriculum. Directed giving cannot only skew funds solely towards high profile programs; it can also cause the administration to be subject to the unpredictable financial capacity of parents with children currently involved in certain programs. A school must be able to predictably support all of its programs and cannot let a program’s success rise and fall as determined by specific parental involvement. Furthermore, one of our most important programs, financial assistance, is not one that can be supported by its direct beneficiaries. Creating Lions with a mind for leadership and a heart for service requires contributions that benefit all students in their personal pursuit of academic excellence, artistic expression and athletic distinction.

Although rarely discussed or directly desired, restricted giving to a program or teacher creates an unspoken contract between the giver and the receiver that is extremely undesirable in a Christian school environment. Some direct givers expect preferential treatment for their children and are disappointed if such treatment is not forthcoming.

Conversely, some teachers and coaches feel pressure to give preferential treatment to the student of a donor, even if no such treatment was expected or desired. This unspoken contract can also exert influence over a specific program in a way that is similarly dysfunctional. Oaks Christian School is committed to providing equal opportunity for all our students, families, and employees, regardless of socio-economic status. Directed giving makes this commitment difficult to maintain, both practically and perceptually. The ONE OAKS FUND is the vehicle that makes our commitment to equal opportunity possible.

“My fellow believers, do not practice your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of partiality.” -James 2:1

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OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 31749 La Tienda Drive • Westlake Village, CA 91362 • www.oakschristian.org

Getting Involved Giving at Oaks Christian School means so much more than just dollars! Find a passion and get connected! We are excited to forge this partnership with you. Each year with our teachers, the spiritual life department and parents, the advancement office is committed to helping you make long-term, meaningful connections with the school and each other.

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Volunteer There are many tangible ways you can use your gifts, talents, or expertise! You can help organize and execute special events, help in our school café, or join an event committee, and many more. These are vital responsibilities of our current families in the One Oaks community. If you have a knack for getting great items donated, please consider joining our golf and tennis tournaments or dinner auction gala committees. This is a great way to bond with other parents while benefitting the school’s main fundraising events. Visit our Volunteer Survey Match at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ocsvolunteers2019-20 or call our Volunteer Coordinator Ginger Kohler at 818.575.9202.

Foundations of the Faith 101 What we Believe and Why we Believe it Do you want to be able to engage with your student in deeper spiritual conversations?

Then join our Thursday conversations and learn more about what your students are studying in their Bible classes! No prior Bible knowledge is necessary. In this class, we will study the foundations of the Christian faith, and provide an introduction to the Bible.

Notebooks will be provided on the first day of class. Bring a Bible if you have one, if not one will be provided.

Please email Executive Assistant to Spiritual Life Sherrie Mitchell at smitchell@oakschristian.org to register.

Please email Associate Head of School of Spiritual Life Dee Dee Mayer at dlmayer@oakschristian.org for more information.

Christian Discipleship Christian Discipleship will be taught over eight weeks by High School Director of Spiritual Life Rev. Rich Gregory, who has taught this class to several hundred students and dozens of adults The class will focus on what it means to be a disciple, living an abundant, loving, purposeful, self-sacrificial, and joyful life.The class will use the Bible and Dallas Willard’s “The Divine Conspiracy” as its primary texts.

Please contact High School Spiritual Life Director Rich Gregory at rgregory@oakschristian.org for more information or questions.

“Two are better than one because they have a more satisfying return for their labor; for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and does not have another to lift him up.” -Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10

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OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 31749 La Tienda Drive • Westlake Village, CA 91362 • www.oakschristian.org

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How We Honor Our Supporters Oaks Christian School is grateful to those who give their time, talent, and treasure to advance our mission. We recognize and thank our supporters through community recognition by adding their names in our Annual Stewardship Report, which is published each fall. Furthermore, all those who donate $2,500 or more are invited to the annual Leadership Appreciation Dinner with other OCS supporters, members of the senior leadership team, board of trustees and our Head of School Rob Black.

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ANNUAL GIVING CATEGORIES Annual Giving: Oaks Christian Leadership Giving Circle The Oaks Christian Leadership Giving Circle honors those whose cumulative gifts during the current fiscal year total $2,500 or more. Pledges are counted in the year they are funded.

• One Oaks Diamond Level- $50,000 and above • One Oaks Platinum Level- $25,000- $49,999 • One Oaks Gold Level- $10,000- $24,999 • One Oaks Cardinal Level- $2,500- $9,999 Annual Giving: One Oaks Nation Members of the One Oaks Nation contribute to the school in many ways including financial gifts up to $2,499.

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OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 31749 La Tienda Drive • Westlake Village, CA 91362 • www.oakschristian.org

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Artistic Expression

Planning Your Giving

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Annual Gifts to the ONE OAKS FUND Each family is asked to contribute annually in support of Oaks Christian School. Annual gifts to the ONE OAKS FUND are used to increase the general operating budget for the fiscal year and ensure that each student and teacher have the resources they need to succeed.

Throughout each school year, current parents, grandparents, alumni, alumni families, faculty, staff, and friends of Oaks Christian School partner with us in contributing to and raising resources for our mission. The ONE OAKS FUND supports a broad array of programs and services including our A3 curriculum (academic excellence, artistic expression, athletic distinction), need-based financial assistance; and employee compensation.

The leadership team and board of trustees is committed to being good stewards of your generous contributions by providing excellent opportunities for every student, from academic programs and extracurricular activities, to facility improvements and maintenance.

PERIODIC GIFTS TO CAPITAL PROJECTS Families may be asked periodically to make a gift to a capital campaign for restoring or building a new facility on the Oaks Christian School campus. These infrequent campaigns, are of the utmost importance and ensure that our state-of-the-art facilities remain excellent.

ESTATE PLANNING AND ENDOWMENT OCS provides resources for families who want to leave a legacy or endowment gift, through estate planning. You can learn more about gift and estate planning by contacting our Chief Development Officer Eddie Moore at emoore@oakschristian.org.

DECIDING HOW MUCH TO GIVE Oak Christian School expects every current family to give annually at a level equal to their financial ability AND personal desire to see young people equipped with “minds for leadership and hearts for service.” Achieving our goal enables Oaks Christian School to seek additional funding or corporate grants from foundations who factor in constituent support when awarding grants. As each family’s financial situation varies, participation means different things to different members of our community. We are hopeful that the average gift per child is at least $1,500 annually. However, since each family is unique, we understand that not all will be able to participate at such a level. To achieve the necessary funding to maintain our commitment to excellence in all our programs, families with higher annual incomes may be able to contribute more money than families with lower annual incomes. In a manner consistent with all philanthropic giving, this system provides that each gift, no matter the amount, is meaningful and matches a donor’s capacity to give. Donors with the generosity and financial ability to make a gift of at least $2,500 or more will qualify for the Leadership Giving Circle.

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OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 31749 La Tienda Drive • Westlake Village, CA 91362 • www.oakschristian.org

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Athletic Distinction

Ways to Give Cash, Check, or Credit Make checks payable to “Oaks Christian School One Oaks Fund” and use the enclosed envelope to send your gift. You may also visit oakschristian.org/give to make a gift online using a credit card.

Gifts of Stock Visit oakschristian.org/give to download our stock transfer instruction form.

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Planned Giving For more information about including Oaks Christian School in your estate plan, please contact Chief Development Officer Eddie Moore at emoore@oakschristian.org.

Matching Gifts Double your gift to Oaks Christian School! Many gifts qualify for company matches. Find out if your company will match your charitable donations: visit oakschristian.org/give and click the matching gift tab.

Gifts In-Kind Visit oakschristian.org/give to download the In-kind gift form for use when giving tangible personal property. This is a great way to contribute to our annual golf and tennis tournaments and our dinner auction gala.

Memorial or Honorary Gifts Pay special tribute by making a gift to Oaks Christian School in memory or in honor of a family member, friend, colleague, or group.

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” -Luke 12: 48

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OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 31749 La Tienda Drive • Westlake Village, CA 91362 • www.oakschristian.org

2019 GOLF TOURNAMENT & LADIES TENNIS TOURNAMENT SAVE THE DATE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2019 NORTH RANCH COUNTRY CLUB

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Continental Breakfast | BBQ Lunch On-Course Food & Beverage Stations Giveaways | Mulligan Package Course Contests | Putting Contest

Round-Robin Format Luncheon | Awards Raffle | Fabulous Swag Bags

NORTH RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 4761 Valley Spring Drive Westlake Village, CA 91362

For more information, contact: Monika Evans 818.575.9278 mevans@oakschristian.org

SILENT AND LIVE AUCTION SUPPORTING OAKS CHRISTIAN STUDENTS VERY SPECIAL GUESTS TBA

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31749 La Tienda Drive • Westlake Village, CA 91362 www.oakschristian.org