2025-2026
ANNUAL REPORT
Think of what our community can achieve when passion meets purpose.
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS 05 06 07 08 10 11 12 14 17 18 22 27 28 31 32 35
A Letter From Our President & CEO Who We Are About the Foundation Foundation Team Financial Summary Season Sponsors Annual Campaigns Making an Impact A Transformational Gift Support Groups Special Events Grants & In-Kind Donations Campus Improvements Think Together Community Outreach Looking Ahead
Disclaimer: This 2025-2026 Annual Report includes gifts received between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. All donor lists are reflective of how they were originally published throughout the 2025-2026 school year and/or donor preference. Please accept our sincere apologies for any inadvertent omissions or errors. 3
Our students embrace new opportunities and continuously set new standards for artistic and academic achievement.
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A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO Dear Friends, I am filled with gratitude for the entire Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) community and all that we accomplished together during the 2025-2026 school year. It was a year of remarkable growth, exciting transformation, and extraordinary achievement, made possible by the generosity and commitment of supporters like you. It is my pleasure to share the OCSA Foundation’s 2025-2026 Annual Report, highlighting the impact of your philanthropy and our shared dedication to student success. Your support strengthened the student experience in countless ways. Incredible individual donors, increased corporate sponsorships, and growing partnerships with community organizations enhanced schoolwide programs, elevated artistic excellence, and expanded access to an OCSA education for talented students with financial needs. Because of your investment, more young artists are discovering their passions, refining their talents, and finding a place where they truly belong. Supported by exceptional faculty and staff, engaged families, generous philanthropists, and a community that believes in their potential, OCSA students continue to excel. This year, they earned prestigious recognition in both the arts and academics, pursued remarkable opportunities for higher education and artistic growth, and demonstrated the creativity, discipline, and resilience that define the OCSA experience. In the 2026-2027 school year, we are thrilled to celebrate OCSA’s 40th Anniversary – a milestone honoring four decades of artistic excellence, educational innovation, and lives transformed through the arts. While we celebrate our history, we are equally inspired by the future we are building together. Thank you for believing in our mission and investing in the next generation of artists, scholars, and leaders. Together, we are creating opportunities, strengthening our community, and ensuring that every talented student has the chance to thrive. With heartfelt appreciation,
Teren Shaffer President & CEO Orange County School of the Arts
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WHO WE ARE Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA), a public charter school located in the heart of Santa Ana, California, provides a six-year comprehensive academic and arts conservatory program to students in grades 7-12. Established in 1987, OCSA is one of the premier arts schools in the nation, where aspiring young artists have the opportunity to refine their skills and flourish in one of 17 preprofessional arts conservatories. OCSA provides a rigorous collegepreparatory academic program that produces high-achieving, motivated scholars. For four decades, the school has impacted thousands of students, molding generations of creative thinkers, leaders, artists, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
MISSION STATEMENT We provide an unparalleled arts and academic education in a creative, challenging, and nurturing environment to a diverse group of students who are passionate about the arts, preparing them to reach their highest potential.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL ARTS EDUCATION SCHOOL OF APPLIED ARTS Arts & Enterprise Conservatory The Mekjian Family Culinary Arts & Hospitality Conservatory SCHOOL OF DANCE Ballet & Contemporary Dance Conservatory Ballet Folklórico Dance Conservatory Ballroom Dance Conservatory Commercial Dance Conservatory
AWARDS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
OCSA has received honors and recognition for innovation and excellence in both arts and academic education. Recent awards include: • Exemplary School (Arts Schools Network, 2023-2028) • California Exemplary Arts Education Award (California Department of Education, 2026) • Exceptional Charter School in Special Education (NASET, 2017-2026) • Best Charter High Schools in California (Niche, 2026) • Best High Schools in America (U.S. News & World Report, 2008-2026)
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SCHOOL OF FINE & MEDIA ARTS Creative Writing Conservatory Martin & Cynthia Howard Design & Media Conservatory Film & Television Conservatory Integrated Arts Conservatory Visual Arts Conservatory SCHOOL OF MUSIC Classical Voice Conservatory Instrumental Music Conservatory Popular Music Conservatory SCHOOL OF THEATRE The El-Erian Family Acting Conservatory Hal Struck Musical Theatre Conservatory Production & Design Conservatory
ABOUT THE OCSA FOUNDATION Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) is a donationdependent public charter school. No student is offered or denied admission based upon their family’s financial capacity. While the State of California provides funding for the academic instructional program offered at OCSA, approximately $15 million must be raised on an annual basis to fund the arts conservatory programs. The OCSA Foundation is dedicated to the financial support of the school’s arts programs, relying on the generosity of individual donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors. The OCSA Foundation is responsible for leading annual fundraising and capital campaigns, special events, alumni engagement, community outreach initiatives, marketing, public relations, and graphic design, helping to provide the transformational OCSA experience for all students.
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Together, we are creating opportunities, strengthening our community, and ensuring that every talented student has the chance to thrive.
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2025-2026 FOUNDATION TEAM LEADERSHIP President & CEO Teren Shaffer
Production Coordinator
COO Gregory Endelman, Ed.D.
Carissa Lazatin
Vice President of Communications Kelly Andrews
DEVELOPMENT / SPECIAL EVENTS
Vice President of Development Elizabeth Ton (MT, ‘95)
COMMUNICATIONS Director of Marketing Amanda Devine Director of Public Relations Julia Gutierrez Senior Graphic Designer Ricardo Mesina Graphic Designers Matthew Cadiz and Anel Cantu
Senior Director of Special Events Jamie Schofield Director of Special Event Productions Michael Von Hoffman Director of Development Anna Belmer Jackson (MT, ‘13) Development Manager Katie Perry Page (MT, ‘11) Special Events Associate Julia Rudge (CMD, ‘16) Grant Consultant Andrew Pilger
Alumni Relations Associate
Public Relations & Marketing Associate Michaela Perez (MT, ‘15)
April Deutschman (MT, ‘96)
Marketing & Development Junior Associate Darren Bautista
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
CREATIVE Creative Director Cindy Peca-Dolan Foundation & Creative Team Associate Jacob Piattoni (CMD, ‘18) Musical Director Melissa Wackerman Foundation & Creative Team Junior Associate Quinn Olesiuk
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Band Director Marc Wein
Vocal Director Gavin Thrasher
Senior Director of Community Engagement Brian Stevens Community Engagement Manager Kaitlyn Tice Community Engagement Associate Cindy Gutierrez Community Engagement Associate: Program Support Larry Mayorquin Community Engagement Associate: Program Support Tyree Marshall Community Engagement Associate: Administrative Support Vanessa Ho
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FINANCIAL SUMMARY FYE June 30, 2026, unaudited
OPERATING REVENUES: $7,855,441 Special Events - $2,123,853 Annual Campaigns - $1,350,126 Community Programs - $886,498
+
Support Groups - $492,246 Partnerships - $2,754,974 Other - $247,744
27% 35%
17% 12%
OPERATING EXPENSES: $5,648,503 Payroll & Benefits - $2,032,120 Special Events - $1,266,666 Community Programs - $619,902 General & Administrative - $345,830 2% 6%
The OCSA Foundation was thrilled to receive several transformational, one-time contributions to the OCSA Endowment. Read more about the OCSA Endowment on page 17!
+
3%
6%
$5,665,000
Support Groups - $97,114 Partnerships - $1,102,824 Donor Cultivation - $56,139 Other - $127,908
$9,906,174 In addition to the funds raised through the OCSA Foundation’s 501(c)(3), the OCSA Foundation team – in partnership with conservatory directors and the Business Office – is also responsible for the annual Conservatory Funding Agreement (CFA) campaign. These funds were allocated directly to the school’s 501(c)(3).
1% 2%
11% 36% 20% 22%
OCSA Foundation Net Revenue (excluding CFA and endowment contributions): $1,797,838 OCSA Foundation Contribution to the School’s 501(c)(3): $1,500,000 10
$23,416,615 This amount represents the combined total raised in support of OCSA’s programs.
SEASON SPONSORS Thank you to our 2025-2026 Season Sponsors! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous Season Sponsors, whose invaluable support empowers the OCSA Foundation to provide transformative arts and academic programs. Their partnership plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of creative leaders.
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ANNUAL CAMPAIGNS ARTIST SCHOLAR SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
Raised $300,079
The Artist Scholar Sponsorship Program supports more than 200 economically disadvantaged students who attend OCSA and whose families are living below the national poverty level. This campaign not only helps fund the arts conservatory portion of their school day, but also ensures they have access to the full OCSA experience, including school dances, yearbooks, technology, and school supplies. Thank you to our 2025-2026 Artist Scholar Sponsorship Program donors! The Albertsons Companies Foundation AWES.Me Inc. Tristan Alva Memorial Scholarship* Dr. Gretchen and James Conroy* Tim and Michelle Danaher DevTo Support Foundation Scott and Cherie Emigh Farmers & Merchants Bank
Festival of Children Foundation Genesis Inspiration Foundation Jessica and Jason Herthel Martin and Cynthia Howard Cheryl and Michael Laven Judith Leiber Collection Marketplace Lee Graff Foundation JCTEES.COM
Kingston Technology Company, Inc. The Sharon D. Lund Foundation Devon and Kevin Martin* Carole Pickup* Profit Recovery Partners Dr. Michael Rasminsky W.S. Wineman Foundation Jennifer and Ty Thaiyananthan
The listing above represents donors who gave $500 or more, as of June 30, 2026. Additional revenue was received through the Pick Your Passion Matching Campaign. *Reflects endowment distribution
HEARTS FOR THE ARTS
Raised $858,353
The Hearts for the Arts campaign provides additional support for arts conservatory needs beyond annual budgets, by purchasing special equipment and supplies, taking student artists on field trips to professional arts venues, and presenting student performances. Support helps OCSA students compete in and perform at regional, statewide, and national festivals in the theatre, culinary, and music fields, among others. It also enables student groups to travel internationally for performances at the invitation of arts presenters. Thank you to our 2025-2026 Hearts for the Arts donors! Dr. Moiz and Shirin Beguwala California Community Foundation Johnny Carson Foundation Chilcote Family Fund Dr. Gretchen and James Conroy* Patrick and Mary Dirk* Reuben H. Fleet Foundation Fund Alec Glasser Dr. Maria and Mr. Gennady Imeshev
Jazz Angels, Inc. Seungwoo Jung Andrew J. Kuehn, Jr. Foundation Emeril Lagasse Foundation Cheryl and Michael Laven The M Foundation Murdy Foundation OC Sheriff’s Advisory Council Orange County Community Foundation
Rose Hills Foundation Bill and Diana Sanderson Anna Schlotzhauer and Jim Bergman Harold Struck Charitable Fund Huali Tao T.O.P. Awards Suzanne Xiros
The listing above represents donors who gave $500 or more, as of June 30, 2026. Additional revenue was received through the Pick Your Passion Holiday Campaign, conservatory guilds, and performance honorariums. *Reflects endowment distribution 12
Thank you to all of the families and donors who contributed to the
which collectively raised $405,075. An additional $250,000 was allocated to our arts conservatories as part of a campaign matching challenge! CAROLE PICKUP MASTER ARTIST SERIES
Raised $66,998
An important instructional strategy at OCSA is to bring master artists and industry leaders to share their gifts, career stories, and expertise with students through residencies, master classes, lectures, and performances. The Master Artist Series supports highprofile visiting artists who create meaningful and often life-changing experiences for our student artists. This year, esteemed guest artists included two-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge; Tony and Grammy Award-winning actress and singer Renée Elise Goldsberry; Broadway and screen actress Krysta Rodriguez (Musical Theatre, ‘02); jazz tenor and bass trombonist, composer, and producer Michael Dease; Hollywood costume designer Mona May; casting director Rick Messina (Musical Theatre, ‘95); and co-founder of E! Entertainment Television Larry Namer. Thank you to our 2025-2026 Carole Pickup Master Artist Series donors! OCSA Endowment* Julie Garn Stacy and Jason Gwin Carole Pickup* Ling and Charlie Zhang The listing above represents donors who gave $500 or more, as of June 30, 2026. *Reflects endowment distribution
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MAKING AN IMPACT With support from individuals, foundations, and businesses, the OCSA Foundation directly funded the following programs, projects, and initiatives throughout the 2025-2026 school year. PICK YOUR PASSION HOLIDAY CAMPAIGN
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
IN-KIND DONATION
CORPORATE SUPPORT
ALL SCHOOL
GRANT FUNDING
• Secured Conservatory Funding Agreement underwriting for 63 students who qualified for the Federal Free • & Reduced Lunch Program • Secured $412,500 in funding for Students First: A Capital Campaign • Secured underwriting for 72 students in need to participate in OCSA Academy summer classes • Produced the third annual OCSA Connects Community Arts Festival • Presented the Gluck Community Service Arts Fellowship Program • Fully funded Freshman Retreat • Provided funding for High School Science Olympiad • Supported Dual Enrollment expansion • Supported Career Technical Education faculty training
THE EL-ERIAN FAMILY ACTING CONSERVATORY
• Supported an additional performance opportunity for middle school students • Supported a master class with a Shakespearean guest artist
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ARTS & ENTERPRISE
• Supported costs to produce signature event, OCSAFEST • Secured leadership funding to support AE’s internship program and student-run SchoolBased Enterprise
BALLET & CONTEMPORARY DANCE
• Underwrote three artist-in-residence choreographers • Supported performance improvements, including projectors, costumes, props, and sets
BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DANCE
• Funded an artist-in-residence choreographer • Purchased costumes to present work of Maestro Juan Carlos Gaytan from the University of Colima • Supported the costs of choreography and costuming for a new Flamenco piece with batas de cola
BALLROOM DANCE
• Sponsored the costs to participate in the Hot Ballroom Dancesport Challenge, the California Open Dancesport Championships, and the U.S. National Amateur Dancesport Championships
CLASSICAL VOICE
• Supported rehearsals and resources for the March trip to perform at Carnegie Hall • Renewed funding for the Murdy Foundation Concert Series season • Renewed and endowed funding for the Patrick & Mary Dirk Vocal Scholarship program • Purchased access to the Appcompanist app as an additional resource • Purchased costumes for a production of Tosca in partnership with the Parnassus Society • Created the Dr. Moiz and Shirin Beguwala Jazz Fellowship class
COMMERCIAL DANCE CONSERVATORY
• Supported a semester-long physical therapy residency with Dance Prehab • Purchased costumes for the spring show and underwrote guest choreographers
CREATIVE WRITING
• Fully underwrote Beyond Borders • Supported the costs of Inkblot and Unleashed
THE MEKJIAN FAMILY CULINARY ARTS & HOSPITALITY CONSERVATORY
• Fully underwrote the cost of preparing for and participating in the ProStart Competition • Supported the production of Parchment Paper and the purchase of additional kitchen supplies • Fully funded the construction and installation of the Culinary Teaching Garden • Provided college scholarships for seniors to further their studies in culinary arts
MARTIN & CYNTHIA HOWARD DESIGN & MEDIA CONSERVATORY
• Upgraded the computer lab in Tower 104
FILM & TELEVISION
• Secured funding for students to make their own silent comedies on 8mm film • Secured funding for audio editing software • Purchased (2) Sony PXW-Z200 camcorders and cases 15
MAKING AN IMPACT INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC – THE GARN FAMILY JAZZ STUDIES PROGRAM
• Supported audio equipment upgrades and piano repairs • Secured additional guest artists • Supported a master class with Yamaha artist Michael Dease • Secured funding to cover the costs of Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC – PIANIST PROGRAM
• Funded a field trip to watch the USC Thornton School Piano Concerto Competition Finals • Supported the spring guest master class series
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC – STRINGS & ORCHESTRA PROGRAM
• Underwrote the participation cost for Segerstrom Festival • Supported the spring guest master class series • Offered professional video recordings of spring semester concerts
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC – FREDERICK FENNELL WIND STUDIES PROGRAM
• Supported the costs to prepare for and participate in the Yamaha Music for All National Festival • Purchased an Eb clarinet
INTEGRATED ARTS
• Purchased visual art, screen printing, painting, and 3D art supplies • Updated equipment for Broadcast Media classes
HAL STRUCK MUSICAL THEATRE CONSERVATORY
• Upgraded the lighting in DMS 101 • Supported enhanced performance elements for spring semester productions • Funded a master class with Krysta Rodriguez
POPULAR MUSIC
• Supported the cost of attending the High School Songwriters Summit • Enhanced the lighting, audio, and stage design of spring semester productions • Purchased two FM3 Mark II Turbo Amp Modelers & Multi-FX and one AMS Neve Preamp
PRODUCTION & DESIGN
• Purchased a full set of iPads for the Lighting, Set Design, and Costuming class • Purchased DJ audio equipment for the CTE-aligned DJ Skills Program • Supported a field trip to see a Broadway touring production • Purchased beginner CNC Machine for Stagecraft classes • Supported a student-led partnership with a local elementary school to bring the arts to young students • Secured funding for the Let’s Put on a Play program
VISUAL ARTS
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• Purchased new drawing boards, tabletop mirrors, and standing easels • Purchased four new T5 cameras for Digital Photography class • Underwrote the printing costs of the Visual Arts and Design & Media Senior Program • Supported the Visual Arts Outreach Fund, which created a VA Mixed Media Workshop for student award winners • Secured funding to renovate the Visual Arts Center
A TRANSFORMATIONAL GIFT CAROLE PICKUP MASTER ARTIST SERIES At the OCSA Foundation’s 10th Annual Season Premiere in September 2025, we announced a transformative $5 million endowment gift from the Martin and Pickup families, made in honor of Carole Pickup, a beloved philanthropist and longtime supporter of the arts. In recognition of this gift, our Master Artist Series was renamed the Carole Pickup Master Artist Series. This endowment will generate an annual distribution and will support both master artists as well as the Artist Scholar Sponsorship Program.
ABOUT THE OCSA ENDOWMENT Built through generous philanthropic gifts to the OCSA Foundation, the OCSA Endowment provides a reliable, long-term source of income to support the school’s operating budget, arts conservatory programs, and future sustainability. Now with approximately $7 million in assets, this endowment reflects a strong and growing investment in OCSA’s future. Learn more at www.ocsarts.net/endowment.
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SUPPORT GROUPS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Raised $220,999 Officers
Directors
Jennifer Sternshein – Board Chair Teren M. Shaffer – President & CEO Jason Gwin – Secretary Jason Herthel – Immediate Past President Michael Laven – Treasurer Christine Walker-Bowman – Vice Chair, Finance Kimberley Lakes, Ph.D. – Vice Chair, Human Capital Jennie Johanson-Maya – Vice Chair, Public Relations & Marketing Eoin L. Kreditor, J.D. – Vice Chair, Legacy Giving Hon. Halim Dhanidina (Ret.) – Vice Chair, Legal and Government Relations
Jim Bergman Miaad Bushala Jim Conroy Tim Danaher Julia Feldman Lamia Gabal, M.D. Julie Garn Gillian Hayes, Ph.D. Steven Ho Martin Howard Michael Le Jessica Miley Don Steiner Hal Struck Kim Tavares Ty Thaiyananthan, M.D.
Total Income From Support Groups: $492,246 18
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE Raised $176,639 Courtney and James Banaag Autumn and Frank Bignami Alyson and Alfredo Cartagena Kathy and William Chang Joy Chao and Jason Lee Arpi and Bobby Charlu Julia and Lewis Cho Gretchen and Jim Conroy Michelle and Tim Danaher Neeti and Sandeep Dang Saranya and Halim Dhanidina Cheryl and Charles Dominguez Julia Feldman and Ryan Malone Betsy and Luke Freiler Lamia Gabal and Charlie Wilcoxson Stacy and Jason Gwin Sameena and Ali Habib Allison and Brian Herman
Eric and Juan Jimenez-Lindmeier Jennie Johanson-Maya and Sal Maya Huma and Kamal Khan Annu Khemka and Maneesh Goyal Karen Kim and Spencer Ho Monica and Mike Lehner Molly Mahoney and John Dominguez Sherry and Paul Main Alissa and Tony McCanta Maeesha Merchant and Gaurav Diwan Jessica Miley and Alejandro Brubaker Tita Nguyen and Michael Le Tal Peles-Gray and Kevin Gray Amy Parekh and Jay Shah Ami and Rakesh Puvvada Alexis and Julian Recana Catey and Chris Reese Melissa and Jeffrey Ruderman
Laura and Brian Schulz Prachi and Amit Sharma Jennifer and Brad Smith Mohini and Vip Soni Lisa Stevens Wegner and Jed Stevens Rina Stinson Deepali and Ashok Tantradi Kim and Bert Tavares Mei Tsang and Steve Brown Ivy Wang and Patryk Symchych Gianna and Scott Warner Courtney and Andrew Wittkop Manuella and Michael Yassa Michelle and Gary Yoshino Sandy and David Young Jinny and Ed Yun
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SUPPORT GROUPS ENCORE Raised $94,608 Virtuoso | $5,000 The Armitage Family Autumn and Frank Bignami Melissa and Jeff Ruderman Nicole and Michael Vicioso
Ovation | $4,000 Anonymous The Bullock Family Tamara Freeze, Workplace Justice Advocates, PLC
Concerto | $3,000 Charles Bittel III, O.D. The Chang Family The Chou-Morettini Family The Stein Family
Sonata | $2,000 Dr. Gretchen and Mr. James Conroy Rosemarie and Michael Le Coz The Davis Family The Kamjula Family Scott and Susan Lee The Marciniak Family Matt and Diana McCutchen The Pennor Family Rina Stinson
Maestro | $1,000 Justin Aragon and Laura Boysen-Aragon Courtney and James Banaag Tim and Rita Chen Arpitha and Bobby Charlu Joy Chao and Jason Lee Julia and Lewis Cho Dr. Alyson and Alfredo Cartagena Michelle and Tim Danaher Neeti and Sandeep Dang Halim and Saranya Dhanidina Cheryl and Charles Dominguez The Deutschman Family Betsy and Luke Freiler 20
Lamia Gabal and Charlie Wilcoxson Jason and Stacy Gwin Sameena and Ali Habib Allison and Brian Herman The Hitomi Family Michael Hu and Clora Zhu Cindy Hughes and Paul Schmidhauser Eric and Juan Jimenez-Lindmeier The John-Heiner Family Huma and Kamal Khan Anuradha Khemka and Maneesh Goyal Karen Kim and Spencer Ho Monica and Michael Lehner Paul and Sherry Main Julia Feldman and Ryan Malone Molly Mahoney and John Dominguez Alissa and Tony McCanta Jessica Miley and Alejandro Brubaker Arvind Narayan Tita Nguyen and Michael Le The Parekh Shah Family Tal Peles-Gray and Kevin Gray Rakesh and Ami Puvvada Hon. Julian and Alexis Recana Catey and Chris Reese Laura and Brian Schulz Prachi and Amit Sharma Brad and Jennifer Smith Mohini and Vip Soni Deepali and Ashok Tantradi Kim and Bert Tavares The Tippets Family Mei Tsang and Steve Brown Ivy Wang and Patryk Symchych Gianna and Scott Warner Lisa Wegner and Jed Stevens Courtney and Andrew Wittkop Manuella and Michael Yassa The Yang Family Sandy and David Young Jinny and Edward Yun Michelle and Gary Yoshino
Bravo | $500 Anonymous Ms. Jyothi Atluri The Austin Family The Awasthi Family The Bailey Family Melissa and Randy Barnaby The Boobar Family The Both Family The Brenner Family The Chen Family Larissa Chiari-Keith and Brian Keith The Cope Family Joe and Jessica DiPenta The Elder Family Dr. Gregory and Lisa Endelman The Guo Family The Han Family The Han-Robbins Family Stacey and Justin Hill Alton and Melanie Hitchcock Grace Holland Kuch
The Huang Family Linda Hung and James Lo The Idriss Family The Jacobson Family Mike and Samira Kazerouni The Kensy Cuellar Family Angela Kent and David Kane Sonja Kiseljak-Dusenbury The Lamberti Family Katherine Lazarus The Lee Family Dr. Charles Lee, PhD and Mrs. Shana Lee Tina Li Kevin and Louise Lloyd Naho and Andrew MacLachlan Deke and Margo Marcus Greg McCollum and Jeff Van Hoosear Paul Mendoza Ellie and Deep Mitra Genevieve and Kevin Murphy Mr. Nam and Mrs. Song Yvonne Naranjo
The Navarro Family The Ness Family The Ohara Family The Parra Family The Passalacqua Family Peters Architecture The Porter Family The Rand Family Ezra Ross The Shectman Family Greg and Myla Shields Mr. and Mrs. David and Tina Sidoni Amanda Standish Wainwright The Stastny Family The Suss Family Laurence and Shannon Trevino Ellie and Steven Vilendrer The Vitta Kama Family The Weaver Family Fiona Xiao The Zhou Family
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SPECIAL EVENTS SEASON PREMIERE 2025 Raised $332,144 Thank you to everyone who supported Season Premiere 2025! Honorary Producer Carole Pickup
Pearl Table Sponsor Julia Feldman and Ryan Malone Sapphire Table Sponsors Dr. Gretchen and Mr. James Conroy Ruderman Family | Capital Group Private Client Services The Sternshein Family Aquamarine Table Sponsors The Cedillo Family Tim and Michelle Danaher Coral Table Sponsors The Abiera, Banaag, Dormitorio, and Reese Families Ann Burge City National Bank Farmers & Merchants Bank Lamia Gabal (Shehab), MD, FPMRS | Prestige Medical Group Gallagher Jennie Johanson-Maya and Sal Maya Dr. Kimberley Lakes and Dr. James Kay Tita and Michael Le Family The Ong-Tran Family Adrienne and Rande Shaffer | In Memory of Karen Schwartzman The Tavares and Schulz Families Event Underwriters & Specialty Sponsors Albert and Miaad Bushala Julie Garn Law Offices of Margaret A. Chidester & Associates Lesley and Larry Goldman The Herthel Family Jolynn and Pat Mahoney Sheppard Mullin
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SPECIAL THANKS The Herman Family
GALA 2026 Raised $1,331,752 Thank you to everyone who supported Gala 2026: Cosmic Variety Hour! Gold Sponsors The Garn Family Ruby Sponsors CHOC Foundation, part of Rady Children’s Health Dr. Gretchen and Mr. James Conroy Tina and Eoin Kreditor / Cleo A. Bluth Charitable Foundation Dr. Kimberley Lakes and Dr. James Kay Tita Nguyen and Michael Le OnCall IT, Inc. Anna Schlotzhauer and Jim Bergman Sapphire Sponsors AMPCO Contracting Albert and Miaad Bushala Family Tim and Michelle Danaher The Dhanidina Family Farmers & Merchants Bank Julia Feldman and Ryan Malone Lamia Gabal (Shehab), MD, FPMRS / Prestige Medical Group The Gwin, McCanta, Recana, and Reese Families / Angels Baseball Dr. Gillian Hayes and Steve Hosaflook The Herthel Family Martin and Cynthia Howard The Kao and Walker, Mendoza, Pistilli and De La Cruz, and Ruderman Families Cheryl and Michael Laven Sal and Jennie Maya Family Foundation The Prepared PerformerⓇ Ms. Roxana L. Smiekel Don Steiner and Rose Paguirigan-Steiner The Sternshein Family Hal Struck Hal Struck / Pat and Charles Steinmann Bert and Kim Tavares Ty and Jen Thaiyananthan The UC Irvine Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory Gianna and Scott Warner Sandy and David Young / Tal Peles-Gray and Kevin Gray
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SPECIAL EVENTS GALA 2026 (cont.) Performance Underwriters Lisa Argyros Linda and Vince Foley The Garn Family Lee Graff Foundation Steve and Shelley Ho Law Offices of Margaret A Chidester & Associates Sandra Livingston Southern California Services, Inc Swenson Family Foundation Young, Minney & Corr, LLP Specialty Sponsors Allied Universal Arlington Financial Advisors Ben’s Asphalt Prestige Medical Group Volvo Event Sponsors Audio by the Bay Productions, Inc. Modern Illumination Productions Fund-A-Dream Donors Dr. Mazda and Miriam Agha Dr. Arash Aminian Melinda and Sergio Andonian David Belmer Autumn and Frank Bignami Miaad and Albert Bushala Anne Marie, Brooklyn, and Michael Clemons Dr. Gretchen and James Conroy Michelle and Tim Danaher Neeti and Sunny Dang Jessica and Ashley Daniel Sandy Segerstrom Daniels Vickie and Matthew DeArmey Saranya and Halim Dhanidina Laura and Rob Difiglia Julpha and Edgar Dormitorio Susannah and Chad Eichele Dr. Gregory and Lisa Endelman Gina and Luke Feltham Erin and Rob Gilmore Megan and Eran Goren Stacy and Jason Gwin 24
Kerrie and Jared Hardin / Hardin Auto Group Dr. Kambria Hittelman and Tim Wilson The Larry and Helen Hoag Foundation Cynthia and Martin Howard / Howard CDM Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County Jennie Johanson-Maya and Dr. Sal Maya Angelique and Paul Julian Nour and Amer Kasm Raheleh Khorsan and James Chillemi Karen Kim and Spencer Ho Cyndi and Ivan Koko Deborah and Ken Kramer Cheryl and Michael Laven Dr. Michael Le and Tita Nguyen Abbe and Michael Levine Juintow Lin and Michael Fox Debbie and Aaron Malo Jolynn and Patrick Mahoney Sherry and Paul Main Andrea and Gary Malis Tiffany and Tony Maturani Alissa and Tony McCanta Maeesha Merchant and Gaurav Diwan Amy and Michael Morhaime Barbel Moscoe Rose Paguirigan-Steiner and Don Steiner Allison and Jim Panetta Tanya and Kirk Paulsen Angie and Patrick Pham Quynh-Anh Pham and Trevor Gomes Insiyah and Naveen Poonian Ami and Rakesh Puvvada Alexis and Julian Recana Catey and Chris Reese Elaine and Mena Rizk Melissa and Jeffrey Ruderman Natalia Sans and Daniel Zahoul Anna Schlotzhauer and Jim Bergman Laura and Brian Schulz Nancy and Stan Shcharber Karen Smith and Jay Jerrier Mohini and Vip Soni Shelley and Ben Stanphill Della Starman and Scott Sage Pat and Charles Steinmann Jennifer and Sandy Sternshein Evan Sturrock
Jennifer and Ray Sun. Jr. Deepali and Ashok Tantradi Kim and Bert Tavares Rupa and Tapas Tejura Gretchen and Bill Valentine Christine Walker-Bowman and David Bowman Grace Wang and Joseph Chi Gianna and Scott Warner Mary Pat Warner Manuella and Mike Yassa Sandy and David Young The listing above represents donors who gave $500 or more as part of the Gala 2026 Fund-A-Dream Campaign, as of June 30, 2026. Auction Donors 10th & Main Productions Nancy Alcala Randy Au Avanti Aerial Arts Balboa Bay Resort Beauty by Satik Jim Bergman and Anna Schlotzhauer Autumn and Frank Bignami The Brownstone Cafe Albert and Miaad Bushala California Pizza Kitchen Alyson and Alfredo Cartagena Castillion LLC | Carol Zaist Julia and Lewis Cho Club Studio Andrew Cortez CTA Travel CWS Integral Health, INC Tim and Michelle Danaher Dialecta Winery Facial Aesthetic Concepts | Kim Gagnes Farmers & Merchants Bank Julia Feldman and Ryan Malone Mark and Teri Fellman The Finlay Family Forge To Table Inc. | Noah Rosen Julie Garn Gary’s Newport Beach Marc Ghoukassian Glen Ivy Jason and Stacy Gwin Happy Jewelers
Jason and Jessica Herthel Steve and Shelley Ho Martin and Cynthia Howard Orel Hershiser Joe Bananas | Evan Sturrock Stefani Kappel, MD K1 Speed Dr. John Le and Thuy Nguyen Jason Lee and Joy Chao Lido House Livemetta Yoga and Pilates Newport Beach Los Angeles Angels Baseball Sherry and Paul Main Brandon McBurney Tony and Alissa McCanta McLean Meyer Rick Messina Montage International Paige Oden The Ong Tran Family Pageant of the Masters Pass the Sugar Studio | Carolyna Magana-Martinez Pendry San Diego Chris and Catey Reese
Roclord Studio Jeff and Melissa Ruderman Say Huyen Catering School of Rock Huntington Beach Brian and Laura Schulz Adrienne and Rande Shaffer Shag Ilene Sirota South Coast Plaza Don Steiner and Rose Paguirigan-Steiner Jennifer and Sandy Sternshein Lisa Stevens Wegner and Jed Stevens The Theatre Company UC Irvine UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education UC Irvine Esports Program UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art Vintres Fine Wines | Cindy Martin Ivy Wang and Patrick Symchych Kimberly M. Wang Gianna and Scott Warner Webb’s Grainworks
SEASON FINALE 2026 Thank you to everyone who attended Season Finale 2026!
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ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT & GIVING Alumni and their families contributed more than $650,000 across a wide variety of campaigns and events.
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GRANTS & IN-KIND DONATIONS The following funders supported a wide variety of initiatives during the 2025-2026 school year, including conservatory enrichment, special events, community programs, facility upgrades, academic programs, master artists, field trip underwriting, assistance for students on the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program, and general operating expenses.
Albertsons Companies Foundation Andrew J. Kuehn Foundation Butterfly Initiative California Technical Education Incentive Grant* Chilcote Family Foundation DevTo Support Foundation Emeril Lagasse Foundation Ethel Kennedy Foundation Festival of Children Foundation Genesis Inspiration Foundation Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County
Johnny Carson Foundation Lee Graff Foundation M Charitable Fund Max H. Gluck Foundation Murdy Foundation Orange County Community Foundation Pacific Life Foundation Reuben H. Fleet Foundation Sharon D. Lund Foundation SMART Jazz Execs / SMART Foundation Fund Tsao Family Foundation
*This grant was allocated to OCSA’s 501(c)(3) directly.
IN-KIND DONATIONS
We are deeply grateful to our in-kind donors for their generous contributions, which help make OCSA’s events, programs, and fundraising efforts truly exceptional. Their partnership and support strengthen our mission and create meaningful opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and thrive. Lime Grove Productions Miriam Mathaisel Saint Francis High School Susan and Henry Samueli The Wally B. Trust
Your support is fueling innovation.
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CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS LISA ARGYROS COMMONS
At the beginning of the spring semester, we officially opened the brand new Lisa Argyros Commons! Students have been taking full advantage of this improved outdoor space, complete with vibrant expanded indoor and outdoor seating, turf space, an additional lunch service station, and more. The creation of the Lisa Argyros Commons was part of Students First: A Capital Campaign, which was made possible through the OCSA Foundation. We are profoundly grateful to the generous families, foundations, and philanthropists who contributed specifically to support these campus improvements. These designated funds represent a key part of a long-term vision and facilities plan that has been years in the making.
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MURAL PROJECTS
Students are embracing many new murals and pieces of campus artwork, which celebrate the culture, authenticity, and diversity of both our student body and the Santa Ana community. Colorful murals throughout campus tell stories that reflect our shared identity, while 10th Street – the heart of campus – has been transformed into a giant, colorful piano that invites creativity and connection. Together, these artistic additions capture the energy and vibrancy of our students, creating a campus environment that feels both welcoming and inspiring.
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CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS MAKERSPACE
Students will gain hands-on experience in our new, state-ofthe-art Makerspace through a student-run print shop serving OCSA and the surrounding community. Under the guidance of CTE-credentialed OCSA staff and Spyder Lab instructors, students in both the Arts & Enterprise and Martin & Cynthia Howard Design & Media Conservatories will receive training and industry certifications in both machinery and software. This school-based enterprise will prepare students for the workforce with technical proficiency, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills.
TEACHING GARDEN
Thanks to the generous support of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, OCSA successfully completed the creation of a brand-new teaching garden, transforming an underutilized area of campus into a vibrant outdoor learning environment. Students will now have the opportunity to cultivate, harvest, and utilize fresh herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers while exploring farm-to-table practices, sustainability, nutrition, and urban agriculture. The garden will also support the relaunch of OCSA’s Gardening Club, creating opportunities for students from across campus to engage with environmental stewardship and collaborative learning!
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THINK TOGETHER Since 2023, OCSA has partnered with Think Together, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding learning opportunities through high-quality after-school programs. Together, OCSA and Think Together are bringing exceptional arts education to students across more than a dozen school districts throughout Southern California through the Arts Enrichment Accelerator Program. Partnership Highlights • 4,400 students served with 42 programs in 14 school districts, including Bellflower, Baldwin Park, Mt. View, San Bernardino, Lynwood, Morongo, Palm Springs, and Paramount • Providing instruction in a wide variety of artistic disciplines, including, but not limited to, Ballet Folklórico, Mariachi, Chinese Cultural Dance, Dragon Dance, Film & Television, Musical Theatre, and Jewelry Making. • Expanding access to high-quality arts education for students and communities with limited arts programming. • Combining Think Together’s commitment to expanded learning with OCSA’s nationally recognized arts curriculum to create engaging, inspiring after-school experiences that foster creativity, confidence, and artistic expression.
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH OCSA CONNECTS COMMUNITY ARTS FESTIVAL
Free arts festival hosted on the school’s campus, serving children ages 5-11 from local and regional communities. This year’s event welcomed 1,469 attendees for a full day of creativity and connection. Together, we showcased: • 23 live performances featuring 147 student performers • 18 interactive art rooms led by 24 instructors • Support from 18 event staff members and 105 student leaders who helped bring the day to life Presenting Event Sponsor
Experience Sponsor
Contributing Sponsors
SLG
Supporting Sponsor
Friends of the Festival
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Community Partners Bowers Museum Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Dragon Kim Foundation Heritage Museum of Orange County LBC Heroes Squad Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) PACDA Perricone Farms Philharmonic Society of OC Platinum Performing Arts Pretend City Santa Ana Public Library Santa Ana Zoo Studio D Think Together Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopment Center at CHOC
OCSA ACADEMY Raised $739,122 Offers extracurricular, introductory, and enrichment-based arts training to student artists ages 5-15 in a safe and fun learning environment • 72 classes offered throughout the fall, spring, and summer • 950 participants • 65+ full scholarships provided for students in need Presenting Event Sponsor
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH GLUCK COMMUNITY SERVICE ARTS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Provides free arts programs and performances for the surrounding community, bringing the arts to those with little-to-no access, including youth, seniors, and those affected by disabilities, homelessness, illness, or abuse • 41 community performances • 24,400 individuals impacted in Santa Ana and the extended Orange County community • Approximately 160 participating OCSA Connects students
DRAGON KIM FOUNDATION MUSIC PROGRAM
Provides instruments and free, high-quality music instruction on OCSA’s campus for children ages 9-11 who do not have the resources for private music lessons • 61 students in the spring program • Participating students from local Santa Ana schools, including Cadence Park School, El Sol, Méndez Fundamental Intermediate School, Mesa View Middle School, OCEAA, Scholarship Prep – Santa Ana, Serrano Elementary School, and Woodbury Elementary School
BRING OCSA TO YOU Raised $352,118 Offers a wide range of professional-level performance groups, comprised of talented student artists from all 17 of the school’s arts conservatories • 10 unique performance groups, including MONTAGE!, Ballroom Blitz, Bel Canto Singers, Las Estrellas, and more • 68 Bring OCSA To You performances • 48 MONTAGE! performances ° 18 holiday events, including 9 community tree lighting ceremonies
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We hope you will join us throughout the year as we honor OCSA’s remarkable legacy and celebrate the inspiring future still ahead for our school community.
SAVE THE DATE
Special vents
August 14, 2026
September 19, 2026
October 15, 2026
ALL-SCHOOL MUSICAL
October 16, 2026
GALA April 17, 2027
Big Fish
January 23-24, 2027
FEBRUARY 6, 2027
Graduation May 22, 2027
June 3, 2027
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EACH OF THESE EXCITING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS!
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Thank you for supporting the OCSA Foundation throughout the 2025-2026 school year!
Together, we are making dreams come true.
If you’d like to learn more about the OCSA Foundation, please reach out to Vice President of Development Elizabeth Ton at elizabeth.ton@ocsarts.net.