The Oakridge Fund

We focus our Oakridge Fund efforts into a consolidated, 5-week campaign called TEAM OAKRIDGE, all in for 100%. This condensed, 5-week effort, in September/October has one focused goal: reaching 100% participation of Oakridge families, faculty and staff, and board of regents. This shortened time frame will allow our community to focus the remainder of the year on building relationships within our community, strengthening our team. With 100% participation, we can achieve goals that were previously just ideas.

Thank you so much for your ongoing support! All in for 100%!

Oakridge Fund Volunteers

Head of School Message

Dear Oakridge Family,

As we continue to build on the legacy of 46 years of excellence that defines Oakridge, I want to personally invite you to join us in an important effort that directly impacts the lives of our students, faculty, and the entire Oakridge family: The Oakridge Fund.

The Oakridge Fund is at the heart of our school’s ability to provide the exceptional education and vibrant community that our students deserve. This Oakridge Fund supports every aspect of the Oakridge experience—from stellar academic programming, to amazing artistic expressions, to building strong young people of character, to enhancing faculty development. The Oakridge Fund is the cornerstone of our ability to deliver on our promise to provide an exceptional experience.

Here’s why your support of The Oakridge Fund is so crucial:

Enhancing Student Experience: Contributions to The Oakridge Fund allow us to offer enriching programs, updated facilities, and resources that enhance the learning environment for every student. Your gift ensures that our students have access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.
Investing in Our Educators: Our dedicated faculty and staff are the backbone of Oakridge. By supporting The Oakridge Fund, you’re helping to provide professional development opportunities that keep our educators at the forefront of innovative teaching practices, directly benefiting our students.
Sustaining Excellence: “We are not a school that is set out to be exclusive, but a school that is set out to be EXCEPTIONAL.” Those are the words of one of our founding Board members, Mr. Charlie Butts. These are words that guide me each and every day as we make decisions in the best interests of our students. Our commitment to being exceptional is unwavering, but it requires ongoing support. The Oakridge Fund allows us to meet the immediate needs of our school while also planning for a bright and sustainable future.

When you contribute to The Oakridge Fund, you’re not just making a donation—you’re actively participating in the realization of our mission- inspiring our students to seek their full potential in academics, the arts, and athletics. Every gift, regardless of size, helps us to provide an environment where students are challenged, nurtured, and inspired to achieve their full potential. I invite you to make a meaningful impact by supporting The Oakridge Fund today. Every contribution makes a difference and is a powerful demonstration of your belief in the value of an Oakridge education. When we come together as a community, our collective generosity has a profound impact on the lives of each of our students and the future of our school.

To make a donation, please visit our website or contact our Development Office for more information on how you can contribute. Your support is deeply appreciated and vital to our continued success.

Thank you for being an integral part of our Oakridge family and for your commitment to our shared mission.

With sincere gratitude,

Matt Burgy
Head of School

Letter from the Chairs

Dear Oakridge Family,

For those of you we have not yet met, we are Giana Ortiz and Jacob Fain. Our daughters, Classes of 2027 and 2029, started school here when they were in Pre-K and First grade. From the beginning, the Oakridge School has been a family for them, and for us as their parents. We have been TEAM OAKRIDGE for many years now, and we are proud to lead this year’s TEAM
OAKRIDGE annual fund campaign. Your contribution will make a significant impact.

Our decision to invest in Oakridge stems from a deep belief in the power of education and the
incredible potential within our school. Contributions to the fund directly enhance the quality of education, providing resources for innovative programs, updated technology, and essential extracurricular activities. These investments not only enrich our students’ learning experiences but also foster a nurturing environment where they can thrive academically and personally.

This year, we will once again be focusing our annual fund efforts into a consolidated, 5-week campaign called TEAM OAKRIDGE. This condensed, 5-week effort, in September and October has one focused goal: reaching 100% participation from Oakridge families,
faculty and staff, and board of regents. With 100% participation, we can demonstrate and promote the Oakridge family bond. Your donation helps create opportunities that benefit our entire school community, from improved facilities to expanded support services. By contributing, you’re not only investing in our students’ futures but also in the collective strength and success of our school. Every gift, regardless of size, plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between what is needed and what is possible.

In the weeks to come, you will be hearing from TEAM OAKRIDGE Captains with more information on how to join TEAM OAKRIDGE. Thank you for you dedication and for considering this important investment in our school community.

Warm regards,
Giana Ortiz and Jacob Fain

Previous Chairs

2023 - 2024 Jenn and Omar Hernandez

2022 - 2023 Jenn and Omar Hernandez

2021 -2022 Noelle and Kyle '95 Slater

2020-2021 John and Kay Petersen

2019-2020 Anita and Michael Heiskell

2018-2019 Monique and Keith Bird

2017-2018 Larraine and Ralph LaRovere

2016-2017 Susan and Mark Jones

2015-2016 Susan and Mark Jones

2014-2015 Pam and Charles Pierson

2013-2014 Cathy and Stephen Handy

2012-2013 Lara and Jim Haddock

2011-2012 Anita and Shalen Haribhai

2010-2011 Fiona and Don Allen

2009-2010 Carole and Brad Kutchins

2008-2009 Karen and Brad Cox

2007-2008 Cheryl and Mike McWithey

2006-2007 Amanda and Bob Loeb

2005-2006 Julie and Steve Howell

2004-2005 Lisa and Scott Morse

2003-2004 Pam and Steve Wall

2002-2003 Celeste and Bruce Ashworth

2001-2002 Cindy and David Lee

2000-2001 Becky and Chris Carroll

1999-2000 Linda and KC Wright

1998-1999 Denise and Jenks Garrett

1997-1998 Susan and John Jose

1996-1997 Randy Antonson

Grade Level Coordinators

Thank you to The Oakridge Fund Grade Level Coordinators. These dedicated parent volunteers are a vital part of the success of The Oakridge Fund Campaign. Please contact Lauren Matocha, Development Director, if you are interested in getting more involved with The Oakridge Fund.

New Families	Lee and LaToya Stewart
PS	Gina Skirchak
PK	Suzana Zepeda
K	Suzana Zepeda
1	Lauren Morris/Jonica Willingham
2	Kristen Blackledge/Taylor Lawerence
3	Ali and Saniya Hemani
4	Gina Skirchak
5	Noelle and Kyle '95 Slater
6	Ebony Calbert/Joyce Madalena
7	Jodi and Kevin Blacketer
8	Giana Ortiz/Jacob Fain
9	Cindy Pettigrew '89
10	Claudia and Leo Daniels
11	Tessa Guevara/Cindy Pettigrew '89
12	Kara Lamphere

Ways to Give

PayPal: @PayPal.Me/theoakridgeschool

Phone: Make a gift by calling the Development Office at 817.563.9742

Recurring Gift: A recurring gift can be easily scheduled to fit your needs and is an affordable way to ensure your support of Oakridge by dividing your gift over the course of the year. A recurring gift can be set up online or through the Development Office.

Mail: Mail your gift to The Oakridge School, Attn: Development Office, 5900 West Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, TX 76013.

Appreciated Securities/Stock: Gifts of appreciated stock allow the donor to receive a tax deduction for their stock donation.

Matching Gifts: Make your gift go further! Many companies participate in matching programs which can double or even triple your contribution to Oakridge. Contact your Human Resources department to find out if your company will match your or your spouse's gift.

Planned Giving: Through your thoughtful estate and charitable gift planning, you help ensure a lasting legacy for future generations of Oakridge students.

Each donation, regardless of level, makes a difference in our ability to reach our goal of 100% participation.

Oakridge Fund gifts at $1,500 and above will receive an invitation to an Oakridge Fund Fete donor reception to be held in December at Levitt Pavilion.

Leadership Society is defined as total giving of $2,500+ to The Oakridge School. This is comprehensive giving (Oakridge Fund, Endowment gifts, Auction Sponsors, Golf Sponsors, etc.). Leadership Society members will receive invitations to the Evening of Excellence held in August.