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Dear Oxbow Friends,
We have had quite a busy spring, and OS36 students had a wonderful experience, capped by a very strong Final Show. Between Visiting Artists Sabine Reckewell and Stephen Whisler working with them in April, and several guest speakers including Chris Finley and OS2 alumna, Mitsuko Brooks, OS36 responded well to the inspiration of the artists they encountered. Students were sad to leave as always, but everyone left Oxbow on a high note, deeply grateful for the transformational experience we work so diligently to provide. Now we are gearing up for summer campers later this month.
The month of May also saw successful fundraising in support of the Margrit Mondavi Scholarship Fund at the Spring Benefit Concert, and of scholarship funds in general with Oxbow’s first ever BottleRock glamping extravaganza.
We had a record turnout for the Benefit featuring Boz Scaggs at The CIA at Copia on May 13th. Thank you to everyone who bought tables and/or individual tickets; purchased alumni art and raffle tickets; and, in general, all who attended in support of the School on a spectacularly beautiful Napa evening along the river. Boz and his band entertained the audience with a wonderful blues set; alumni showed up in droves to display their artwork and attend the event; and the school raised over $150,000 in support of financial aid. Thank you all very much!!
Two weeks later, for the first time ever, Oxbow hosted a group of VIP’s in deluxe safari-style tents on campus along the riverbank for the 3-day Memorial Weekend BottleRock music festival. Our guests were ecstatic about the school’s location with the venue directly across the street; they loved how our beautiful campus looked (short video of the river and tent village); and no surprise to anyone, felt that the event “was worth coming for breakfasts alone. Seriously!!”— our kitchen staff outdid themselves. Best of all, this event raised over $50,000 in support of financial aid.
The search for my successor is well underway. The announcement earlier this year garnered a lot of interest; and the search committee feels confident that Oxbow will indeed find the right leader to continue the mission of the School. But, it’s not goodbye yet, as I will be fully engaged at Oxbow for one more school year!
Please save the date for next year’s Benefit Concert, Saturday, May 12, 2018; and please keep an eye out for other community events in the fall and spring.
Finally, there’s still time to participate in Oxbow’s Annual Fund. Our fiscal year ends June 30. Every gift matters, no matter the size. I thank you in advance for your generous support.
Warm regards,
Stephen Thomas, Founding Director and Head of School
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