Welcome to the Legacy Newsletter, a monthly communication updating you on key events, campus enhancements, and overall Legacy Campaign progress. Through this newsletter, we have the privilege of informing you how the community’s investment in the campaign is already impacting VCS and helping students thrive.
VCS COMMEMORATES 70 YEARS OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
Seventy years ago, Village Christian was founded on a calling to see lives changed and impacted for Christ.
On November 15, we had the privilege of celebrating that legacy and seven decades of God’s faithfulness to VCS with worship, fellowship, and some incredible generosity, during a special outdoor concert on campus.
“I loved the 70th celebration because it brought back so many precious memories,” said VCS Kindergarten Teacher Cathy Lukesh, who has taught at VCS for 40 years and began attending Village as a first-grader in 1954 when the school was still in Burbank. “Getting all the families together for the celebration reminded me of spaghetti potlucks that VCS had; we also gathered at North Hollywood Park for a big BBQ. … God’s plan for this school was so evident Friday night.”
VCS founder Rev. Phil Gibson’s daughter, Susan Jacob, and son-in-law, Joe Phelps, were both on hand to announce the establishment of the Gibson Family Endowment/Scholarship. Their generous gift to the school will help expand Village’s reach and impact.
Village Church Pastor Wade Mikels and former Foundation Board Member Donn Rediger, who was in Village’s first-ever class back in 1949, reflected on the school’s history and prayed over its future.
The “concert on the lawn” style evening included performances by South Hills Music; Tommy Walker and the Christian Assembly Worship Band; Director of Fine Arts Natalie Taylor; alumnae Monique Donnelly and Natalie Garcia; the VCS Student Worship Band; students Garrett and Peyton Podgorski, Sophia Hubiak (and her father, Cameron), and Lena Kim; the VCS Drumline; and the VCS choirs.
“I think the 70th Anniversary Celebration was a beautiful reflection of our core values here at Village,” Taylor said. “We came together as a community to fellowship and worship. It was special for me as the Director of Fine Arts and as a parent. Plus, a highlight for me was being able to showcase amazing gifts in our department – and there are even more on our campus.”
The night concluded with the VCS choirs surrounding the Admin Field with candles as they sang “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”
The experience was rounded out with delicious food and treats available thanks to the VCS Patron’s Club and fine arts programs in the glowing harvest-themed “Village Market.”
We are also so thankful for the families that were moved to give back during the event, signing up to “Name a Seat,” a Legacy Campaign initiative helping fund a new performing arts stage. In total, 21 seats were sponsored during the evening.
“The event was truly a remarkable opportunity to celebrate this school’s amazing history and embodied what makes VCS such a special place,” said Head of School Tom Konjoyan. “We are thankful for every member of the VCS family – past, present, and future.”
GIVINGTUESDAY IS DECEMBER 3
Black Friday. Cyber Monday. GivingTuesday.
GivingTuesday was established in 2012 as a special day of giving and is described as a “global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world” on the official website.
This year, GivingTuesday falls on December 3 and Facebook will be matching up to $7 million in global contributions to nonprofits beginning at 5 a.m. PST – meaning your gift could have double the impact.
The VCS-specific giving link will be sent out in the coming days. Last year, we were blessed to receive more than $7,500 on GivingTuesday, and we hope to surpass that mark this year. Please consider a donation to Village Christian this GivingTuesday, especially as you plan your year-end giving.
The Legacy Campaign launched only a few short months ago, but it is already impacting our school community.
To date, $506,000 has been pledged or received of the $3.3 million goal, which has tangibly translated to new film editing suites for our video production students [click here to learn more], a new stage for the Auditorium, and initial upgrades to our WiFi/infrastructure.
Additionally, other improvement projects have launched using campaign funds, including renovation to the new VCS baseball field, the installation of vape detectors around campus, and procurement of classroom furniture and equipment.
Thank you to the 80+ families who have already contributed to this critical fundraising effort!
We have some great events on the horizon! Make sure to mark your calendar for the following key dates:
- GivingTuesday – December 3
- Fine Arts Christmas Concerts:
- HS Christmas Showcase: “The Gift of the Nutcracker” – December 10 (click for tickets)
- MS Christmas Showcase – December 12
- Elementary Christmas Concert – December 17
- Christmas Break – December 20 through January 7
- Easter Break – April 10-17
- 2020 Annual Village Christian Dinner Auction/Gala – Saturday, May 2
WHAT IS THE LEGACY CAMPAIGN?
Village Christian has launched a three-year campaign with the goal of raising $3.3 million to advance – and elevate – our campus and programs. Click here to learn more about the important initiatives and improvements funded by the Legacy Campaign. Partner with us today, and together, we will help VCS students thrive.