With a former United States President, a global country superstar, a spectacular venue, and over 700 guests, the Oaks Christian 25th Anniversary Dinner Gala was a phenomenal evening of elegance, philanthropy, and celebration. 

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Making an encore appearance, the 43rd President of the United States George W. Bush and Former First Lady Laura Bush graced the stage at the OCS gala at the prestigious Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.   

Six years ago, the Bushes were the honored guests at the 2019 gala, and this year they returned a second time, along with their daughter Barbara Pierce Bush, co-founder, and board chair of Global Health Corps.  

Actor, musician, and OCS parent Dennis Quaid (who played President Reagan in the film of the same name) moderated the Q&A time with the Bush Family as they shared personal family stories, and reflections of their time in the White House. They were welcomed with a standing ovation. 

"Let me thank everyone for having us. This is a heck of a school and Laura and I are honored to be a part of helping you... We are proud to be here, and I kind of was looking for something to do this afternoon,” President Bush quipped to the delight of the audience. 

With their charming Texas drawls and sharp wits, President Bush and Mrs. Bush regaled guests with stories of their lives growing up in Texas and the early courtship of their 45-year marriage. Barbara Pierce Bush shared recollections of growing up in the White House, both when her grandfather George H. Bush was the 41st president, and with her twin, Jenna, when their father was the leader of the free world. 

The headliner this year was country superstar Brad Paisley who performed several crowd favorites including "I'm Gonna Miss Her,” “Whiskey Lullaby,” “Waitin’ on a Woman,” “Mud on the Tires,” “Alcohol,” “Online,” and a cover tribute to his home state of West Virginia, “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”  

“I am so thrilled to play here for you,” Paisley said, “First of all, my high school was not like this...Oaks Christian - thanks for all you do for everybody. God bless you. You are raising some good kids y’all.” 

Actor and OCS parent Neal McDonough emceed, and auctioneer Jim Nye brought his special touch to a live auction that saw fast-paced bidding on several big-ticket items that resulted in over $300K raised. The top three live items were a private jet day trip to Napa Valley wineries for $40K, a Four Seasons Hotel Stay at Costa Palmas for $30K, two Polacheck Jewelry shopping parties for $29K each, and a walk on role in McDonough’s next film for $25K. 

“What an incredible honor and privilege for me to be here tonight...25 years of excellence, of building minds and service minded children. The school, the sports, the arts we have at Oaks Christian is something that is truly incredible. The best school there is,” said McDonough. He and his wife, Ruve, have five children at Oaks Christian.