It was an unforgettable evening at Calamigos Ranch on May 2, when supporters from across the Viewpoint community gathered for the School’s 43rd Annual Benefit in support of financial aid. Through their generosity, the event raised more than $1.2 million. Set against the venue’s stunning natural beauty, the evening celebrated connection, philanthropy, and shared purpose.

For more than four decades, the Annual Benefit has played an important role in supporting the School’s mission. This year’s event continued that tradition, with net proceeds directly benefiting financial aid and helping ensure deserving students can thrive at Viewpoint.

Guests were welcomed onto the iconic Ferris Wheel Lawn for a vibrant cocktail reception featuring live music by student group The Four and a Half, photo opportunities, and conversation beneath the spring evening sky. 

The Heshmatpour Family served as the Presenting Sponsor for this year’s Benefit. Reflecting on the importance of supporting financial aid, Kathy Heshmatpour shared:

“Education is the most powerful tool we have for transformation. When we support financial aid, we do more than pay for a student’s tuition—we say to a child that you matter, that we believe in you.”

As dinner was served, Head of School Mark McKee welcomed guests before sharing remarks about the evening’s purpose.

“At Viewpoint, we believe access to an exceptional education should not be defined by circumstance, but by potential. That belief comes to life through our commitment to expanding opportunity,” shared McKee. “Tonight, your presence and support help open doors. It allows curious and driven students to learn, grow, and prepare for a changing world through an education that extends far beyond academics. When we invest in students, we are investing in world-ready individuals. That is the power of collective philanthropy.”

The evening’s program, titled “The Power of Opportunity,” featured moving remarks from alumnus Justin Pichetrungsi ’04, chef and owner of Anajak Thai and recipient of the James Beard Award for Best Chef: California in 2023. Justin reflected on the life-changing impact financial aid had on his educational journey and the opportunities it created for his future.

Guests also heard a heartfelt parent perspective from Taneka Johnson P’26 ’28, who shared how financial aid transformed her family’s educational journey. Johnson also spoke about how the Independent School Alliance helped connect her family to Viewpoint and opened new opportunities for her children.

“I dreamed of something better for my boys,” shared Johnson. “I desperately wanted to give them a better education, a different experience, and a safer environment. Through the gift of admission and a generous financial aid package, we joined Viewpoint with excitement for the future.”

As the evening continued, guests participated in an exceptionally successful live auction. Highlights included a VIP Los Angeles Rams luxury suite experience, a private Costa Rica villa getaway, a 2026 US Open experience in Billie Jean King’s luxury suite, and a luxurious cruise aboard a 100-foot super-yacht. By the end of the evening, the event had raised more than $1.2 million for financial aid.

Following the auction, alumna Annie Bosko ’04 delivered a special musical performance inside the Pavilion. The country music artist brought energy to the evening with a lively set that had guests on their feet.

The celebration continued late into the night with desserts, dancing, late-night bites, and a lively after-party complete with a Cuban cigar rolling experience, giving guests an opportunity to unwind and celebrate the success of the evening together. Support from Benefit underwriters, online auction participants, donors, and attendees helped extend the impact beyond the event itself.

The 43rd Annual Benefit once again demonstrated the remarkable spirit and philanthropic commitment of the Viewpoint community. Through an evening filled with storytelling, celebration, and shared purpose, the event reinforced Viewpoint’s commitment to expanding opportunity for current and future students.