At the heart of every thriving school community lies a simple yet powerful truth: consistency creates transformation. It is the steady rhythm of annual giving that sustains our mission and fuels growth year after year. To bring this principle to life, three Viewpoint families with graduating seniors share their inspiring stories below. While each family’s journey to Viewpoint began differently, they all came to understand that when a school transforms your children’s lives, supporting it becomes not merely a choice but a calling.

For Andrew Furgatch and Cherilyn Shea P’17 ’26, that connection was both immediate and unexpected 12 years ago. “Well past any application deadline, we had the opportunity to tour Viewpoint School with Brooke Vimtrup and meet Dr. Dworkoski,” they recall. “It was remarkable how businesslike, focused, and energetic those encounters were compared to the perfunctory, often bureaucratic school visits we’d grown accustomed to.”

That first impression left an indelible mark on Andrew and Cherilyn. “Viewpoint has been an anchor for our family, with such magnetic pull that when we moved out of the Palisades, we chose to live in Calabasas primarily to be closer to Viewpoint.” They have made generous annual gifts to the school every single year without fail.

For Taneka Johnson P’26 ’28, the relationship between her family and the school is one of mutual care and commitment. “I view Viewpoint as a partnership,” she says. “Viewpoint takes extra special care of my boys, and I take extra special care of Viewpoint.”

Her dedication stems from witnessing transformation firsthand. “My boys’ lives have been forever changed by Viewpoint. The academics, the sports, the assemblies, the opportunities - they’re endless. If I want them to continue having this amazing experience, I must give what I can.” Her gratitude only deepens with time. “The more we grow, the more we owe! My boys have traveled with the school, built lifelong friendships, and learned so much.”

For Michael and Inga Goodman P’26, their understanding of Viewpoint’s impact deepened through service. Inga has volunteered for the Viewpoint Fund for the past 12 years, an experience that revealed just how vital annual giving is to the school’s success. “The more I volunteered, the more I understood the significance of the Viewpoint Fund,” she explains. “It’s the school’s second largest source of financial support. Without it, Viewpoint wouldn’t be Viewpoint, it would be different, less. And none of us wants less for our children.”

That realization became a guiding philosophy for her: “The school is only as good as we make it for our children. Besides, it feels good. It feels like the right thing to do.” Watching their son thrive affirmed Michael and Inga’s belief. “Every accomplishment our son has achieved has happened here at Viewpoint because of the high bar the school sets and the resources it provides.”

What unites these families is not only their generosity, but their understanding that loyal support creates lasting impact. As Furgatch and Shea express, “We have happily and consistently supported the school with our giving, as the tangible benefits to all Viewpoint students are clear - from playing fields and state-of-the-art facilities to enhanced programs and the preservation of its unique campus environment.”

Perhaps most inspiring is that their commitment extends beyond their own children’s time at Viewpoint. “Even when my kids graduate, I’ll always support the mission of Viewpoint,” shares Johnson. “It’s been an honor to be part of this school. I want the learning and opportunities to continue for other students, even after mine have moved on.” Furgatch and Shea echo that sentiment: “Our children’s academic journey at Viewpoint will soon conclude, but our love for the school and appreciation for what it has provided will always endure.”

The ripple effects of such commitment extend far beyond any one family. When the school can rely on a foundation of loyal supporters year after year, it can be strategic rather than reactive and can plan with confidence rather than hope. Sustained annual support is what turns long-term vision into lasting reality for our students and our school.

As we celebrate our loyal donors, we are reminded that consistency in giving reflects consistency in values - a shared belief that exceptional education deserves unwavering support, one year at a time. Whether you are a current parent watching your child grow or an alumni family maintaining your bond with the community that helped shape your child’s future, your annual gift helps write the next chapter in Viewpoint’s story.