2017 Dragon Fall

When Kevin ’88 and Amy ’89 Hester returned
to O’Dowd as parents (Claudia ’18
and Ella ’20 Hester) two years ago, they
were excited to get involved and volunteer.
Kevin joined the Board of Regents, as a
member of the Building and Grounds Committee,
and the couple assumed leadership
roles on the Transforming Lives Dinner Committee.
“Being on the committee with others who
were dedicated to making O’Dowd welcoming
and accessible to all we quickly realized
what a wonderful group we joined, and the
next year we didn’t hesitate to become part
of the committee again,” they said.
This year the Hesters, along with Tina Canales
and Greg Onken (Gabriella “Gigi” Onken
’19) are chairing the Transforming Lives Dinner,
O’Dowd’s signature fundraising event.
“We want to make sure we keep O’Dowd a
special place that is accessible to all students
who qualify to attend, regardless of
economic circumstances,” the Hesters said.
Though Gigi transferred to O’Dowd as a
sophomore, Canales and Onken had long
been admirers of the school. After serving
on the Transforming Lives Dinner Committee
last year, the couple became inspired to do
more.
“What really drew us to the event is that it is
the most direct and immediate form of support
we have ever seen – the funds are used
this year to help the families and students
who need it now in order to attend O’Dowd.
Without it, we risk losing some great students
and families from our community,”
they said.
“Most don’t realize that 30% of all O’Dowd
students receive some tuition assistance,
with none receiving 100%. Those receiving
this assistance cover just about every category
one can define and we truly believe
that the diversity at O’Dowd, be it ethnicity,
socio-economic standing, background, beliefs
or any other category one can create, is
authentic and that all of us benefit from the
inclusion of people not exactly like us. With
the inclusion of those of us who receive help
in order to have access to the resources and
opportunities that O’Dowd offers, we are all
made better,” Canales and Onken said.
The couples are excited to be working together,
and are confident the event fundraising
goal - $400,000 – can be met.
“All of the committee members are good,
generous people who believe in the mission
of the school, know the benefits of the
Transforming Lives Dinner fundraiser and are
willing to work extremely hard to make it
successful,” Canales and Onken said.
The Hesters agree. “It’s rewarding to be
involved with a group of people who are
dedicated and genuinely want to make this a
successful fundraiser. Being with people who
share this same enthusiasm and generosity
makes everyone want to make the extra
effort.”
Additionally, both couples are committed to
creating a more sustainable model for future
committees by reaching out to all constituencies
to broaden and expand sponsorship
and attendance.
Given the past experience both couples bring
to the table, these goals will likely be met.
The Hesters have been involved in multiple
fundraising events, including co-chairing
the annual school auction at Alameda’s St.
Joseph School, while Greg Onken co-chaired
the Capital Campaign at St. Theresa School
that culminated in a dramatic transformation
of the physical facilities and the addition
of a much needed event center/gym to
the campus.
Learn more about the
Transforming Lives Dinner at:
www.bishopodowd.org/tld
TRANSFORMING LIVES DINNER
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Tina Canales and Greg Onken, co-chairs
Kevin ’88 and Amy ’89 Hester, co-chairs
Annette & Tom Counts
Melissa Heller & Steven Douglas
Margie Matthews ’64
Louisa & John Tallarida
PJ & Lionel Vaughn
Mollie Westphal & Russell Spektor
Fall/Winter Magazine 2017 // 15