our mission
Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids' mission is to encourage inspired, underprivileged youth to participate in programs that will prepare them to reach their full potential. We specifically target foster youth and other kids in unique family situations. We identify local youth who demonstrate the desire to improve themselves. Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids will work with other charitable organizations as well as businesses and individuals to develop programs and strategies that will assist us in accomplishing our mission.
history
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I remember being a little stressed out about being "on my own" away from my "normal" life at home in Newbury Park, CA. There I sat with 20 other kids on a bus heading to summer camp. I was 8 years old and about as uncomfortable as I could be, but I couldn't/wouldn't let any of the other kids know.
Here I am, looking back 50 years ago wondering what helped form me? How did I grow up and become independent? What helped me get through all the stuff thrown at me in life? How much of that stuff was of my own doing? How much of it was simply a product of where I was placed when I was born and completely out of my control? Poor decisions,consequences to those decisions, things that happen because of where I live, who my friends are, good and evil. How did I learn that setting meaningful goals and working a little harder than some others to get them, would be good? How did I make progress towards being able to take care of myself and eventually my family? |
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How can I now help kids understand that there is a blueprint for life that if followed, will lead to love and happiness?
Thus, Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids was born. Building a foundation begins with taking kids out of their "normal" environment and sending them to summer camp. It continues with offering day to day life skills training and educational development opportunities.
Old Boney Mountain Hot Sauce started "Send a Kid to Summer Camp" in 2016 and it continues to this day. The basic premise is to identify kids who would normally be unable to attend summer camp and sponsor them to go. Learning and developing as a youth through experiential learning is one small piece of a bigger Old Boney puzzle.
Learning the blueprint for a good life begins when you are born and never ends. We are here to help fill in the blanks.
Thus, Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids was born. Building a foundation begins with taking kids out of their "normal" environment and sending them to summer camp. It continues with offering day to day life skills training and educational development opportunities.
Old Boney Mountain Hot Sauce started "Send a Kid to Summer Camp" in 2016 and it continues to this day. The basic premise is to identify kids who would normally be unable to attend summer camp and sponsor them to go. Learning and developing as a youth through experiential learning is one small piece of a bigger Old Boney puzzle.
Learning the blueprint for a good life begins when you are born and never ends. We are here to help fill in the blanks.
Statement of Faith
We believe that God, as revealed in the Holy Bible, is the foundation of all life and truth. Our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the cornerstone of our mission to serve others. The Holy Spirit moves us to be more effective witnesses of our faith. Guided by the teachings of Christ, we are committed to:
1. The Lordship of Jesus Christ – We believe that Jesus Christ is the world’s Savior, through whom we receive grace and salvation. Our work expresses His love and call to serve those in need.
2. The Authority of Scripture—We uphold the Bible as God’s inspired and infallible Word, which guides our actions, decisions, and mission.
3. The Power of Prayer—We believe in the transformative power of prayer and seek God’s wisdom and strength in all we do.
4. The Call to Service – Following Christ’s example, we are committed to loving and serving others, mainly the marginalized and vulnerable, to express our faith.
5. The Value of Every Person – We affirm that every individual is created in the image of God, worthy of dignity, respect, and compassion.
6. The Importance of Community – We believe in the power of unity in Christ and are committed to building a community of faith, love, and support through our work.
7. The Great Commission – We are dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our actions and sharing the message of hope, redemption, and reconciliation with all.
1. The Lordship of Jesus Christ – We believe that Jesus Christ is the world’s Savior, through whom we receive grace and salvation. Our work expresses His love and call to serve those in need.
2. The Authority of Scripture—We uphold the Bible as God’s inspired and infallible Word, which guides our actions, decisions, and mission.
3. The Power of Prayer—We believe in the transformative power of prayer and seek God’s wisdom and strength in all we do.
4. The Call to Service – Following Christ’s example, we are committed to loving and serving others, mainly the marginalized and vulnerable, to express our faith.
5. The Value of Every Person – We affirm that every individual is created in the image of God, worthy of dignity, respect, and compassion.
6. The Importance of Community – We believe in the power of unity in Christ and are committed to building a community of faith, love, and support through our work.
7. The Great Commission – We are dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our actions and sharing the message of hope, redemption, and reconciliation with all.
all are welcome...
At Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids our faith has given us the perspective that the human being has a dignity that should be respected and protected by other human beings. This dignity is a gift from God that enables the human being to be a humane being in its relationship with God, other human beings, and creation.
Our experience has shown us that greater good is achieved when we empower all by encouraging partnerships so all feel welcome and valued for their contributions. We further an environment of flowing thoughts and ideas where everyone feels comfortable sharing and is engaged with our business and philanthropic missions.
It is our intersection of what our faith and our experience have to teach us that results in our focus to respect and value each person and to act purposefully.
The basis for our statement is a great biblical reference in Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
At Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids our faith has given us the perspective that the human being has a dignity that should be respected and protected by other human beings. This dignity is a gift from God that enables the human being to be a humane being in its relationship with God, other human beings, and creation.
Our experience has shown us that greater good is achieved when we empower all by encouraging partnerships so all feel welcome and valued for their contributions. We further an environment of flowing thoughts and ideas where everyone feels comfortable sharing and is engaged with our business and philanthropic missions.
It is our intersection of what our faith and our experience have to teach us that results in our focus to respect and value each person and to act purposefully.
The basis for our statement is a great biblical reference in Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Foundation Team
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Jeff Losey - Founder & CEO
Jeff was employed at a large insurance company for over 35 years where he has held many positions, including Vice President as well as Head of Professional Development before retiring in 2022. He founded Old Boney Mountain Hot Sauce Corp in 2011 and Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids in 2019. Jeff enjoys supporting charitable causes and has been involved with and led fundraising efforts in association with organizations, such as: Semper Fi Fund, Food Share of Ventura County, Lifewater International, Forest Home Christian Conference Center, Hume Lake, Young Life and Newbury Park High School arts and athletic programs. In the past, he has led major fundraisers including Oktoberfest - Thousand Oaks. Most recently he has put on Old Boney Mountain Hot Summer Night Festival to benefit Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids as well as Ventura County Fire Department Widows, Orphans and Assistance Fund. He has enjoyed coaching many local sports teams over the past 40 years, including football, baseball, track, softball and soccer. Jeff has been married to Pamela for almost 4 decades, he has 4 married children and 5 grandsons. He is a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona, where he earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Recreation Administration with a minor in Small Business Management. He was starting quarterback and running back as a member of the NCAA Bronco football team, President/player of the Cal Poly Football Club, member/player of the Cal Poly Rugby Club, member of Rotary Club and served on the Board of Directors for AYSO Soccer. |
Board of Directors
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Chris A. Brown - President
Pictured with wife Margaret Chris has always shared that his priorities are ordered with his Faith, Family, and Friends at the top of his list. He brings his small town demeanor combined with his learned skills in business and leadership to this role which is a perfect fit for leading the board for Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids. Growing up on a small farm in Oklahoma, Chris was active in his local faith community. Participating in the youth group and attending weekly services helped instill a love for God and others. This time developed lasting relationships with classmates and mentors that continue to this day. Over the years, participation in various leadership roles in organizations such as 4-H, FFA, Student Council, high school and college band programs, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Jaycees, Chris sought to develop his ability to lead and succeed. This base proved beneficial in his 36+ year professional career with a major insurance company. Chris’ partner for life, his wife Margaret, has provided love and support for him and their family while he completed his education and pursued his career. After graduating from Oklahoma State University, Chris was blessed to find a career home at Farmers Insurance where he held various roles in the claims and HR departments. These roles gave him the opportunity to help re-shape the vision for part of the organization and to lead the best training team in property claims. Chris and Margaret are currently enjoying their retirement, filling their time with travel, visiting with their children, spouses and grandkids, and assisting in volunteer opportunities. They are super excited to be a part of this foundation and pray it helps kids grow their relationship and love for God and our neighbor |
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Matt Elam
Keith Hernandez James Losey |
John Losey - Secretary
Richard Vickers - Treasurer Todd Penrose |
Volunteers
Chanda Lubinski - Events & Marketing
After working in Ventura & LA County since 2003, Chanda took a step back from the corporate world in 2019 in search of doing something more meaningful for her community.
Chanda's father, Jeff Losey, threw out the idea of sending kids to summer camp through a 501(c)(3) in place of raising contributions through his hot sauce company and Chanda said - let's go!
In addition to Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids, Chanda is Executive Director of Ohana in Thousand Oaks California. Chanda has worked in the past as a Realtor with a focus in buying and selling homes in and around Newbury Park. Chanda loves that she was born and raised under Old Boney Mountain and is happily married residing just a few blocks from her childhood home. She enjoys sports, hiking, good food and drinks, and spending quality time with family, friends, her husband and their 2 doodle pups.
After working in Ventura & LA County since 2003, Chanda took a step back from the corporate world in 2019 in search of doing something more meaningful for her community.
Chanda's father, Jeff Losey, threw out the idea of sending kids to summer camp through a 501(c)(3) in place of raising contributions through his hot sauce company and Chanda said - let's go!
In addition to Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids, Chanda is Executive Director of Ohana in Thousand Oaks California. Chanda has worked in the past as a Realtor with a focus in buying and selling homes in and around Newbury Park. Chanda loves that she was born and raised under Old Boney Mountain and is happily married residing just a few blocks from her childhood home. She enjoys sports, hiking, good food and drinks, and spending quality time with family, friends, her husband and their 2 doodle pups.
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J.J. Losey - Executive Design & Technology Lead
Designing industry-leading training assets for a large insurance company since 2010, J.J. has extended his artistic talents to Old Boney Mountain Hot Sauce since its founding in 2011, and continues with the foundation and Old Boney Mountain Trading Co. today, working with his father, Jeff, to develop product labels and promotional materials, as well as provide technology services for foundation events. In addition to Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids, J.J. is a Graphic Designer, I.T. Specialist, and Immersive Experience Developer. He is recently married and lives just a few miles down the grade from the rest of the Losey clan. His hobbies include dabbling in the kitchen, reading and writing, tinkering, and hiking. We are grateful for his extensive work as a volunteer as well as his piecework when we are in a pinch! |
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Gail Willis - Bookkeeping
Gail is a seasoned and detail-oriented bookkeeper boasting over 15 years of proficiency in documentation and finance management. With a comprehensive background in managing payroll and maintaining digital records.
Recognized for her adept team leadership and talent cultivation. Beyond her professional commitments, Gail values her free time, which she spends enjoying moments with her grandkids, staying active at the gym, and cherishing the company of her beloved fur babies.
Gail is a seasoned and detail-oriented bookkeeper boasting over 15 years of proficiency in documentation and finance management. With a comprehensive background in managing payroll and maintaining digital records.
Recognized for her adept team leadership and talent cultivation. Beyond her professional commitments, Gail values her free time, which she spends enjoying moments with her grandkids, staying active at the gym, and cherishing the company of her beloved fur babies.
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Amy Babel - Silent Auction Coordinator
Work Comp claims Supervisor at Farmers Insurance. Former elementary school teacher. After teaching in Simi Valley, CA for 15 years in public school and in mainly a small private school, Amy had to make a career change for financial reasons and began working at Farmers Insurance where she has worked for the last 10 years. Although Amy enjoys her work at Farmers, she enjoys volunteering and helping the community. Especially when these activities help children or animals in need. Amy is happily married to her husband Mike, and has two grown daughters, Madelyn and Joey, and four dogs (all rescues!). Amy enjoys reading and exercise, spending time with family and friends and attending live music shows. |
How can I now help kids understand that there is a blueprint for life that if followed, will lead to love and happiness? "