Community Involvement

Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital - Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, founded in 1962, is a pediatric treatment and research facility focused on children’s catastrophic diseases, particularly leukemia and other cancers. The hospital costs about US$2.8 million a day to run, but patients are not charged for their care. Mr. & Mrs. Oakland are major donors.

Habitat for Humanity - Habitat for Humanity's vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. The Mid-Yellowstone Valley affiliate was established in September 1992 to serve Yellowstone County, Montana. They completed the first house exactly one year later. Efforts to continue building provide challenge, opportunity and blessing for individuals and groups who participate. Oakland & Co. Vice President Landy Leep has served as a board member and Levi Wanner is a current board member. Oakland & Co. has sponsored several homes.

Special Olympics Montana - Special Olympics Montana strives to fully implement the Special Olympics, Inc. mission and be the “charity of choice” in Montana which is financially stable, increasingly endowed and served by a strong, well-trained volunteer force. Oakland and Companies CFO Pattie Minchew has been involved with Special Olympics Montana since the year 2000 and has been the Local Program Coordinator for the Billings adults since 2004. Pattie’s family was Family of the Year in 2012 and Pattie was awarded the Spirit of Special Olympics award in 2016.

The Quality of Life Run - The Quality of Life Run was created in 2004 with the goal of benefiting organizations that are working to improve the quality of life for our residents. The proceeds raised from this event go to improving our community. Rachel Cox was a founder of the run. Rachel and Oakland & Co. have been key financial supporters.

Zoo Montana - Zoo Montana is an accredited zoological, botanical garden, arboretum and educational facility dedicated to the conservation of wildlife throughout Montana. Zoo Montana cares for over 80 animals of 56 different species, including Amur Tigers, Grizzly Bear, Wolverine, River Otters, Takin and Canada Lynx, among others, most of which are rescues. As one of the few zoological parks in the country that does not receive public tax support, ZooMontana raises necessary operation funds through admissions, memberships, events and private contributions. Oakland & Company is a major supporter and sponsors the river otter exhibit. Mr. Oakland has served on the board.

Museum of the Rockies - At MOR, young and old can stand toe-to-toe with a 65-million-year-old T. rex, travel through the universe to explore a distant planet or experience what life was like in Montana more than 100 years ago – learning not just about the exhibits themselves, but also about this amazing world we all share. Gary Oakland has served as Chairman of the National Advisory board and still serves on the board. Oakland & Company is also the presenting sponsor of exhibits and sponsored the Satellite Theater along with being a major donor.

The Billings Symphony - The organization's mission is to enrich lives through music. The Billings Symphony is a non-profit organization that performs throughout south central and eastern Montana and northeastern Wyoming and helps introduce music to children, youths, adults and seniors. Gary Oakland has served on the board, is the current season sponsor and has been for many years.

Yellowstone Art Museum - The Yellowstone Art Museum exhibits, interprets, collects and preserves art, for the enrichment, education, inspiration and enjoyment of all. With the vision to be an extraordinary cultural destination for creative exchange. Gary Oakland has been on the board for many years and endowed the artist in residence studio. Oakland & Company has been the lead sponsor of the annual art auction for over 10 years. Mr. Oakland is a member of the esteemed Lifetime Legacy Society of Donors and was named Philanthropist of the Year in 2012.

Pepperdine University - Pepperdine University is a top 50 University located in Malibu California with campuses in countries around the world that is committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places to study, Pepperdine where you're inspired to learn as you learn to inspire. Gary Oakland serves on the University board and is a major financial supporter.

Angel Flight West - Angel Flight West is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization that arranges free, non-emergency air travel for children and adults with serious medical conditions and other compelling needs. Their network of 1,400+ pilots throughout the 13 western states donate their aircraft, piloting skills, and all flying costs to help families in need, enabling them to receive vital treatment that might otherwise be inaccessible because of financial, medical, or geographic limitations. Landy Leep is a command pilot for Angel Flight, offering his services to complete needed missions.