"Thank you for the invitation to the wonderful event. We would like to thank everyone affiliated with The Harp Foundation who worked so hard to put it together. The beauty showed, the dedication showed ... It was wonderful..." --Mary Jane McHenry
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November 7 was a very special day for The Harp Foundation. Over 200 of our good friends, supporters, and guests enjoyed the festive evening of wonderful delicacies and wine, accompanied by the beautiful playing of 12 of our harpists while strolling the beautiful pathways at Cille & Vern Swaback’s magnificent Scottsdale gardens, all showcased by the setting sun. It was our 5th annual “Harps in the Garden” gathering, and this year’s was dedicated as “An Evening of Tribute.” From meeting new friends to hearing about the success of therapeutic harp in the hospitals to learning about exciting advances in Stem Cell research and cardiac care, there was something for everyone.
Guests bidding on the Silent Auction
Guests arrived to a speedy registration and our successful Silent Auction. The 25 generously donated prizes included bakery and restaurant gift certificates, golf for four at the private FireRock Country Club, a wonderful weekend stay at the Biltmore, a box Suite at a Phoenix Suns game, and everything in between. There were exceptional values to take advantage of for the many eager shoppers. Congratulations and a big “Thank You” to all of the successful bidders!
Upon entering the garden, wait staff served an assortment of delectable delicacies while guests enjoyed the soothing sounds of 12 of the Foundation’s talented harpists. A couple of the harpists wandered through the garden offering guests the opportunity to pluck a few strings on their own.
Harpists Clara Arnold and Dr. Shelly Wiest
An assortment of wine and other beverages were enjoyed by everyone as guests renewed and made new friendships.
Our Honorees for the “Evening of Tribute” included Marie Grandstaff who started the Angel Song program at Banner Del E Webb Hospital, and Bill & Sherry Lund for the Angel Song program at St. Joseph’s Medical Center and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and a neonatal clinical research project on babies with holes in their hearts at St. Josephs. During their recognition, the Lunds made another generous contribution to support the ongoing work of The Harp Foundation.
Other supporters recognized were Helen Duff who helped start the “Harps in the Schools” program at StarShine Academy, Mary and Richard Carr for their work at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and the Foundations Corporate Donors: Steven and Jeanne Chanen and Herman Chanen, Michael & Joyce Buekers, David & Mary Jane McHenry, Rev. Dr. Culver H. Nelson, Vernon and Cille Swaback and Kent Greenwald.
Linda Hunt, Service Area President of Catholic Healthcare West Arizona and President of St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center in Phoenix, was named The Harp Foundation’s Person of the Year. Graciously accepting her award was Martin Breeden, VP Mission Integration for Catholic Healthcare West who also spoke of the success of therapeutic harp in the hospital setting.
Harpist Adrienne Bridgewater
Dr Nabil Dib, renowned cardiovascular researcher and doctor, who for more than 10 years has been developing the newest investigational treatments for advanced cardiovascular disease – including the use of stem cells – spoke about the exciting and rapid progress in the field.
The evening’s program concluded with a powerful rendition of “America the Beautiful” by vocalist Renee Morgan Brooks accompanied by Adrienne Bridgewater on the Harp. Guests enjoyed an assortment of delicious deserts to wrap up the evening. A big “Thank You” to everyone who made the evening such a huge success. The rave reviews of the evening are still coming in!
