While they were in Japan, when anyone would ask Sara how she was doing, she would say everything is great but she missed Miss Shelley and playing the harp.  So with the help of Dr. Wiest they found a harp to be shipped to Japan and an English speaking harp teacher that was close to the school.  Sara was then completely happy in Japan.

Therapeutic harpist Sara Ellenberger playing for a baby at St. Joseph's Hospital

Sara’s interest in music was enriched at an early age with music, song, and dance introduced to her in the Philippines where she spent her early childhood. That love for the arts continues today.  She performs as a soloist at various church celebrations and social gatherings, in duets at performing arts exhibitions, as an accompanist, and in ensemble with Harpestry, a twenty member harp group.

In addition to her music interest, Sara maintained a 4.0 GPA in high school and has completed studies in Japanese and Chinese language at the university level. Sara has been a Girl Scout for thirteen years; being selected as the 2009 Young Women of Distinction in the World of Arts, and is a recent Gold Award Recipient for her project Sharing the Music where she reached over 5,000 people with her harp music, produced a CD of public domain Christmas music with her fellow harpists, and taught a Harp Appreciation Class to elementary students at a local school.

Sara participated in her high school volleyball and basketball teams and in 2011 was named a Scholar Athlete 1A-3A Finalist by the AIA.

Sara was nominated by Senator John McCain and Congressman Harry Mitchell to attend The United States Merchant Marine Academy where on July 7^th she reported to study Marine Engineering and Systems, play on the Varsity Basketball team and continue to excel playing the harp when possible. In spite of how busy they’ll keep her, we’re sure she’ll still miss her harp teacher, Dr. Wiest.

Good luck Sara!

A NICU baby in an incubator.

Mended Little Hearts offers resources and a caring support network as families find answers and move forward to find healing and hope.  This donation is just another example of Catholic Healthcare West’s living its mission of partnering with others to deliver compassionate, high-quality, affordable health services while serving and advocating for the poor and disenfranchised.  The therapeutic Angel Song CD’s that Sister Margaret donated will help families of these young children cope with a diagnoses of heart defects or heart disease.

The first recipient of one of the donated CDs was born with webbed vocal chords and trachea malasia who underwent a complicated surgical procedure.  While waiting to see her child in the ICU after the surgery, the mother wrote, “Please send lots of healing vibes our way” as if she knew of the coming gift of the Angel Song CD and its powerful vibrational therapy.

Thank you and bless you, Sister Margaret for your generous gift. The healing power of your newest outreach program begins.

The event was underwritten in part by sponsors MPB Relaty Services, MaryJane and David McHenry, and Catholic Healthcare West, Arizona

How do these things happen? Simply, they are brought about by great vision captured in the hearts of committed people and a lot of hard WORK! With  only two part-time individuals and a handful of totally dedicated volunteers, a visionary woman was able to imbue them all with a goal only she could set. She called it HEROIC! And it was!

Not one to ever take credit for anything, Joyce Buekers, Executive Director of The Harp Foundation, set the goal, outlined the strategy, and communicated by the sparkle in her eyes the determination she felt that this was going to happen.

It was straightforward. After finding out the hall would hold tables that could accommodate 320 people she decided to fill it with Foundation sponsors and guests, and share the wonderful story
of the impact The Harp Foundation has on the lives of so many people.

Founder Foyce Buekers with Honoree Marie Grandstaff and guests Gina Ore, Sun Health, and Candace Hoffman, Banner Del E. Webb

Guests entered Cummings Hall greeted with a soothing variety of harp music that set the relaxed mood for the afternoon.  Mingling amongst friends and new acquaintances, guests saw glimpses of The Harp Foundation’s various therapeutic harp programs on an overhead slide show.

A stunning rendition of Pachelbell’s Canon by nine of the harpists, conducted beautifully by harpist, Clara Arnold signaled the start of tea service, which was provided by the professional wait staff of Arcadia Farms. The teas were delicious and the savories were wonderful, as the soothing playing of the harpists continued in the background.

The Heart Ensemble, Adrienne Bridgewater, David Ice, Jacqi Musselman, and Alla Yashneva, performed an amazing program including a film excerpt from Hollywood!  The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was radio talk show host Julianna Lyddon, whose dynamic personality and engaging demeanor kept everyone on track and on schedule during the tea.  Founder Joyce Buekers welcomed guests, and shared some personal stories about the women who had been important role models for her in her life.

The Heart Strings Ensemble (from Left): Alla Yashneva, Jacqi Musselman, Adrienne Bridgewater, and David Ice

Adrienne Bridgewater then played her harp solo as she sang “When You Wish Upon a Star” to celebrate the dreams and wishes of all the inspirational women of the afternoon.  Guests where then treated to a sneak preview of the upcoming Arizona Highway’s video telling the compelling story of The Harp Foundation.  Featured were therapeutic harpists in the neonatal intensive care wing of St. Joseph’s Hospital, and pre-school students at Beatitude’s Campus’ AgeLink program, playing for the grandfriends, residents of the Beatitudes Campus.

Keynote Speaker dream expert Cynthia Richmond

The afternoon’s keynote speaker, Cynthia Richmond, Los Angeles Times dream columnist and frequent guest on Oprah, Dr. Phil and The View, led a powerful and enthralling interactive expose on the power of interpreting dreams. At the conclusion of her presentation, guests had a few moments for questions and answers to get Cynthia’s assistance in understanding their own dreams.

The Honorees of the afternoon were then recognized and presented with gifts. Joyce and daughter Carly Buekers played a selected duet for each. In the order that they were introduced, the honorees  and Founding Legacy Circle members were:

• Linda Hunt, CEO St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center and Catholic Healthcare West Arizona, who was represented by Sister Margaret McBride, VP of Organizational Outreach, Catholic Healthcare West Arizona.
• Marge Ebeling, Founder of the WellCare Foundation.
• Dr. Gladys McGarey, the “Mother of Holistic Medicine and Living Medicine” and Founder, the Gladys T McGarey Medical Foundation.
  

  Honoree Elizabeth Banta, Executive Director of DUET, being presented with her gift by Michael Blair Buekers.

• Marie Grandstaff, US State Interpreter, Former Stanford & Indonesia University Professor.
• Rev. Dr. Dosia Carlson, Founder of Hospice of the Valley and Beatitudes Center for Developing Older Adult Resources (DOAR), now DUET, who was represented by Elizabeth Banta, Executive Director, DUET.
• Sherry Lund, Founder of Celebration Stem Cell Centre and President, the Victoria Lund Foundation.

The Master of Ceremonies, Julianna Lyddon then concluded the program with gracious thanks for everyone’s support, and a reminder that guests had the rest of the afternoon – until 5pm – to self explore the museum’s exhibits.

As they departed, guests took gift bags and door prizes with them with items donated by the Franciscan Renewal Center, Mark Thomas – Legends Cadillac, Jack Jensen – Arizona Business Bank, Arizona Highways, Barbara Fenzl – Les Gourmettes, Carol Steele – Aravaipa Farms, Mary Garland – Garland’s Lodge, and the White House Design Studio.

The results? Judge for yourself as you read a few of the many testimonies of those who were there.

Guests visiting before the program.

The afternoon was simply perfect. Not only was it a celebration of women, it was a celebration of the heart: Congratulations to you and your incredible team for such a successful event. A long time ago, the shaman was preparing to bless the food for his people.  He prayed, Mother, Father, this may look like food to nurture our bodies but in reality it is the expression of love we feel for each other. Joyce, his eloquent words can be used to describe your event: Mother, Father, this may look like a foundation event but in reality it is the expression of love we feel for each other.

Thank you again for your gifts of nurturance and love.

Blessings always,
Rose Winters and Dr. Gladys

Guests listening to the Dreams program.

I did not get a chance to talk to you Sunday, so I wanted to be sure and thank you for inviting us to the fabulous afternoon at the Phoenix Art Museum. The Harp Foundation’s “Honoring Women who have made a Difference” was incredible! To sell out the first year is unheard of! — next year you will have to hold it at Chase Field! Seriously, I thought you did an excellent job of conveying the work of The Harp Foundation, as well as honoring several women who have truly made a difference in the lives of others.

Much continued success,
Jack Marks, ChildHelp Development Director,
Treasurer Church of the Beatitudes

What a beautiful and delightful afternoon, we are so very proud of you and the work you are doing!

Margo Media—MMPR

What a wonderful, spirit-filled afternoon, inspiring, uplifting, invigorating. Many thanks to you and your wonderful Board, staff and volunteers. What a gift The Harp Foundation is to our Valley of the Sun.

Blessings,
Nancy Splain

I really enjoyed yesterday and am so in awe of the size of the event, the people, the attention to detail, your friends and the wonderful program it was.

Love, Linda Herold

Our Event Sponsors

Smiling volunteers Margaret Seid and her friend.

• Maintain Social Media Sites
• Prepare PowerPoint Presentations/Design Layouts
• General Office Filing/Clerical Assistance
• Donor Information Management
• Process donor transactions
• Prepare “Thank You” letters
• Update donor database
• Fundraising mail merge
• Mail and email list management
• Track CD Inventory and keep CDs organized
• CD Sales at Events
• Update Calendar of Events on Website
• Help with upcoming events
• e-Newsletter Editor/Design Layout
• Marketing Materials Design and Content

If none of these seem to fit and you still have some time you want tovolunteer, please call us and tell us what you would like to do. There are many ways to be a compassionate friend. Please contact us at 602-265-4014 or via email at info@theharpfoundation.org.

Register Now!

Cynthia Richmond with Dr. Phil

The Harp Foundation is hosting “Celebrating Women” afternoon tea at Phoenix Art Museum on Sunday, May 22, 2011 from 2-5pm.  The Harp Foundation, who promotes wellness by providing unique instrumental harp music in therapeutic settings in hospitals, hospice settings and for individuals with special needs, will treat guests to wonderful afternoon teas, savory and sweet small bites, beautiful harp music and a self exploration of the art museum.  Cynthia Richmond, Los Angeles Times dream columnist and frequent guest on Oprah, Dr. Phil and The View, will serve as the keynote speaker with an enthralling interactive expose on the power of interpreting our dreams.  The event will also honor significant women who have made a difference in Arizona’s healthcare industry.

Honorees include:

• Linda Hunt
  CEO, St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center and
  Catholic Healthcare West, Arizona
• Sherry Lund
  Founder, Celebration Stem Cell Centre
• Dr. Gladys McGary
  “The Mother of Holistic Medicine”
  Founder, Gladys T McGary Foundation
• Marge Ebeling
  Founder, WellCare Foundation
• Rev. Dr. Dosia Carlson
  Founder, DUET

Price: $100 per person (Fair Value of Goods & Services $46)

Register Now!

To Register by phone or For More Information, contact The Harp Foundation at 602-265-4014 or by email to info@theharpfoundation.org

From the Inpatient Logs of Alla Yashneva, Harpist at St Joseph’s Hospital and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center

Room #30: Mom left the room and five year old Nicole started to scream, “Mommy! Mommy!” When I started to play, Nicole calmed and watched me closely. Mom came back and Nicole smiled at me and tried to clap her hands.

Room #6: A little patient was kicking his legs and his high number was about 158. This one really needed to clam down. I stayed with him until highest number dropped to 138. The nurse came to check on him and said “Perfect!”

Room #42: A nurse was rocking a new born baby. The baby didn’t cry but the alarm was going off. I played and alarm started to quit from time to time; after about 10 minutes the alarm stopped.

Room #6: Grandmother of six year old, Alicia, told me that the child couldn’t hear, but she can feel; so I allowed her to touch the harp. She looked very excited and smiled at me.

Room #20: Dad and baby were in the room and baby was crying. I played, trying to help Dad to calm the child and we did it! The baby finally fell asleep and Dad was happy.

Room #38: It was very noisy in there. Mom was talking on the phone, the baby was crying, and the older brother made noises with his toys. It took me a while, but everyone calmed down.

Thanks to a very generous donation of time by graphic artist Vikki Green (The Brandinator, Sandlot Studios) The Harp Foundation has a new look.  The “rebranding” process lasted several months, and was narrowed down to 3 contenders before the final selection was made.

Our new logo intentionally features a loving, caring heart as the logo harp.  The linkage between heart and harp visually conveys our mission as stated in our tag line: “Transforming Lives and Healing Hearts”.  In contrast to the softness of the harp logo and tag line, the name is represented by classic, easy to read characters, to provide impact and convey a professional image.  The metallic colors – Gold, Silver, and Copper – were purposely chosen to present a time honored classic tradition that will never go out of style.

"Harps in the Garden" Banners

We’ve been working on incorporating our new brand identity into our other identification and marketing materials.  Those of you who attended the wonderful “Harps in the Garden” celebration last month saw the new brand in our signage, program materials, and even the wonderful Honoree Banners.  At the event, we also released our new “MiniBuk” (printed by David and Kathy Seid, Access Laserpress, edited by Mary Holden), a pocket sized (3 ½” x 5”) 24 page book that tells the Story of The Harp Foundation, and the impact our generous supporters have been able to have on people’s lives. (Click on the picture for a photo gallery of the event.)

One project still “in process” is an update of our website (www.theharpfoundation.org).  The design of the website was donated to us by Chris and Kim Johnson, owners of Terralever, as their Philanthropic Organization of the year. We’ve been busy updating it with our new Brand graphics and updated content and we are now able to accept credit card donations and Harp CD orders, get volunteer and supporter feedback, and keep everyone updated on what’s going on in The Harp Foundation community.

One of the newest website features we’re excited about is the inclusion of Facebook “Friend” and Twitter capabilities, making it even easier for you to keep up with what’s new at the Foundation. You can help us by becoming our Friend.  Here’s how it works. On twitter, you can find us at http://www.twitter.com/harpfoundation, and follow us there. For Facebook, search for The Harp Foundation and add us as a friend. On our website you can “like” any of our pages or blog posts and help us spread the word about The Harp Foundation and what we’re doing.

You can also help us by forwarding this newsletter to your friends.  They can sign up for the newsletter using the link at the bottom of the newsletter or on our website (from the “Press and Events” menu, select “Newsletter Signup”). We need to get the word out to as many people as possible about the work we’re doing and the impact we have on people’s lives in their time of crisis or special need.  Spread the Word!

Recently, one of our harpists, Jocelyn Obermeyer, was performing for a patient in a local hospice, when visitors to the patient’s room were overcome by the experience of Jocelyn’s playing.  They shared that memorable moment with us.  Here is what they had to say:

“I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you of a wonderful blessing and a moment where God was present yesterday in Room 4 of the Hospice of the Valley Good Shepherd Unit.  Late yesterday afternoon, my wife and I went to visit a neighbor who was a patient there.  As we entered the room we found that Jocelyn had just set up the harp and was going to play for our neighbor and her husband.  When we walked in she told us that she would come back so that we could visit.  I told her, “Please stay and play” we promise we won’t disturb you.

Harpist Jocelyn Obermeyer

“The reason for this letter is to let you know something that I believe you already know: Jocelyn is a special gift to all she touches.  My wife told her that she had to be an angel.  She took out her hymn book and asked the family what hymns they would like sung.  The patient, even though she was not very coherent, began singing along with Jocelyn and the rest of us.  She used to sing in our church choir prior to her coming to this point.  It was so beautiful that her husband broke down because of his joy over seeing what had occurred.

“As you know, some people do a job to get paid and others do not feel they have a job but a calling or ministry.  That is who Jocelyn is.  As I prayed with our neighbor and her husband, she softly played the harp.  Then we spent a long, long time singing together and being blessed.  God gave my wife and me a real gift yesterday in seeing how The Harp Foundation’s hard work has paid off in providing this blessing to those who really need it.”

While this particular story is Jocelyn’s, it is a story repeated over and over again by all of our excellent harpists, and we are grateful for the service of all of them.

This story provides testament to the mission of The Harp Foundation:  To provide comfort to those in crisis or with special needs, and celebrate life.  The foundation’s many volunteers and supporters are drawn by the calling to provide comfort to those in need, and this story makes very clear the powerful impact therapeutic harp has on people’s lives.

Thank you, Jocelyn, and all of our wonderful harpists, for the service you provide and the calling you follow.