Let's Do More of This! A Note from our Executive Director

Recently, Therapeutic Harp Foundation (THF) brought therapeutic harp music to Children's First Leadership Academy's (CFLA), a school for home and food insecure children. We brought 10 of our colorful harpsicles, and I loved watching these middle schoolers participate with Jocelyn, our Regional Program Director and therapeutic harpist.  This experience was especially meaningful as the school does not currently have a music program. We are excited to expand our services to help underserved populations like CFLA and are currently raising the funds to provide a music curriculum for their k-8th students on a regular basis.

You can help us be there on a regular basis by donating below. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Harpist's Corner

Danielle's Favorite Harp Experience

As I arrived at the Eckstein Center, as Hospice of the Valley facility, and began playing in the hall, nursing informed me that the spouse in room 4 was listening and interested in a visit. The patient was in bed, relaxed and comfortable with minimal responses. His wife had been brought to him by their daughter, who left them alone together and would return later.

His wife, who was in the beginning stages of dementia, stated that she and her husband love music and used to go to performances and dancing. She shared stories and requested favorite songs. She became tearful with hearing ‘Always’ and stated that was ‘their’ song. This sweet lady sang along with every song and reminisced about the adventures she and her husband had experienced. She cried happy tears, gave me a big hug and said, ‘You’ve made my day!’  This was one of my most heart-felt experiences being a therapeutic harpist.

Therapeutic Harp Foundation is fortunate to have Danielle Franklin as part of the team. She is a music therapist and therapeutic musician. Danielle is a team player extraordinaire, always willing to help. She has a Masters Degree in Music therapy and developed an app to assist patients with singing. Danielle has competed in vocal competitions and represented Arizona well. She has been instrumental in helping the harp team develop musical skills as she can play anything just by someone humming a few bars. Our team is richer because of Danielle!

MEET OUR PRESIDENT

When asked why he serves as our board president, George says, "I'm honored to work with this terrific group of fabulous people that all possess a servant's heart. The organizational mission is helping and caring for others, typically during a difficult time. We are making a large community impact, and I am proud to be a part of our team's efforts." 

More about George:

He has been in Arizona for nearly 37 years and is passionate about building quality relationships. He is an 11-year charter member of Business Network International (BNI) Connectors’ chapter in Scottsdale, an 80-member chapter that has been recognized twice within the past eight years as BNI Arizona’s chapter of the year. George's background includes receiving a Master of International Business from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona. He was a financial advisor for 17 years and has helped several companies with securing funding, marketing, and sales.  George has been integrally involved in the local nonprofit community for the past 25 years. He has traveled to 49 U.S. states, has a giant network, and is BIG connector of people.  He enjoys the outdoors, particularly fishing and hunting, as well as billiards, bowling, and entertaining.  George lives in Gilbert, Arizona, with his wife Cynthia, and has a daughter 22 and a son 21.

Thank you, George, for all you do for THF. We appreciate your leadership!