Resounding Joy concert raises funds for adults and children who are homebound, have special needs

Volunteers Wanted
           
A nonprofit agency whose volunteers use voice, drums and other musical instruments to help adults and children who are homebound or special needs raised more than $27,000 at a fund-raiser Feb. 24.

About 225 people bought tickets for the fourth annual concert and auction of donated items and services at Calvary Lutheran Church in Solana Beach, according to Barbara Reuer, PhD., a music therapist who directs the agency.

“It is heartwarming that so many people came out for the event— including all the volunteers who helped and the musicians that gave of their time and talents— to support our mission of comfort, compassion and caring for those in need,” Reuer said. “Music can be a very powerful and poignant tool.”

Among those who performed in the hour-long concert were The cosmos, a men’s choral group from San Diego; singer and songwriter Patsy Meyer, who writes music for television shows; Stan Beard, the church choir director who composes, arranges and directs music for Disney On Ice; and Sara Petite, a country singer and songwriter.

Reuer said the contributions will be used to expand programs and extend the organization’s reach into community, and the board of director will meet next week to discuss how to carry that out.

Volunteers, called Joy Givers, and music therapists with the agency use a variety of techniques to boost the spirits and quality of life of people of all ages. They sing to the dying and chronically ill, reach out to the homeless and work with the young children of teenaged parents, among other things. They offer emotional support at nursing facilities, at homeless shelters, and at peoples’ homes when they leave the hospital.
Joy Givers go through a special training program and do not have to be musicians. For information about becoming a volunteer, contact Reuer at (866) 800-0197

By: Ron Ham