April 19 benefit will help nonprofit agency continue and expand its efforts bringing music to the needy

Around 250 spectators, volunteers and performers recently crowded a local church to raise money for Resounding Joy, the nonprofit agency whose volunteers use voice, drums, and other musical instruments to help adults and children who are homebound or have special needs.

The fifth annual benefit, held April 19 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Solana Beach, featured hors d’oeuvres, beverages and a silent auction before the big event, a concert with more than two dozen musicians, then coffee, dessert and a live auction afterward.

Proceeds are still being tallied, but Dr, Barbara Reuer, a music therapist who is executive director of Resounding Joy, said they will be used to continue those efforts, including Junior Joy Givers. In the new, intergenerational program being piloted with third graders from Carmel Del Mar Elementary School and residents at Brighton Gardens in Carmel Valley, children learn how to use music to engage with their senior partners.    

“We’re grateful to the community for helping us with the event,” said Reuer, whose agency is based in Carmel Valley. “The money we raised will go to expanding our programs throughout the county.”        

Resounding Joy uses music to promote the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual well-being of people in many parts of the county, from nursing home residents in Encinitas and elder day-care clients in San Marcos to homeless people and pregnant teenagers in San Diego and HIV and AIDS patients in several communities.

It trains a network of volunteers, called Joy Givers, in the principles of music therapy and partnerships with many faith-based and community-based organizations, including the Encinitas Nursing & Rehabilitation center, Redwood Elderlink, The Third Avenue Charitable organization, Mark Twain High School, Josue Homes in San Diego, Michaelle House in Vista and Fraternity House in Escondido.

Among the performers who donated their time for the Saturday night fundraiser were Michael Tiernan of Del Mar, Semesi Mau of Oceanside, Alison Norwood of Carmel Valley, sisters Julie Roloff of Carmel Valley and Melissa Litchford of San Diego, Veronica May of San Diego, Jon Papenbrook of Los Angeles, and Earl Flores, Rheanna Downey, and The Flounders (brothers Lou and Mike Shook), all of Encinitas.

Also performing were Stan Beard of Solana Beach, music director at Calvary who also composes, arranges and directs music for Disney On Ice, and The Minstrels, an a cappella choral group that does outreach for Resounding Joy.

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 or send e-mail to info@resoundingjoyinc.org