21 March, 2025

On March 14, I provided a Hohner-sponsored Harmonikids session to a gymnasium full of kids at the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena. Their community was one of those devastated by the recent fire disasters in Southern California so many of the children had lost both their homes and schools and were sheltering and attending classes at the facility. Harmonikids outreach during such natural disaster recovery provides kids relief in the form of an entertaining activity that is a healthy outlet for creative expression that may be used as a coping mechanism. It helps replenish self esteem and confidence in these difficult times. Here’s feedback from Branch Director Kimberly Contreras regarding the benefits they received from the joyful session.

~ Gary Allegretto, Fonding Director of Harmonikids, www.harmonikids.org

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"Thank you for taking time to reach out to the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena and coordinating another successful event for our members to experience and learn from a professional. Our members truly enjoyed learning the different songs you selected for the lesson as well as experimenting with making their own songs. As you and I had discussed you have brought the members an opportunity during a difficult time in our community. Many members in attendance were affected by the Eaton Fires in January by losing their homes or school. A few members lost both in a matter of days. So it was very beneficial for them to have a fun and creative activity session like Harmonikids to aid in their recovery. You have brought something truly invaluable to their hearts on a Friday afternoon. We truly appreciate your support and talents! 

~ Kimberly Contreras, Branch Director, Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena