The Harp and Shamrock, the Bob Reeder Fan Club, Inc. – a 501(c)(3) Charity Organization was started by loyal fans of Bob Reeder. For many years, they have appreciated the music, fun and fellowship of his performances. Wanting to share the fun with others, they approached Bob with a proposal about forming a fan club. "Bob was resistive at first, "said Kathy Murphy, the founding President. "He’s basically humble, and felt he didn't deserve a club. He only agreed if we could help others in some way." He also wanted the charity funds to be primarily for children. After many late night meetings, the vision emerged of a fan club that would support Irish music in the Kansas City community while promoting charity activities. Our mission wording says it all: The Harp and Shamrock, the Bob Reeder Fan Club promotes Irish music, fun and fellowship and supports various charity activities in our community with special consideration given to hearing impaired children. Our Mission Statement summarizes: “Helping Children to Hear Through Irish Music.” The Club is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity and a Missouri not-for-profit tax exempt corporation.

In a "snug" booth at O'Dowd's Little Dublin on August 27, 1997, the charter meeting was held with eleven members. Officers were elected, and the by-laws were approved. The Club was on its way. To date, the Club now has over 350 members in ten states and four continents. Members receive a club T-shirt, a membership card signed by Bob, and the opportunity to participate in all club activities including our St. Patrick's Day parade float and our fund raising booths. For the last six years, we have placed in the top three categories, for organizations, in the annual KC St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We have also achieved first place and “Best of Parade” in the annual North Kansas City Snake Saturday Parade. Often some of the children and parents ride on the float. Club member meetings are held on the 3^rd Wednesday of every month at Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub.

The Club's main charity is the Hearing Aid Fund at the Children's Mercy Hospital Hearing and Speech Clinic. Ten Celtic Music Benefits have been held and over one-hundred & thirty (130) children have received hearing aids from the proceeds in the past thirteen (13) years. Many wonderful local Irish musicians have generously donated their time and talents to this event. The Club's booth, at local Irish Festivals, both the KC Fest and the Weston Festival, are also fundraisers for Children's Mercy Hospital. Dr. Cynthia Jacobsen, Director of the Children's Mercy Hearing and Speech Clinic, and her staff often assist in the effort by helping staff the booths. The loyal membership is always present with many of them working several shifts. Kathy Murphy stood by the stage at one event and said, "Isn't this really what life is about? What more could a person hope for than to help others through the gift of Irish Music? I am so blessed and thankful for the wonderful members and supporters. “What a great KC Irish community we have!”

If you would like to be part of our charitable organization and help raise money for Children’s Mercy Hospital, not to mention have a lot of fun, all you have to do is fill out the application in the “Join” section… It’s that simple! Before you leave, be sure to check out the photos in the “Craic” section so that you can see all the fun we have experienced thus far.

For more information about Bob, visit his web site at: www.bobreeder.com

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