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 is 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. We have placed in the top three categories for organizations in the last three years in the annual KC St. Patrick’s Day Parade and placed in the top 6 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 every month. Check the Club Voice Mail line for time and place: 1-888-213-6949

The Club's main charity is the Hearing Aid Fund at the Children's Mercy Hospital Hearing and Speech Clinic. Eight Celtic Music Benefits have been held and over one-hundred (100) children have received hearing aids from the proceeds in the past ten (10) years. Many wonderful local Irish musicians have generously donated their time and talents to this event. The Club's booths at local Irish Festivals, both the KC Fest and the Weston Festival, are also fundraisers for Children's Mercy. 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!”

To join the Club, call the Club’s voice mail at 1-888-213-6949, which also has Bob’s performance schedule on it twenty-four (24) hours a day. You can also PRINT OUT the application form on this site and MAIL it in with your check. Take a moment to look through our photos in the Links page.

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

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