CLAY COUNTY — For Katrina Fennelly, the power of music is strong.
It defies all odds, brings people together and emits a joy like no other.
That's why her and her family have never turned down an opportunity to take part in helping give the gift of music to someone else.
Each year, you can almost always find her, her husband Brian Moore, and their children Juliana, Aaron, Mollie and Emma giving their time to Rising Stars: Guitars for Kids, a nonprofit organization that gives musical instruments to children and those with special needs.
That's why they were honored with July's Hometown Heroes Award for volunteering.
"I'm just a person that helps out. I try to raise my kids to do that, to not think about yourself and just help wherever you can, whether it be something like this or whether it be something little. We try to help," Katrina said.
Sponsored by IKO Clay Hill and Clay Today, the monthly recognition program invites residents to celebrate the people who quietly hold the county together. Katrina, Brian and their children are no strangers to doing just that.
"Katrina, Brian and their children have supported Guitars for Kids Rising Stars and its events for several years, giving their time to help make dreams a reality for others. It is especially meaningful to see the children involved. As a family-owned company, IKO deeply values the importance of family," said Dan Lindahl, Plant Manager, IKO Clay Hill.
The family has been a vital part of Guitars for Kids since its inception by Paul and Lisa Wane six years ago. As a mom of four children, Katrina said she holds its mission close to her heart.
The program has gifted more than 500 instruments to children in the Southeast, particularly in Northeast Florida. Instruments like guitars, drums, keyboards and bass guitars are given to children who might otherwise have limited access to music making tools.
Guitars for Kids aims to provide positive alternatives to electronics and trouble by offering children the chance to create music.
"Music is our heart. And Mrs. Lisa and Paul Wane [are] amazing. There's no other spot that we would rather be at to help out because it's just an amazing thing. It's great to see the kids out there playing music and hearing about it and seeing them all online."
The Wane's said nominating them for the award was a no-brainer. The family volunteers for two of its biggest events every year, the Jumpin' and Jivin' Juneboree and Rockin' for Stockins. You can find them stuffing bags, shopping for last minute items and organizing the event before it even happens. And, on the day of, Katrina said they help decorate and man various event stations.
"We're there from two to three hours before it starts until about an hour to two hours after. We help shut it down and clean everything up and go on and get ready for the next one, " she said.
Being able to help make positive waves throughout the community with her family, she said, makes her emotional. Throughout the years, she has seen her children grow to appreciate what it means to support others.
"It's good to have the kids, nowadays, see that it's not just about them. It's not about you, and your TV and your phone. It's about other people. It's about helping out your community. It's about helping out [with] something that you believe strongly in."
"They get excited when they see other kids [become] a Rising Star. They're front row clapping for them and making sure that everyone's having a good time."
Music has saved her and her family, she said. And it continues to remind them of how the positives in life outweigh the bad. Especially during times of struggle.
Shortly after the Jumpin' and Jivin' Juneboree on June 20, Brian was involved in a motorcycle accident. With more than five brain bleeds and a broken nose, C1 collar, and forehead, Brian's accident left him fighting for his life in the ICU for more than a month.
"His brain's coming back and he's recovering every day, stronger and stronger. Everyday there's a little glimpse that he's coming back to us."
No matter what, Katrina, Brian and their four children are fighters marching to the beat of their own drums. And being a beacon of light in the community is what they will always be called to do.
"I'm just waiting to see how many more kids we can reach and how many more kids are going to show up and how many more families that we get to help enjoy the music," she said.
