Hands in Harmony sign singing using sign language musical performances for the hearing impaired, deaf, and general audiences

On Tuesday, February 19, 2008, it was discovered that Hands in Harmony had become a victim of a crime that totally depleted our bank account. Because our funds were allegedly used by a person of trust for personal expenses not authorized by Hands, we were left with astounding unpaid bills, resulting in late payments to include the IRS. Thousands of dollars, likewise allegedly used for personal and private business charges by this individual, a trusted member of our organization, were discovered on the group’s credit cards. Additionally, all of the “tour funds” disappeared, along with designated “grant monies” earmarked to upgrade the sound equipment computer to modernize and improve the performance sound. February 19 was a very sad day for the members, the parents and the volunteers of Hands in Harmony to have a person that we believed worthy of our trust let us down.

The parents, volunteers and children decided they did not want to give up on such a wonderful group—if we were to allow this circumstance to cause the group to dissolve, we will be victimized twice! We now are in the process of beginning over and catching up, trying to pay all the overwhelming bills with which we were left, meeting monthly operating expenses, and trying to create a new stable financial foundation so that these children can continue to do what they love to do—performing and sharing the beautiful language of sign!

Hands in Harmony has been a vital and active part of the Cheyenne and Wyoming communities for over 20 years. During this time, Hands has performed, presented sign workshops and conducted worship services in Cheyenne, throughout Wyoming, and has extensively represented the city and the state all across the country.

We are attempting to keep rehearsals, performance and life in general as normal as possible for our young people—while working very hard on numerous fund raising activities.

Since the day the Wyoming Tribune Eagle published our story (February 28, 2008), we have been humbled by the generosity of the general public, local businesses, friends and families. We have a long way to go to pay off the debt we were left with, but with the assistance that has been coming in each day--and will hopefully continue into the future—we believe we can overcome this misfortune.

Our faith in the goodness of mankind has been reinstated tenfold, by the love, concern and support of groups and individuals who express their determination that Hands in Harmony must continue to survive and serve the community...

March 22 – Culvers of Cheyenne Sponsors Fund Raiser – ALL DAY – 1239 Dell Range Blvd, Cheyenne, WY.
As written in the Wyoming-Tribune Eagle, on Friday, February 29, 2008… Guy Mann, Manager of Culver of Cheyenne, is challenging all restaurants in Cheyenne, to join him in contributing 10 percent of all sales on this day to help Hands in Harmony. Those restaurant owners accepting the challenge will be recognized in the “Everyone Gives, Everyone Gains” section of the Wyoming-Tribune Eagle… Hands in Harmony sincerely THANKS Guy Mann and Culvers… What a generous challenge and a thoughtful contribution. You are awesome!!!
April 14 – Arby’s Fund Raiser – 5 pm – 8 pm, 310 East 16th Street, Cheyenne, WY
April 30 – Culvers of Cheyenne Fund Raiser – 5 pm – 8 pm, 1239 Dell Range Blvd, Cheyenne, WY
May 17 -- BINGO NIGHT FUND RAISER – Knights of Columbus Hall, 507 West 28th Street, Cheyenne, WY. For tickets or information contact: Susan Muth at 634-8832 or Pam Allsop at 637-4591.
June 28 – Superday Fund Raiser – Banana Split Sales, Food Court of Lion’s Park, Cheyenne, WY