Harmony Project Celebrates 24 Years of Service At Annual Gala
Los Angeles, CA (May 4, 2025) - Harmony Project's annual gala luncheon at the Skirball Cultural Center was once again a resounding success, celebrating 24 years of service in Los Angeles and honoring Banchik Humanitarian Award recipients Dr. Susan Plusky and Mel Plutsky. It was an afternoon filled with inspiring student performances, heartfelt testimonials, and a deep sense of gratitude for the unwavering support of our community of donors. The gala celebrated years of providing free music education to thousands of children across Los Angeles and Orange Counties, underscoring the transformative power of music and the vital role of our dedicated supporters.
Harmony Project Chair of Board Lisa Delgado, Esq. (C) with Banchik Humanitarian Award honorees Mel and Dr. Susan Plutsky
Throughout the gala, attendees were treated to captivating performances showcasing the incredible talent nurtured by Harmony Project. During the guest reception, the elegant melodies of the Harmony Project Hollywood String Quartet welcomed attendees. As attendees walked into the ballroom, the energy of the Harmony Project Lennox Mariachi greeted guests. Capping the pre-ceremony performances was the powerful rhythms and precision of the Harmony Project Leimert Park Drumline and Drill Team.
Harmony Project Leimert Park Drumline and Drill Team performs at the 2025 Gala Luncheon
Following opening remarks from Harmony Project Executive Director, Natalie Jackson, who expressed profound appreciation for donors’ generosity that fuels the organization's mission, the Harmony Project Symphony Orchestra hit the stage to perform three songs. After the performance, Chairman Emeritus Howard Banchik eloquently spoke to the profound impact of Harmony Project's comprehensive programming and the critical need for its services within under-resourced communities where music education access is often limited. Mr. Banchik then introduced two senior college-bound student speakers, Axel Ventura and Dominique Whyte, who shared moving personal stories about the positive influence Harmony Project has had on their lives, both musically and personally. Their powerful words resonated deeply with luncheon guests, highlighting the tangible difference Harmony Project makes in shaping young futures.
Harmony Project Lennox Mariachi Band performs at the 2025 Gala Luncheon
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the prestigious Banchik Humanitarian Award to two exceptional individuals, Dr. Susan Plutsky and Mel Plutsky. Susan, our esteemed first board chairwoman and current board member, was recognized for her tireless dedication and strategic guidance in expanding Harmony Project's impact. As Susan previously stated, "Seeing talented children perform and their families ‘kvel’ brings so much joy…The payback is beyond imagination. Through Harmony Project, we are saving Los Angeles one child and one family at a time.”
Mel, the founder of KLS Financial and a long-time community advocate, was honored for his invaluable business expertise and steadfast support of Harmony Project's mission. Together, Susan and Mel's enduring commitment, now celebrated through their Encore Society membership, has created a lasting legacy of hope and opportunity for countless families across Los Angeles.
Harmony Project Symphony Orchestra performs at the 2025 Gala Luncheon
The afternoon culminated in a dynamic performance by the Harmony Project Foshay Jazz Band, featuring conductor Vince Womack, special guests singer Darynn Dean and renowned musician, composer, and Harmony Project board member Michael Skloff, leaving the audience inspired.
Singer, Darynn Dean performs at the 2025 Gala Luncheon
The annual gala serves as a vital fundraising event, directly supporting Harmony Project's ability to provide free music programs, college access support, and community enrichment to thousands of students. The success of this year's luncheon is a testament to the collective belief in the life-changing power of music and the unwavering generosity of the Harmony Project family. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to making this a truly memorable and impactful celebration. Your support ensures that Harmony Project can continue to empower children’s lives through music for years to come.
If you would like to donate to Harmony Project, please visit www.harmony-project.org/support. Any level of donation is greatly appreciated.
About Harmony Project:
Harmony Project is a nonprofit that provides high-quality music instruction and social support to children year-round at no cost throughout community hubs in Los Angeles. As one of Los Angeles’ largest music education organizations, Harmony Project is dedicated exclusively to serving children from low-income families and under-resourced communities. Harmony Project envisions a world in which all students have equal access to opportunities to learn how to play music and the resources needed to thrive in college and beyond. Harmony Project’s holistic approach to student success has resulted in impressive outcomes with 98 percent of the graduating high school class accepted to a college or university during the 2023-2024 academic year.