Nonprofit builds a community-driven arts movement, one note at a time
Bryce Hansen, 25, of Dana Point, is redefining what it means to be a young leader in Orange County.
As the founder and CEO of Arts For All, a Dana Point-based nonprofit, Hansen is making music education accessible to underserved and disabled youth, while also managing a growing music school, hosting major public events and mentoring students across disciplines.
Since its founding in late 2022, Arts For All has raised more than $40,000 in funds and in-kind donations, with a goal of reaching $75,000 this year to expand its flagship Spread the Music Initiative, which provides 20-lesson music scholarships to 100 students annually.
Arts For All partners with local music schools and musicians to provide one-on-one private lessons to youths across South Orange County, many of whom face financial hardship or developmental disabilities.
Students perform throughout the year at community recitals, festivals, and the organization’s signature event, Taco Tuesday Live. Hosted weekly at Stillwater Spirits & Sounds, Taco Tuesday Live is part podcast, part concert and part fundraiser, a vibrant platform where students, local artists and professional musicians share the stage to raise awareness and funds for the Arts For All mission.
“I was always told that playing an instrument wouldn’t be possible with my condition, but then I taught myself piano. It became more than just physical therapy; it was mental and emotional healing,” said Hansen, who has a neurological disorder affecting his nerves. “Learning music transformed my mindset from limitation to possibility, and now my mission is to show today’s families and children that anything is possible – and that the arts truly are for all.”
Under Hansen’s leadership, Arts For All has hosted more than 15 student showcases and recitals in just two years, launched a school-based toy drive benefiting children and families in local music programs and secured grants from organizations and supporters, including the Jane Deming Fund, Sammy Hagar and Craig Haserot, among other accomplishments.
– Submitted by Arts For All
Laguna Beach Sister Cities Association founding president receives lifetime achievement award
The Laguna Beach Sister Cities Association recently announced its founding president, Karyn Philippsen, has been awarded the California Sister Cities Norm Mineta Lifetime Achievement Award.
The honor was presented during the California Youth Leadership Summit and Young Artists Expo in recognition of her decades of service promoting international friendship, cultural exchange and civic engagement.
The Norm Mineta Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who embody the ideals of citizen diplomacy and have made lasting contributions to the Sister Cities movement. Named for the late Norm Mineta, a trailblazing public servant and the longest-serving U.S. secretary of transportation, the award recognizes a legacy of building global connections through leadership and mutual respect.
Philippsen’s career has included more than four decades in the hospitality industry, with leadership roles at Surf & Sand Resort and on the opening teams of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, and Montage Laguna Beach.
As founding president of LBSCA, she helped launch the organization’s early programs and continues to support its mission of fostering educational, artistic and cultural exchanges with Laguna Beach’s sister cities in France, Mexico, England and Japan.
– Submitted by LBSCA
Honoring centenarians
Emerald Court, a Kisco Senior Living community in Anaheim, recently celebrated the remarkable lives of two of its centenarians – Helen Meyer, 106, and Harvey Eckhardt, 101.
Eckhardt is an Army veteran, having served from 1943 to 1946. As a squad leader, he worked with the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, a single seat, twin piston-engine aircraft.
An accident during his training led to significant dental work. And while training to be a pilot, Eckhardt had a follow-up dentist appointment on the day he was scheduled to fly, so he didn’t go flying. That plane crashed. He credits his work on the P-38 for saving his life.
Eckhardt accomplished a lot in life. Some significant events include receiving letters from Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, recognizing him as an outstanding citizen and volunteer.
“God is the key to my longevity. I thank the Lord every day for granting me another day to live,” Eckhardt said. “Make the most of what you have been given. It might not be what you asked for or planned, but it will all come together in the end.”
Meyer was born and raised in Canada and moved to Los Angeles in 1951. She started her career as an accountant but later transitioned to a secretarial role at Union Oil, where she worked for 26 years. Some of her greatest moments include making cherished memories with her mom, dad, two brothers and sister.
“I am just enjoying life,” Meyer said. “My advice to younger generations is try everything you can and take advice from everyone when making big life decisions.”
The Bravo! section highlights achievements of our residents and groups. Send news of achievements for consideration to ocrbravo@gmail.com.
