Young and old alike, everyone in this county knows of Andy Mackie and has been touched by his profoundly kind and caring nature and his belief in the transformative and healing power of music.

Andy's goal is for every child in Jefferson County, Washington to have and play an instrument. He believes that the more youth engage in activities that build skills, confidence, self-esteem and community connection, the more likely it is that they will have the inner conviction to safeguard themselves from risky behavior and set and reach goals for themselves.

Most children who live in Jefferson County have been recipients of Andy's time, affection, encouragement and praise – all of which are freely and continuously given. Andy uses music, primarily the harmonica, as the venue to engage young people. He provides them with donated instruments and teaches them to play and to perform. So far, Andy has reached nearly 3,000 students – interacting with each child many times.

Without any financial compensation, Andy usually puts in 80 hours and often sees hundreds of students during any given week. He has given out more than 3,000 harmonicas. He paid for many of these himself before donations started coming in. Every spare dollar he has and all the funds he raises go into the music and the kids.

Andy organizes small-scale performances at nursing and retirement homes, hospitals and prisons. Larger concerts featuring the students are attended by hundreds of community members at schools, community centers, football fields and a local state park.

In addition, Andy has given away 30 college scholarships to local students, made donations to Habitat for Humanity, mobilized a teen center and organized instrument-building projects for students.

All this would be amazing for a healthy person, but Andy is far from healthy. He has undergone ten heart surgeries and visits the hospital four or five times each month.

Andy Mackie's status as a local hero is well deserved and worthy of recognition.

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