Volunteer Spotlight

Described as a very humble and extraordinarily selfless man, Bill Burkett shares his love for music by playing his mandolin alongside his friends. Once a month Bill organizes the band of talented musicians who play the guitar, banjo, violin (fiddle), and upright bass. They drive to Hacienda, unpack their instruments, set up their gear and perform a medley of fast paced Blue Grass and Folk music. Bill usually brings 4 to 12 musicians who graciously donate their time and talents to put smiles on our clients’ faces.

Over thirteen years ago Dee “Buckshot Dot” Johnson—a musician, writer, poet, and parent of one of Hacienda’s residents at the time—invited Bill to play his mandolin at Hacienda with her band. From that day on, Bill would continue to play and eventually took responsibility for the band when Dee and her son moved to Payson.

Bill’s wife, Beth, shared the following, “Bill takes a special interest in your residents for a number of reasons. The unfortunate circumstances of such young people and the fact that he believes that they get a lot of joy and happiness from hearing the music played live, even if many of them are not always capable of expressing those feelings. As a short side note, Bill came home from a yard sale very excited to have found and purchased child sized musical shakers and tambourines for the children and brought them to last month’s performance. “

We cherish our volunteers who come from all walks of life and give of their time and talents. Bill has a special gift for finding hidden treasure in unlikely places. We are very thankful for Bill and the band that plays on our campus every month. They discovered our treasure a long time ago, the children and young adults of Hacienda HealthCare. Thank you Bill and band members for sharing your time, talents and love with us.

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