May 27, 2004

Maitland, Fl– Bill Eppley, nearly 90 years old, makes wishes come true by playing his harmonica. Every week he entertains at the Banana River Publix and 7 other locations. Now known as “The Harmonica Man,” shoppers have donated $3,000 to hear Bill play and help grant wishes to seriously ill children in Brevard County. On Thursday, June 3, he will present New Hope for Kids with $2,000. Bill’s talent and generous heart recently made Melbourne resident Brian Hunt’s wish-of-a-lifetime come true. Brian, 16-years-old, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in April, 2003. It is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system and can spread to almost any part of the body. For nearly a year, he traveled to Arnold Palmer Hospital 4 times a week for treatments. He is very thankful for 6 days of Hawaiian fishing, diving, boating, swimming and sightseeing! New Hope for Kids provides support to children grieving the death of a loved one and grants wishes to children suffering from life -threatening illness.

WHO:	Bill Eppley, “The Harmonica Man” John Aho, volunteer and Jefferson Award Winner Rosie Wilder, New Hope for Kids
WHEN:	3:30 Thursday June 3, 2004
WHERE:	Banana River Square Publix Store, 2067 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, FL