The leadership role passed from mother to daughter in 1997 when Welk’s granddaughter Lisa Parker took over as President and Executive Director. I can see the ear to ear smile and twinkle in his eye he would surely have.” I wish my Granddad could see it for himself. ASB’s programs, administration and leadership are among the most thoughtful and effective we have encountered in our decades of doing this work. My grandfather really believed in investing in youth so they could prosper as individuals and as future leaders. ASB takes the same love of music and dance that kept our Granddad’s feet tapping to ignite the creative spark in its students while, at the same time, demonstrating a long term commitment to supporting them and their families on and off the dance floor. In keeping with this, the Lawrence Welk Family Foundation supports grass-roots organizations that demonstrate a long-term commitment to the under served children and families participating in their programs.Įxecutive Director, Lisa Parker says, “A Step Beyond is the perfect nonprofit partner for us. He believed deeply in the importance of a nurturing family and the opportunity for all to live with dignity. Welk never forgot his humble beginnings, speaking fondly about his family and birthplace, where he said he was taught to work, share and live “according to God’s laws.” In 1960, the family-oriented bandleader with a penchant for “treating people right” founded the Lawrence Welk Family Foundation. In 1951 KTLA television broadcast his show and the effervescent sound of his “Champagne Music” was heard across the nation, every Saturday night for the next 30 years. He took his musical talent and joyful spirit with him as he traveled the Midwest playing at barn dances, on local radio and, eventually, in dance halls around the country. Lawrence left his family farm in North Dakota on his 21 st birthday with an accordion, the clothes on his back, a fourth grade education and command only of the German language. While winters were grim and money was tight, the family found joy in singing and dancing together. Bandleader and television personality Lawrence Welk was one of eight children born to German/Russian immigrant parents in North Dakota.
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