After a hiatus, our Parent with a Purpose column is finally back, and we couldn't think of a better parent to kick off its return than Kathleen Jodka just a little more than a week before the fabulous Mad Love Music Festival! One of my favorite parts of being a Macaroni Kid publisher is sharing the stories of local parents who are doing incredible things in our community. They are truly Parents with a Purpose and here's a little more about Kathleen and how she's changing the South Shore community for the better in her own words.
How do you make a difference? What do you want to accomplish?
Over the years, music has allowed our family to unite, to celebrate, to grow, to heal, to have fun - and we hope to offer those same experiences to high school musicians through a unique rock-n-roll adventure. And we are calling on rockers of all ages within the community to help!
What inspired/encouraged you to start the Mad Love Music Festival? Is there one specific moment when you knew this was what you wanted to do?
I lost my husband and dad to our 4 children to sinus cancer in 2014. When he passed away we felt broken and paralyzed by grief, yet at the same time, there was a powerful force holding us together - getting stronger by the love and hope that our community was offering. Dave had a successful career in finance, a firm belief in giving back to his community and a fierce passion for all music, but particularly 80’s hair bands. He played in many different bands throughout high school and college. Inspired by all the energy in our community, and with the desire to celebrate and honor Dave’s life, and to carry on his legacy, we felt that a family friendly rock festival was the only option. All proceeds from Mad Love Music Festival support the Dave Jodka Scholarship for Future Rockers. Mad Love has taken on an incredible life of its own - offering so much more than I ever expected. You truly have to experience it to believe it!
How did your life before children influence the mom you are today? What part do your children play in your desire to make a difference?
I came from a very big family - I am a triplet! We grew up with a lot of love and with an emphasis on giving back. Dave and I knew that we wanted to have a big family from the beginning. The awe-some privilege of parenting was something that we held sacred. To be able to send all of our children down their path with the most tools for success is incredibly important to us. And we like to have fun doing it
What lessons/values are you learning through this process? What lessons/values do you hope your kids are learning?
Giving a gift has its own rewards. The Dave Jodka Scholarship for Future Rockers, which is funded by the Mad Love Music Festival, has enabled the formation of a high school rock band, TOAST, that is made up of an incredibly talented group of kids from around the South Shore. These musicians have described their experience as life-changing. I hope that my kids feel the goodness that comes with giving back. While we still have some dark days this is a very bright spot in our life.
What can we as local parents and families do to support the Mad Love Music Festival?
Come and join us at the festival! October 7th, 11am-5pm. South Shore Conservatory, Hingham MA. Food, beer, music, activities for ALL ages. Tickets are available at www.madlovemusicfestival.org. And if you can’t come, consider making a donation. Thank you!
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