The LA Kings and their fans donated $15,200 to the Koreatown Senior & Community Center after its harmonica ensemble became a viral sensation with multiple performances at Kings games.
The donation was presented at the center’s 2025 Mother’s Day celebration on May 6, marking the Kings’ first-ever financial contribution to the Korean American community. The ensemble’s standout performance of the U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” had sparked national attention and social media buzz.
Adam Kripps, sales representative for the Kings, said that $10,000 of the donation came from the team’s foundation, while $5,200 was raised by fans during a one-week fundraiser starting on April 29.
The fundraising campaign was launched to thank the ensemble for their memorable performance and to support the center’s 47 classes, which include harmonica, traditional percussion, and theater programs.
“We are happy to celebrate Mother’s Day with the Korean American seniors and to thank them for their contributions to the community,” said Kripps. “It was a great honor to discover the harmonica ensemble.”
About 300 Korean American seniors attended the event. Kings staff also handed out thermoses and sports towels with the team’s logo.
Shin Young-Shin, chairperson of the Koreatown Senior & Community Center, said, “Thanks to the opportunity provided by the Kings, the harmonica team has received national attention. We are very grateful that the team has also donated to support us.”
The partnership between the senior center and the Kings began in March 2025, when the team hosted “K-Town Night” at Crypto.com Arena to honor Korean culture and heritage. The harmonica and percussion groups from the center performed at the event, earning widespread praise.
The harmonica ensemble’s performance of the national anthem drew particular acclaim, with the crowd singing along and videos spreading across social media. The group has since returned to perform three more times at Kings games, further boosting their profile.
Lee Hae-sung, the Kings’ data analyst who planned K-Town Night, said, “As a Korean staff member at the Kings, I’m thrilled to see the seniors rise to national stardom through their harmonica performances. We’ve received many inquiries from other sports teams, including the LA Clippers, who are interested in inviting the group.”
Lee added that while plans are not yet confirmed, the Kings hope to invite the ensemble back next season because of strong fan demand.
Heather Hutt, LA City Councilmember for District 10, attended the event and presented a certificate of appreciation to the Kings. “I am delighted that the harmonica performance by the senior center has gained national attention through the Kings’ games,” said Hutt.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
