A Heartwarming Story And A Bangle-y Thankyou

As many fans of The Bangles know, there are many friends of the band who help to make the Bangle magic sparkle ever brighter. One of these talented friends is Greg Hilfman, otherwise known as "Harpo", the mysterious funmeister who supplies his keyboard talents to the lovely band members Susanna Hoffs, Vicki Peterson, Debbi Peterson, and former member Michael Steele.

A few months ago, Harpo's beloved wife Cindi Hilfman became very ill and needed both kidneys replaced. The benefactor who came to her rescue was none other than Harpo himself who graciously donated one of his own kidneys to save his wife's life. Because of the intense cost of the surgery, medical bills, and post-operative care, Cindi is presently unable to work, so fans of The Bangles have joined their beloved band in organising a fundraising charity Helping Cindi Hilfman which aims to help provide the much needed funds.

On July 30, 2010, The Bangles are performing a special charity concert at the Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga, CA. The proceeds will also go to helping the Hilfman family.

The news item on The Bangles website gives all the relevant information, including this snippet:

All proceeds raised from this concert will go directly to Cindi and Harpo - so we hope to see you there! Tickets are only $100 - and you'll get a fabulous dinner, wine and drinks, the chance to bid on amazing auction items, and then you'll enjoy an intimate one-of-a-kind concert with the Bangles - featuring solos from Harpo! It's sure to be a very unique evening that you won't want to miss!

Also, Vicki Peterson, lead guitarist for The Bangles recently sent a heartfelt letter of thanks to all the fans who were able to help in the various fundraising activities, and those fans who have not yet, but would like to do their part.

I wanted to take a second and thank all of you who’ve been involved with our drive to help raise money for Cindi Hilfman. Today was the big day when our Harpo went under the knife and donated a kidney to his lovely wife. I can’t say enough about the love that exists there; it is humbling and extraordinary.


The initial reports are that everything has gone well today. Harpo is being his silly, irreverent self and Cindi is recovering. Thus far the transplant (such a miraculous thing, really) seems a success, but let’s keep those prayers and thoughts-of-healing-white-light (or however it is you choose to trade in good vibrations) coming in for our Hilfmans.

And if you live anywhere near Topanga, CA, please join us on the 30th of this month for our very special night of celebrating Cindi (and ‘Po!). If you can’t make that show, please continue to help by donating any amount, or joining in on the special auctions, which we’ll continue to run into the foreseeable future.


This is such an exquisite love story: a tale of love, sacrifice, IV drips, and health insurance paperwork. Thank you for being a part of it and for helping in any way that you can.


We’ll keep you updated as the days go by...


With love, Vicki