Speakers for Rotary Clubs, My sister Gina, disappeared 24 years ago on October 17th. We are both singer songwriters. She disappeared on October 17, 2000 following a performance in Lincoln, NE. After 6 months of searching with no result, I was devastated. I had to find a way to help others. I couldn’t find my own sister, but maybe I could help the families of the missing get media attention. My years of booking tours taught me that if I created events the local media would feature their missing loved ones. In 2001, I partnered with musicians from LA to NYC to highlight the stories of local missing people during their concerts and a young man was FOUND. Since October 2001, we have featured missing people in 14 different countries. We have been able to achieve International, national, regional and local media. Over 2000 people featured through our events and programs have been found. I would love the chance to share my story, sing a song and raise awareness. Potential Aspects of Speech: My sisters disappearance has taught me valuable lessons. When you are missing something or someone in your life don’t miss out on your own reason for being. Gratitude for all things can lift you and give you power to move forward. If you see something that needs to be done and it is within your power to do it then, it is your job. At any point, your life could arrive at a defining moment. A moment where your unique abilities are exactly what are needed to make a difference. Practice showing up. Everything is practice. Don’t worry if you don’t get it right everytime. Forgiveness is not one and done. It’s an ongoing practice.

Singer, Songwriter, Mother, Sister, Teacher
Jannel Rap has opened her heart and her music to what might be possible. Her mission: use the power of music to create awareness for missing people and a door of hope for their families. She is the founder of the GINA for Missing Persons FOUNDation. Jannel has shared the stage with Nickel Creek, Loudon Wainwright III, Sophie B. Hawkins, John Waite, Lowen and Navarro, Hal Ketchum, Don McLean, Susan Gibson and more.

Jannel's 5th CD, ka-lai-do-schope, was picked as one of the Top CDs of 2005 by the Orange County Register. Her fourth album, Blue, was also chosen by the Orange County Register as one of the top three releases of 2001. Selected as an honored Alumni from her high school, her picture now sits next to Senator Robert Kerrey's. She has contributed her songs to raise money for organizations like Loma Linda and Teammates Mentoring.

Majoring in music at North Central University in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jannel is a music teacher as well as a performing artist. Some of Jannel's students have had featured roles in movies and gained record deals. Under her Producer hat, she has presented GINA Concerts, the GINA Songwriter Contest, and the Squeaky Wheel® Tour, to name a few. She co-created and co-produced the television series America Lost and Found with jeffrey Casey, a Clementine bandmate.