Meet Rhon

Rhon Applegate believes that trauma touches every life—whether we experience it personally or witness it in others—and its effects can be both devastating and long-lasting. His passion for the Marnie Knaak Music & Resilience Foundation (MKMRF) comes from a deeply personal place.

Music was Rhon’s outlet growing up and remains a cornerstone of his emotional well-being today. Singing and immersing himself in music helped him navigate the challenges of poverty, health struggles, his parents’ divorce, his father’s suicide attempts, and the heartbreaking loss of a young neighbor. Though he always dreamed of learning guitar, financial barriers made lessons impossible—a reality that fuels his commitment to ensuring no child faces the same limitations.

Rhon believes MKMRF offers more than music lessons—it offers healing, connection, and hope. He is honored to serve as a Founding Board Member for a foundation built on love, resilience, and the belief that music can reach hearts when words cannot.