Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Sacramento GNG Publicized In Sacramento Press

On June 21, 2011, the Sacramento Press published the following article:
Sacramento has a new outlet for kids and teens who need a way to boost their self-esteem and gain confidence. The Guitars Not Guns music program has opened a Sacramento chapter and is searching for youth to participate and volunteer teachers.

Guitars Not Guns is an organization that aims to keep at-risk teens from making poor choices that could get them into serious trouble. They do this by enrolling children and teens in guitar lessons taught mostly by community volunteers.

“We want to help teach kids how to play the guitar so they can use it as a creative outlet instead of being involved in self-destructive activities such as gangs, alcohol and drugs,” said Barbara Donabedian, president of the Sacramento chapter. “The kids will gain a sense of accomplishment, responsibility and also confidence from the program. We want to stop youth violence and keep guns out of reach of kids while promoting gun safety.”

The organization is still trying to raise the funds to cover its expenses, but local classes will begin shortly.

“Classes will begin as soon as we finish obtaining the funds to purchase the guitars and to print the lesson books,” said Brittany Snelgrove, Guitar’s Not Guns local vice president. “We have many places to hold the classes that are free.”

Children in between the ages of 8 and 18 are welcome to take classes. Because the organization is still in its preliminary phase of development, parents who would like to enroll their children or teens who wish to enroll themselves can contact the Sacramento chapter directly through the Guitars Not Guns website, through the Facebook page, or by e-mailing gngsacramento@yahoo.com.

Guitars Not Guns Sacramento is still in need of teachers. There are many ways to help out and volunteer with the organization.

“To be a teacher, you only need to know how to play the guitar,” Donabedian said. “There is no real age restriction or teaching experience needed. People can volunteer to be more than a teacher. They can help with everything from fundraising to PR or even help teachers with lessons.”

In order to spread the word about their cause, Guitars Not Guns Sacramento is reaching out to many venues and local businesses.

“We are looking to go to Second Saturday this summer with a booth to pass out fliers and try to raise donations,” Snelgrove said. “I’m also looking at getting in contact with Ace of Spades to see if they would be interested in getting bands to sign guitars that we purchase. Then we want to auction or raffle them off with all proceeds going to GnG. We are also willing to help promote with any of the sponsors that want to donate or partner with us.”

The Sacramento chapter of Guitars not Guns encompasses the entire greater Sacramento region. The next closest chapter is in San Francisco.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Call For GNG Volunteer Instructors For Richmond/El Sobrante

GNG needs a few volunteer assistant instructors for upcoming classes scheduled for the El Sobrante/Richmond area.  Please contact Allan Moskowitz at amoskowitz@sbcglobal.net for more information and to advise him whether you are able to assist.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Alameda Doof-a-Palooza Winner And Vinnie's Bar CCC Fundraiser

THANK YOU for stopping by the Guitars Not Guns booth at Doof-a-Palooza.

Many of you purchased raffle tickets - thank you for supporting our program!!! We have attached a photo of our lucky raffle winner - Jim - who had promised himself that he would learn to play guitar the day before he won the raffle - way to go Jim!!

Now that summer is here, the Contra Costa chapter of Guitars Not Guns is holding a fundraiser July 3rd in Concord.

We would love for anyone 21+ to join us for an afternoon/evening of great music! Here are the specifics:

When: July 3, 2011 (4pm to 11pm)
Where: Vinnie's Bar & Grill (2045 Mt. Diablo Bl., Concord, CA)
Cost: $10 per person

Thank you again for all of your support!

Guitars Not Guns

"Providing guitars and lessons to foster kids, at risk youth and other deserving children"

Guitars Not Guns, Inc. is a federally exempt 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

July 3, 2011 Fundraiser




For Immediate Release
June 8, 2011

ON SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2011

TRIBUTE BANDS BENEFIT CONCERT FOR GUITARS NOT GUNS

All Proceeds will Benefit Guitars Not Guns, a 501 (c) 3 Children’s Music Charity

Date: July 3rd, 2011
Place: Vinnie’ Bar & Grill
2043 Mt. Diablo
Concord, CA
Time: 4pm – 11pm
Cost: $10.00 per person

On Sunday, July 3, 2011, is a benefit concert for Guitars Not Guns. The bands to perform are Danny Jones Band - classic covers; Points North - Rush Tribute; Purple Haze - Jimi Hendrix Tribute; Stung - Police Tribute; and Tres Hombres XXX - ZZ Top Tribute band.

We will have a guitar autographed by the bands and have raffle ticket donations, with proceeds to Guitars Not Guns. You can have a chance to take home a special guitar, in support of Guitars Not Guns! Thank you to Guitar Center for donating this wonderful guitar!

Guitars Not Guns, Inc, a federally exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides free guitars and lessons to foster kids, at risk youth and other deserving children, ages 8 to 18, in a classroom setting with qualified teachers. No child is turned away for lack of funds. We are not anti-gun; we are anti-gun violence, especially in schools. Help us support a good cause by spreading the word of this awesome benefit show!

For more information on this event contact:

Barbara Gorin
VP, Fundraising, Guitarsnotguns.org
Cell: 925-785-8342
guitarsnotgunsbarbara@gmail.com

Laura Fielding 925-963-4928
Magik Wand Productions
Email me at magikwandproductions@yahoo.com.

To find out more about Guitars Not Guns, please visit: http://guitarsnotguns.blogspot.com/ for details and www.guitarsnotguns.org

Guitars Not Guns is a federally exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
www guitarsnotguns.org - Providing guitars and lessons to deserving kids - guitarsnotgunsbarbara@gmail.com