Guitars Not Guns, Inc.

Thursday, January 27, 2022

IN LOVING MEMORY OF RICHARD CLAYTON

Article on behalf of Richard Clayton: https://eastcountytoday.net/office-of-supervisor-burgis-requests-donations-in-lieu-of-flowers/

On December 11, 2021, we lost one of our amazing volunteers, Richard Clayton. He was an asset to our program and well respected and loved by everyone. Unfortunately, he suffered in silence and took his own life. His wife, Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis has requested donations in lieu of flowers. Donations be sent to our Contra Costa County Chapter in his memory. Donations can be sent to our Board Treasurer Bruce Johnson:

BRUCE JOHNSON

c/o Guitars not Guns

Contra Costa County Chapter

3695 SHERIDAN COURT

CONCORD, CA 94518

Richard Clayton shown in the photo kneeling, with the shirt "YEAH!" Barbara's hand is on his shoulder.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255

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How You Can Help

Guitars Not Guns, Inc. in California is entirely a volunteer organization. It has no employees so all donations are used to fulfill Our Mission to provide free guitars and lessons to foster kids, at risk youth and other deserving children ages 8 to 18 years old.

We need volunteer guitar instructors, classroom assistants, grant writers, bookkeepers, fundraisers and program leaders. You do not have to know how to play guitar to be a volunteer.

To volunteer go the "Volunteer" page and follow the instructions. We and the kids can always use your help.

How The Program Works

We "loan" guitars and guitar accessories to our students that they are to use to practice and carefully maintain for eight (8) weeks of one hour per week classes. The students and their guardians sign a lease contract for the equipment and most care for the guitars. The guitar may be the only personal item the student has ever possessed since foster children may move multiple times each year from guardian to guardian or facility to facility.. The object of the contract is to teach the students to take care of possessions. The students are not told this but, upon successful completion of the first level of classes, the guitars and accessories will be given to them to keep at no cost. The final class is a party to celebrate completion of the eight week program. The students play and we bring in accomplished musicians, some that are their age, to motivate them to further study with us and independently. For some, it is the first time they have been exposed to live music.