Wednesday, March 26, 2025

MARCH 19, 2025

CBS NEWS BAY AREA ICON AWARD HONOREE BARBARA GORIN

Message from Contra Costa County Director, Barbara Gorin: It is with great humility and joy that I share the exciting news: I have been nominated and selected to receive the prestigious CBS News Bay Area ICON Award! This recognition is not only a personal honor, but a celebration of the incredible work we’ve done together over the years to bring the gift of music to deserving children. Since signing up to volunteer in June 2006, I have dedicated the past 19 years of myself to this cause, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to such an inspiring program. It’s hard to believe it’s been 19 years!

When I first began volunteering, I could never have imagined the impact it would have on my life, nor the lives of the children we serve. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience, witnessing the joy and transformation that music brings to young people. What started as a passion for giving back has blossomed into a fulfilling and lasting commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians.

A pivotal part of this journey has been the support and partnership of my fiancé, Jay Kirkland, whom I met in April 2010. From the very first day we met, Jay was eager to contribute, signing up to volunteer with the program alongside me. His 15 years of dedication have been invaluable, and together, we’ve worked tirelessly to create a lasting impact for these children, ages 8-18. Jay’s commitment to the cause, alongside our dedicated volunteers, has made it possible to continue providing this incredible program year after year. Jay understands the benefits of music, having been born and raised in Richmond, CA, and knowing firsthand how having a positive outlet kept him away from destructive behaviors.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the vision of our Founder, Ray Nelson, and his wife Louise. In 2000, Ray had a vision as a working musician and foster parent of the benefits music brings to children. In addition, the support of countless companies who have generously donated, offered competitive pricing, and our community that has provided financial support. Since we are all volunteers, we rely on fundraising and donations to continue. Over the years, these partnerships have been crucial to keeping our National organization and Contra Costa County chapter thriving, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to all those who have helped make this work possible. Together, we’ve created something truly special, and I’m excited to see how we will continue to grow and expand in the years to come.

As I accept the CBS News Bay Area ICON Award, I do so not just on behalf of myself, but on behalf of every volunteer, donor, and supporter who has been part of this amazing journey. Thank you for allowing me to be part of such an incredible mission. I look forward to continuing this work, giving back, and, most importantly, seeing how music will continue to shape and inspire the lives of our future generations.

VIEW THE NEWS STORY HERE:

CBS NEWS BAY AREA ICON AWARD

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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.