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Traveling Guitar Foundation

Imagine being a kid who, more than anything else, wants to learn more about music. Most of the ESP fans around the world can probably relate to that feeling. However, if youʼre a child who comes from an underprivileged family, or goes to a school whose district has no funding for music programs, your dreams might vanish before they ever had a chance to be realized.

Thatʼs why ESP Guitars has become a major sponsor of the Traveling Guitar Foundation. Itʼs a non-profit organization that was founded in 2009 by guitarist/ songwriter Damon Marks, and its mission is to provide musical equipment and support for school systems across the United States that are struggling to finance their music education programs. Through their efforts, the Traveling Guitar Foundation works to ensure that the equipment they donate is used regularly and properly for the betterment of studentsʼ educational, artistic, and social development.

How It Works

Thereʼs a reason the word “traveling” is in this organizationʼs title. Founder Damon Marks literally takes his show on the road, visiting school districts across the country and doing demonstrations for the students. Many of the places Damon has visited, including Compton, CA and East Harlem, NY, represent some of the most economically disadvantaged areas of the US, and itʼs likely that without the help of the Traveling Guitar Foundation, thereʼs no way any of these kids would have an opportunity to be exposed to instruments like guitars.

Damonʼs visits start with a clinic for students about music, and often brings along young and established artists to help generate excitement in the students and school staff. After the clinics, the Foundation donates guitars, amps, and other music tools to the schools, and then checks back with the districts to make sure the instruments are being used properly and regularly.

ESP Is Involved; How About You?

ESP Guitars is proud to be involved with the Traveling Guitar Foundation, and weʼve donated dozens of instruments to this worthy cause, including electric and acoustic guitars. We feel lucky to be able to help enrich these childrenʼs lives. The Traveling Guitar Foundation still needs a lot of help. You can learn more and add your own contribution to the continuation of music in schools by visiting www.travelingguitarfoundation.org. All proceeds -- which are tax deductible, by the way -- will benefit the Traveling Guitar Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Make a difference in a kidʼs life, and support this very worthwhile foundation!

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