Donations exceeded $836,000 to support victims and musicians who lost everything
Gibson Gives has announced that it has exceeded its initial pledge for wildfire relief efforts, contributing over $836,000 in total aid. This includes more than $320,000 in guitars and gear, direct cash donations, and an additional $516,000 raised through partnerships with nonprofit organizations.
The initiative was launched in response to the devastating wildfires that struck Southern California earlier this year, which resulted in 29 fatalities, the destruction of over 57,000 acres, and damage to more than 16,000 homes and structures. Gibson Gives collaborated with various music brands and humanitarian aid organizations to provide immediate assistance to fire victims, particularly focusing on musicians who lost their instruments and equipment.
Image: Gracie Abrams signs a Gibson SJ-200 acoustic guitar at FIREAID for auction; Top image: Joni Mitchell autographs an Epiphone acoustic guitar at FIREAID for auction
As part of its relief efforts, Gibson Gives donated over 150 Gibson and Epiphone guitars and directly assisted more than 350 individuals. The organization also participated in the FIREAID benefit concert, which raised over $100 million for wildfire recovery efforts. Additionally, Gibson contributed gear for auction items at major events such as the GRAMMY® Awards and MusiCares.
Partners of Gibson in this endeavor included Guitar Center, The Guitar Center Music Foundation, the NAMM Foundation L.A. Wildfires Relief Fund, and numerous prominent manufacturers from the music industry, such as AKG, Audio-Technica, ESP Guitars, Shure, Taylor Guitars, Yamaha, and many others.
Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes with his new Gibson ES-330
Musicians who benefited from the support of Gibson expressed profound gratitude. Taylor Goldsmith of the band Dawes, who lost his home in the Eaton Fire, received a Gibson ES-330 guitar. He says, “After the fire, Gibson sent me this ES-330 to help me start rebuilding my collection. It’s always been a favorite guitar model of mine, ever since falling in love with the one that Dave Cobb had at his studio while we were recording our album, Good Luck With Whatever. Looking forward to getting to know this one.”
Gibson Gives continues to support disaster relief efforts, extending assistance to wildfire victims in California and Oklahoma, as well as survivors of Hurricane Helene. For more information or to contribute to ongoing relief initiatives, visit Gibson Gives Disaster Relief.
Learn more about Gibson Gives, FIREAID, Janie’s Fund, and MusiCares.
