January 17, 2025 I Philanthropy
MI Industry Unites to Support Victims of the LA Wildfires
Due to the recent Los Angeles wildfires, Gibson, and its philanthropic division, Gibson Gives, have joined forces with multiple music brands, including The Guitar Center Music Foundation, to help support the recovery of music programs and musicians impacted by the fires, as well as raise immediate funds for relief efforts and humanitarian aid organizations across Los Angeles. Gibson has pledged an initial $250,000 across its nonprofit partners for wildfire relief.
To maximize this effort, Gibson, Gibson Gives, Guitar Center and The Guitar Center Music Foundation, as well as The NAMM Foundation, have enlisted the assistance and support of many MI manufacturers, including AKG, AlphaTheta/Pioneer, Audio-Technica, Eastman, ESP Guitars, Hoshino (Ibanez Guitars/Tama Drums), JBL Professional, C. F. Martin & Co., Pearl Drums, Remo, Roland + DW, Saga, Schecter Guitar Research, Shure, Sony Music, Taylor Guitars, Universal Audio, Vater Percussion, Yamaha and Avedis Zildjian Co, in a massive donation relief effort.
For musicians, music professional or a nonprofit music program based in the Los Angeles area affected by the fires, the Guitar Center Foundation and Gibson Gives are donating a special one-time grant to replace instruments and gear. Los Angeles musicians who lost their instruments and gear can reach out and apply here now through Feb. 28. Proof of loss or address may be required.
In addition, the brands have now partnered with NAMM and the NAMM Foundation which is contributing to the L.A. Wildfires Relief Fund, as well as providing two dedicated LA Wildfire Relief Centers during next week’s NAMM show for attendees to learn more about how they can support the coordinated efforts of this initiative. These Centers will be in Hall C and in ACC North Level 2, at space #8715. Those in need can apply onsite for assistance, or people can donate and purchase gear with the proceeds going directly to Wildfire Relief organizations.
“The recent wildfires have deeply impacted our artists and friends in Los Angeles,” said Cesar Gueikian, Gibson CEO. “Gibson is committed to donating directly to these incredible organizations and working together with the music community to deliver immediate and impactful aid, and to help communities rebuild.”
“I am deeply grateful to see such an outpouring of support from everyone coming together to assist musicians who have tragically lost their instruments in the fire,” said Myka Miller, executive director of The Guitar Center Music Foundation. “This collective effort is not just about replacing instruments; it’s about restoring the power of music in people’s lives — a vital source of healing, renewal, and strength as they navigate the journey of rebuilding their lives and communities.”
Gibson and Gibson Gives fire relief efforts will include:
- Community and Shelter Support: Gibson Gives is partnering with local organizations and brands to deliver essential life resources such as food, water, and apparel to all wildfire affected communities. In partnership with Vans, Liquid Death and more, Gibson will provide supplies, including Gibson t-shirts, Vans socks, shoes, Liquid Death water and more to help meet immediate needs at shelters around Los Angeles.
- Assistance to Individual Artists: To support individual artists affected by the disaster, Gibson Gives will contribute a cash donation to MusiCares, helping provide essential necessities and aiding in their stabilization and recovery. MusiCares provides short-term disaster relief, including $1,500 in financial assistance and a $500 grocery card, to music professionals impacted.
- Instrument and Gear Replacement: In collaboration with Guitar Center and the Guitar Center Foundation, Gibson and Gibson Gives will jointly promote and manage instrument replacement requests. Additional music manufacturers contributing to this effort so far include AKG, AlphaTheta/Pioneer, Audio-Technica, Eastman, ESP Guitars, Hoshino (Ibanez Guitars/TAMA Drums), JBL Professional, C. F. Martin & Co., Pearl Drums, Remo, Roland + DW, Saga, Schecter Guitar Research, Shure, Sony Music, Taylor Guitars, Universal Audio, Vater Percussion, Yamaha and Avedis Zildjian Co.
- Fundraising for First Responders and Community Assistance: Gibson is providing funds raised to support and address broader community needs, ensuring that resources are effectively directed to where they are most needed. For the next two months, Gibson Gives will channel online and onsite donations at its Gibson Garage Nashville flagship store to the LAFD Foundation, the SoCal Fire Fund, the Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund and the American Red Cross.
- Gibson Employees: Gibson’s GoldTop Foundation assistance is available for all Gibson employees directly affected by the Los Angeles area wildfires.
- Animal Relief: Gibson is also supporting a variety of animal shelters and veterinarian clinics alongside Gibson artist, Miranda Lambert, through her foundation, MuttNation. The MuttNation – Tractor Supply Relief for Rescues Fund is supporting shelters in the California region impacted by the fire.
