2024 Guitars for Kids Holiday Fundraiser
OUR MISSION:
At Guitars for Kids, our mission is to put a guitar in the hands of underserved children whose only wish for Christmas is to have a guitar under their tree.
We believe that by sharing instruments and musical experiences, children who would not otherwise have the opportunity can experience a kind of freedom and self-discovery that is often stifled in an atmosphere of economic hardship.
OUR STORY:
The Guitars for Kids story began in 2017, when Founder and Director Roy Bowen, Vice President of RS Guitarworks, and his girlfriend went to the Fayette Mall in Lexington, Ky. to visit the Angel Tree. They were told that it was the last day to turn in items so whatever card or cards they picked; they would have to shop that night.
One of the cards Roy pulled off the tree was for a young man who asked for a guitar. Excited because he knew he could make that happen, but not that night, he asked if he could get the guitar and deliver it the next day. They told him all items had to be turned in that night, no extensions.
Not happy with the answer he received, Roy made a promise to himself that he would try to make sure that this would never happen again. After speaking to his partner, RS President Scott Leedy and RS General Manager Lisa Swafford, a plan was put in to place and Guitars for Kids was born.
HOW IT WORKS:
In conjunction with the Salvation Army and the Angel Tree program, RS Guitarworks will also contact schools and other programs in the Central Kentucky area asking them to submit 1-3 names of underserved children who have asked for or would benefit from a guitar for Christmas.
In our inaugural year (2018), we were able to put seventeen guitars under a Christmas tree servicing kids in six counties.
Since we rely entirely on the generosity of others, we cannot guarantee that every child submitted will receive a guitar. However, every effort will be made to accommodate all requests.
When you donate to Guitars for Kids, you enable our mission of transforming lives with the gift of music. Together we can make an impact, one guitar at a time, because of our supporters.
For less than $200, you can buy an Electric guitar starter pack or acoustic guitar to make a child's dreams come true, but we know not everyone can do that, so any donations are appreciated.
When you have decided on the model and specifications of your dream guitar or bass, you can either place the order online, or call us to discuss any details or specific questions/requests. Once your build has been finalized, a minimum of a 50% deposit is required to start the build. If you’ve purchased the guitar outright from us – this deposit does not apply.
From the time you have placed your order or deposit, you have two weeks to make any changes. After that, all specifications are final. Actual build time is based on the exact options chosen, but typically our build time is about four months.
Month 1
- Choose your model and options. After determining what you want and you have either placed your order online or confirmed options with us, your deposit will be due.
- After the deposit is made, you will have two weeks to make any changes.
- Once the all details have been finalized, all preliminary woodworking is started.
- Necks are fretted and final shaped. Body is finish sanded and prepped for paint.
- All necessary parts/hardware are ordered.
Month 2
- Body and neck go to paint. This stage can take several weeks to properly apply lacquer depending on color and aging level.
- Due to the nature of nitrocellulose lacquer, the guitars are allowed to cure for four weeks.
Month 3
- In the middle of month 3 the bodies and necks, once completely dry, come out of the booth for wet sanding and buffing.
- Depending on the level of aging requested, the body, neck and all hardware are put in the aging process.
Month 4
- Frets are leveled and crowned. The nut is cut.
- After all appropriate aging is complete the guitar will go into final assembly.
- After final assembly, we allow a minimum of one week for the guitar to acclimate before we perform the final setup.
- When everything is completed, you will be contacted to pay the balance and submit any final details in regards to shipping.
When you receive your guitar or bass, you have 2 days to contact us with any concerns you might have. We strive for 100% satisfaction, so any issues or concerns you may have will be addressed promptly. All of our instruments come with a lifetime warranty to the original owner.