This
spring a most unique and extraordinary fundraising program will raise
money for both The Fender Museum of the Arts and The American Cancer Society.
The two-part program, entitled "Heart Strings: Making Music, Creating
Hope" was created by leading giftware manufacturer, Cast Art Industries
and will use the artistic creativity of 12 top-name celebrities to raise
$2 million.
The first part of the program consists of celebrities
from sports, music, theatre and the arts who will paint Fender guitars
with designs unique to each individual's style. As fully functioning custom
guitars made in Fender's Corona facility, the instruments will be auctioned
live and on-line to the public. Secondly, artists at Cast Art Industries
will create hand-painted collectible miniatures of each guitar, which
will be sold during the year as limited edition collectibles.
All benefits from both the auction and collectible sales will benefit
Fender Museum of Music and the Arts and the American Cancer Society. "The
whole point of this program is to celebrate life." Said Cast Art
President Scott Sherman, "Fender Museum's educational programs enrich
children's lives and the American Cancer Society creates hope every single
day ! If that doesn't tug on your heart strings...what does?" And
if we don't all do our part to help...who will?"
Celebrities are currently being contacted for participation
in the program. Cast Art announced that renowned American marine artist,
Wyland, has recently agreed to use his artistic talents and participate
in Heart Strings. Wyland is most famous for his life-size murals depicting
underwater scenes, which can be seen all over the world. "There is
so much research about the benefits of music education," said John
Page, executive director of Fender Museum. " We currently serve over
400 children with free music lessons and have a year long waiting list.
Our goal is to reach 1,500 Southern California children per week and the
Heart Strings fundraiser will guide us in that process."