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guitarsnotgunsbarbara

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1 reviews

Review for Guitars not Guns, Peachtree City, GA, USA

Rating: 5 stars  

My name is Barbara Gorin, and I am VP of Fundraising for the Contra Costa County (California) chapter of Guitars Not Guns. I have such a deep passion for this program, and the benefits I have seen first hand for the deserving kids that we help to make music a part of their lives. I am proud to be part of this program, and anything I can do to help make it grow and help get recognition is a goal in my life.



I have been very fortunate in getting some International exposure for this program, specifically, the April 2010 issue of Guitar Player Magazine, where I was interviewed about my involvement with this wonderful program. I am greatful to be part of such a wonderful organization, and the great volunteers I have met along the way.



I was also given an honor for my volunteer work with this program by Diablo Magazine called the "Threads of Hope" which recognizes volunteers in our community that help make a difference. I am so thankful for the recognition of such a wonderful award.



I am also very greatful for the sponsors I have met along the way that help our program by donating strings, picks, guitar cases, straps, and other items we are great need. Without the support from these companies and the music community, and our volunteers, we would not be able to continue.



Thank you Ray and Louise Nelson for creating such a beautiful way to help kids make music a part of their lives. I will continue to dedicate my life and passion for music and kids to this fantastic organization and will continue to make you proud. Thank you!!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

I have seen kids on the first night of our 8 week class be very shy and withdrawn, but after a few weeks, they run up to me and with such excitement. I have seen the positive results of helping kids build confidence with encouragement and love. I am proud to have made a difference in these kids lives through music.

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

I wish I could donate more time to this program to help spread the word, but my day job that I have been working for the past 23 years limits my time. I just wish I personally had more time to dedicate and help this program continue to grow

Would you volunteer for this group again?

Definitely

For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?

Life-changing

Did the organization use your time wisely?

Very Well

Would you recommend this group to a friend?

Definitely

What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?

I wish we had a budget for promotions. All of the money we raise goes to buy guitars for the kids. If there was a budget to help promote, we could get more exposure. I try my best to get everything for free, but sometimes, that is not possible.

Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)

This program help me realize that deserving kids who are at risk youth, need to have a positive outlet and through music is an awesome way. I have met some wonderful people along the way.

How did this volunteer experience make you feel?

The satification I get from seeing the smiles on the kids faces each week during our 8 week class, and at the graduation is worth a zillion dollars! I see how happy we make these kids, and the feeling is like no other.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2011

Role:  Volunteer & I am a volunteer instructor and do fundraising events and get artists to support the program such as Heart, who signed a guitar for us and we put on Ebay, and the band Blondie, who's guitar player donated his personal Gibson we put on ebay to raise money.