LONDON and JOPLIN, MO – Orange Amplifiers is working with fellow musicians and others in the music industry to donate gear and memorabilia for "Music Aid for Joplin," an auction fundraiser accepting bids from July 18-Aug. 24 on FameBureau.com. Proceeds will benefit victims of the tornado that destroyed much of Joplin, MO on May 22, killing 153 and injuring close to 900.
Beneficiaries of the auction include Dave Peterson, owner of the Glory Days Music Store, who lost both his store and his home to the storm. "I was just floored," said Peterson. "I didn't think for one minute that someone would do something like that for me without asking for it. It's an incredible gesture."
"We have seen the heartbreaking tragedy that has taken place in the USA, particularly in Joplin, Missouri," said Orange CEO Cliff Cooper, is working with Ted Owen, managing director of Fame Bureau on the charity effort.
Orange Amps is donating a rare Union Jack half-stack; it's the last one of only 20 made, and its estimated value is near $6,000. Orange Amps has also been coordinating support from other musical instrument manufacturers and suppliers for the auction.
So far, the other items up for bidding include:
- Sabian Cymbals – 14-inch Paragon Crash signed by Neil Peart of Rush with the band's Steampunk logo, personalized with the winner's name
- Sabian leather jacket
- Orange CR50BXT bass amp, signed by RUSH's Geddy Lee, personalized with the winner's name
- Yamaha Gigmaker five-piece drum set with hardware and Paiste 101 cymbals
- Yamaha A Series Acoustic/Electric Guitar
- Sierra Guitars Sierra Sunrise Auditorium Acoustic Guitar
- Shure Microphones Super 55
- Guitar World 12-Month Subscription
Companies wishing to donate more items to the auction can contact Orange Amps at www.orangeamps.com or Fame Bureau www.famebureau.com.
The local chapter of the American Red Cross, which has been providing emergency assistance at five separate locations including first aid and emergency health services, mental health services, distribution of bulk items such as recovery kits, toiletries and items needed for the clean-up such as gloves, rakes, masks, and vital water supplies and snack, can also be reached at www.redcross-ozarks.org/donate/.
