Foundations benefit from celebrity guitars - Business First of Buffalo:

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"It's really been a communitg endeavor," says Gwen manager of corporate communicationsat "You just won't believe the creativity of theser artists. They did some amazing, creativw things with these guitars." Such was the case for Susan Tomei's seventh- and eighth-gradse students at Buffalo's Olmsted school, wherw students painted one ofthe guitars. "They had a great time doing it," Tomei says. "It was an extraordinary opportunitgyfor them.
" Mysiak says the projecyt was modeled after "Herd About Buffalo" and Cleveland's Each artist had to create a theme for the fiberglassz guitars, which are 6 feet tall, 28 inches wide and 9 inchess thick. The guitars were molded by and built by Merlinworkesof Etobicoke, Ont. After artists completee their designs, the guitars were displayed at more than 40 local businesses. Online bidding began June 23 in mandatorhy incrementsof $25 for locally designecd guitars and $50 for the celebrity versions. Items also could be purchased before theonline bidding. Celebrity or premium guitars were soldfor $5,000 and regional guitars for $2,500.
Mysiakl says a semiformal gala is scheduled to auctionh off anyremaining guitars. It will be held at 6 July 14 in theWNED studios. Tickets cost $75 per persob or $125 per couple. Participating celebrities includeBon Meatloaf, Queen V and Lee Ann Womack; the castas of "The King of Queens" and "Las TV shows; Hall of Fame quarterback Jim "Entertainment Tonight's" Mark Steines; Buffalo Philharmonic music director JoAnn Falleta; Nascar auto designer Sam Bass; and Meet the Pressz moderator Tim Russert. Guitars for Hope is sponsored by , Rite Aid New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Assembly Majority Leader Paul Other sponsorsare C.F.
Martin & Co., Kantorf & Godwin, Banco, Lafayette High School, , , , Salvatore'es Italian Gardens Restaurant, Merlinworks, The , the and Proceeds benefit the Kelly forKids Foundation, the , and Hours for the free exhibir are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Also, 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To reservse tickets for the gala, call To place a bid for remaining guitars, visit or .