The NAMM Foundation Auctions Celebrity Autographed Guitar for $9,100

Winning bidders believe in the power of music for people of all ages and skill levels

October 1, 2009

The NAMM Foundation today announced that Dennis and Elizabeth Danzik of Paradise Valley Arizona were the winning bidders of a celebrity autographed guitar donated by Gov. Mike Huckabee as part of the recent launch of the foundation’s Wanna Play Fund on FOX’s “Huckabee” program.

Danzik, a scientific advisor and engineer, is the CEO of Solverdi Worldwide, Ltd, a Phoenix-based company specializing in renewable energy development.  Both Dennis and Elizabeth are passionate supporters of music education for people of all ages and skill levels.

"Music is fundamental to learning. Access to music education and a sincere effort in music by the student, at any age, increases abilities in math and science, as well as other academic subjects," said Danzik. "The enjoyment of mastering even the basics of music opens social doors, improves grades, makes school more fun and can never be taken away."

The NAMM Foundation’s Wanna Play Fund is a new effort to raise funds to support programs and activities that strengthen music education in schools and provide opportunities for people of all ages to learn to play music. The fund officially launched on September 19 from the prestigious stage of “Huckabee,” a weekly commentary program on FOX News Channel hosted by Mike Huckabee, former Governor of Arkansas and 2008 Republican presidential candidate.

Gov. Huckabee has appeared in NAMM's Wanna Play? national public awareness campaign and is a strong advocate of the vital role music education plays in the lives of all children and of the benefits playing music has for people of all ages. Gov. Huckabee will be the national spokesperson for the NAMM Foundation’s new Wanna Play Fund.

“This is a great launch for our Wanna Play Fund effort to put musical instruments in the hands of students across America,” said Huckabee. “My dream is that every child in America would have access to a personal involvement in music.”

About the NAMM Foundation

The NAMM Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit public service organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry. For more information about the NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.