Yamaha to Raise Funds For Tornado Victims

BUENA PARK—Yamaha Corporation of America is helping to sponsor Music Aid for Joplin, an online auction established to help support Glory Days Music in Joplin, Missouri. A devastating EF5 tornado hit the town on May 22, killing 155 people and demolishing half of the city, including the musical instrument storefront and the home of Glory Days’ owner Dave Peterson.

Musical equipment from Yamaha and other manufacturers will be sold during the online auction, which will be handled by the Fame Bureau, to raise funds for Glory Days Music. Ted Owen, Managing Director of Fame Bureau, is recognized as one of the world's leading experts in music equipment and memorabilia.

"The utter devastation of the Joplin location of Glory Days Music was unbelievable," said Garth Gilman, Assistant General Manager, Yamaha’s Pro Audio & Combo Division. "Yamaha is honored to play a part in the rebuilding process."

For the Music Aid for Joplin auction, Yamaha will donate a five-piece GigMaker acoustic drum set, complete with hardware and Paiste cymbals. The GigMaker set, in Silver Glitter finish, features Yamaha hardware with pro-level features, such as the hex tom ball joints for precise positioning and matching wood bass drum hoops for superior tone and playability.

Additionally, Yamaha will also donate one its newest A Series A3M acoustic-electric guitar models. The A3M is part of the entirely new A Series line of Yamaha acoustic-electricguitars featuring a stunning fresh look, amazing playability and the cutting-edge SRT (Studio Response Technology) preamp/pickup system. The A3M dreadnought cutaway is designed for today’s player who requires a reliable workhorse that looks, feels, and sounds amazing in all applications. Not yet widely available, the A Series guitars are the sought-after models of the season.

"When a devastating event like the tornado that hit Joplin occurs, there is a healing process that must take place over time," said Rick Young, Senior Vice President, Yamaha Corporation of America. "We are proud to be part of that process in a way that brings hope and feeling that no one is alone in their struggle to get back on track with their lives and businesses."

When David Peterson, owner of Glory Days Music Store, heard about the auction, he "was just floored," he said. "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."

The Music Aid for Joplin online auction begins on Monday, July 18, 2011, on the Fame Bureau website and ends Wednesday, August 24. A complete listing of all items available for this fundraiser is listed in detail on the auction site.

Companies wishing to donate to this worthy cause should contact the Fame Bureau direct via their website www.famebureau.com

For more information, visit usa.yamaha.com, write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; or e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.