Free Guitars 4 Kids recently joined Santa Cruz Gives radio on Think Local First to talk community, generosity, and the power of music. Huge thanks to Santa Cruz Gives — and to hosts Tam and Susan O’Connor Fraser — for spotlighting the incredible work happening across Santa Cruz.

The Santa Cruz Guitar Giveaway brought together 120 young musicians, local arts partners, and families for a powerful day of shared generosity. With support from Arts Council Santa Cruz, Pajaro Valley Unified School District Expanded Learning, El Sistema Santa Cruz & Pajaro Valley, and the Santa Cruz Sounding Board, the community created an unforgettable celebration filled with music, opportunity, and hope. This event highlights how generosity multiplies when organizations unite to support kids and their creative futures.

Every child deserves the chance to explore their creativity, build confidence, and experience the joy of learning something new. This year, because of you, thousands of kids across the country received that opportunity.