Guitar of Freedom, Inc.
LEARN ABOUT GUITAR OF FREEDOM, Inc. at https://youtu.be/h-IrX0YZ-so
THE Salute, Inc. AUCTION IS NOW LIVE! SALUTE, INC. | Powered By GiveSmart
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GUITAR OF FREEDOM, INC. DONATES VERY SPECIAL GIBSON USA LES PAUL GUITAR FOR SALUTE, INC. AUCTION
CHICAGO, IL – September 1, 2026 – Guitar of Freedom, Inc. a Florida based charity, dedicated to honoring America’s greatest heroes through music, announces a historic collaboration with Salute, Inc., of Palatine, Illinois, culminating in the donation of an extraordinarily special electric guitar, for auction.
The centerpiece donation during the annual Salute, Inc. “A Night to Remember”, in association with the Alzheimer’s Association, scheduled for September 9, at Hey Nonny in Arlington, IL, will be a highly coveted Gibson USA Les Paul guitar, built in Nashville, TN, with a pickguard, signed by Mr. Randall Hall (of Jacksonville-based band Lynyrd Skynyrd, 1988-1994). This legendary guitar model, known for its unique tone and storied history, has been custom-outfitted by Guitar of Freedom, Inc. to honor American’s greatest heroes.
Honoring UNITED STATES MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS AND VETERANS.
This extraordinarily special guitar was crafted in honor of the brilliant, courageous, and often previously unacknowledged USA Military Service Members and Veterans who have sacrificed their bodies, family time and lives for our Freedom.
Proceeds from the auction of this magnificent instrument will be given directly to Salute, Inc., which is dedicated to meeting the financial, physical and emotional needs of injured military service members, veterans and their families. When Salute, Inc. assists veterans and their families pay everyday bills like rent, utilities and car payments during the difficult transition period from active duty to civilian life, they provide more than simply ASSISTANCE, they provide much needed HOPE.
Guitar of Freedom, Inc. appreciates the Mission of Salute, Inc. and accordingly, hereby donates this extraordinary, one-of-a-kind Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s, electric guitar, carefully curated, customized and handcrafted with special adornments, to Salute, Inc.
This special Gibson Les Paul Standard “Bourbon Burst” was signed by Mr. Randall Hall. Randall, born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, plays with a style and feel like no other. His playing caught the attention of Lynyrd Skynyrd founding member Alan Collins. Randall toured the world with Lynyrd Skynyrd for many years, playing to sold out audiences all over the world. Randall regularly sits in with Simple Men and Southern Nights, delivering chilling renditions of all the Lynyrd Skynyrd classics.
"This donation is more than just a guitar and an amplifier; it's a heartfelt commemoration to honor America’s Greatest Heroes," stated retired Florida Deputy Sheriff, Alexander Ellis, VP – Marketing of Guitar of Freedom, Inc. "Our American Warriors singlehandedly enable world peace and freedom. To pair a piece of music history like this Les Paul, with an organization that directly supports veterans and their families pay everyday bills, is a distinct honor. We urge collectors, guitar enthusiasts, and patriots everywhere to join us in supporting this Mission, through direct donations and this upcoming auction."
“We cannot begin to express our gratitude to Guitar of Freedom for this extraordinary donation to our “A Night to Remember” event,” said SALUTE, INC. Executive Director Mary Beth Beiersdorf. “We are honored to align our efforts with an organization that is equally committed to those who served our country and now need our support.”
“This guitar has special meaning for us our event will share the story of Ryan, a U.S. military veteran who, while only in his mid-30’s was impacted by a TBI and early-onset Alzheimer’s. Today he often communicates through music so a part of our fundraiser will be a BYOG – bring your own guitar – and everyone will participate in a rendition of his favorite song “Freebird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd.”
Event and Bidding Information
The Gibson USA Les Paul 50s Standard WW Custom Shop Top, “Bourbon Burst”, with 59 Tribute PAF style humbucker pickups, and a bleeding edge Positive Grid 50W digital modeling amplifier, will be available for viewing and bidding, via the Give Smart platform and the live auction, which is expected to result in raising a substantial sum for Salute, Inc. The auction, as part of “A Night to Remember”, in association with the Alzheimer’s Association, scheduled for September 9, at Hey Nonny in Arlington, IL. The public is invited to participate in the auction and to support the Mission of Salute, Inc. Bidding information, including details on online and absentee bids, as well as direct donations to Salute, Inc. are available at: https://Nonny.givesmart.com.
More information about the event is available here:
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER – Salute, Inc.
About Salute, Inc.
Salute, Inc. was founded in 2003 by Will and Mary Beth Beiersdorf. Shortly after 9/11, Will (a Naval Reservist), was called to active duty and deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for thirteen months. While Will was serving in Cuba, Mary Beth and her children coped with the fear of the unknown as well as the financial and emotional strain caused by the deployment. Family, friends and their extended community stepped in to help the family. Upon Will's return, both he and Mary Beth felt the need to "give back" by helping others who were experiencing similar hardships. After sharing their vision with family and friends, Salute, Inc. was established. Salute, Inc.is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides financial support for our military men and women and veterans through a variety of fundraising activities.
About Guitar of Freedom, Inc.
Guitar of Freedom, Inc. is a disabled veteran owned non-profit organization dedicated to curating and customizing unique, art-grade guitars as tributes to America’s military and first responders, leveraging the power of music and craftsmanship to raise funds for military and veteran charities.
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT:
John Howard, CFO
904-237-7980
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We are an eclectic group of guys from several walks of life with varied backgrounds and careers who truly want to help our veterans where it counts most. Team Guitar of Freedom was built from the ground up, lead by a small "fire team" of four: An ex-Army IT professional, a retired Florida Deputy Sheriff, an Army Airborne Ranger and a three-time retired Navy SEAL + US Customs + Florida Game and Fish veteran, all of whom welcome the professional support and guidance from a renowned guitar expert and collector who has worked alongside music legends.
Our mantra is simple: “Put your money where your mouth is”.
So many folks say that they support the troops… perhaps with a bumper sticker or a refrigerator magnet, etc. But what is that, really? A lot of virtue signaling, holier than thou rhetoric, and lip service, frankly. We wanted to actually DO something to help our guys after they come home from service and have to face everyday life.