Friday April 4th, 2003

Goo Goo Dolls' Johnny Rzeznik and Louisiana Sen. John Breaux celebrate Gibson Foundation launch

Johnny Rzeznik, lead singer of the Goo Goo Dolls, joined Democratic Sen. John Breaux of Louisiana in Washington recently to celebrate the debut of The Gibson Foundation, the charitable arm of the Gibson guitar company.

The Gibson Foundation will expand on Gibson's numerous charitable activities and its long-standing desire to further music education through legislative and community opportunities. Gene Maillard, a respected music business executive formerly with NARAS (the Grammy people), is executive director of the new organization.

"The Gibson Foundation will recognize individuals who have played an important role in supporting its mission points," said Juszkiewicz, chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar Corp. "The Foundation will conduct its own programs, financially support leading not-for-profit organizations and promote public awareness of many of the important issues facing society today. Together with the management and employees of Gibson Guitar and Baldwin Piano, the Foundation will strive to enhance the well-being of the people and communities in America and around the world."

(l-r) Johnny Rzeznik, Sen. John Breaux, Gibson's Gene Maillard

Gibson is known worldwide for producing classic models in every major style of fretted instrument, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins and banjos. Gibson's digital guitar, introduced in 2002, represents the biggest advance in electric guitar design in over 70 years. Founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo, MI, and headquartered in Nashville since 1984, Gibson Guitar Corp.'s family of brands now includes Epiphone, Dobro, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Slingerland, Maestro, Trace Elliot, Baldwin, Ellington, Chickering and Wurlitzer.

For more information about the Gibson Foundation go here, send an email to info@gibsonfoundation.com or call 1.310.300.2369.