For the third year in a row, Raven Drum Foundation (RDF) brings together an all-star group of musicians to raise funds for Veterans, first responders, and others dealing with trauma. In addition to RDF co-founder Rick Allen (legendary drummer of Def Leppard), celebrities who have contributed items include Taylor Swift, Nikki Sixx & Tommy Lee (Motley Crue), Todd Sucherman and Styx, Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses, The Cult, Velvet Revolver), Fred Armisen, and many more. Through a partnership with Musicians on Call, a Dave Matthews guitar featuring his one-of-kind hand-drawn artwork will be offered to help fund an ongoing partnership with Raven Drum to bring live music to bedsides in VA hospitals around the country.
Founded in 2001 by Allen and his wife, singer-songwriter and healing arts practitioner Lauren Monroe, Raven Drum Foundation serves, educates, and empowers trauma survivors and communities in crisis, with a focus on Veterans and First Responders. By integrating advocacy, storytelling, music, and arts programs and events, the organization brings the tools and experiences of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to support and inspire mental health, resiliency, and unity.
“I recently had the chance to attend a Raven Drum Foundation event and was really impacted by the healing effect the drum circle and joining together in a shared rhythm with a community of people had on me. I’m happy to support Raven Drum’s mission by donating one of my signature bass guitars, along with a few other items, including a scarf worn on stage with Mötley Crüe, some signed books, and my custom picks.” - Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe)
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Now in its third year, the annual 12 Drummers Drumming auction has raised over $120,000 thus far as RDF has increased their fundraising and awareness-building through various events and efforts. Last year, Raven Drum invited a group of drummers, Veterans, first responders, and supporters to the Amazing Grace estate to experience the magic of a drum circle and the healing benefits of music and community. The event was filmed and released as a short film, 12 Drummers Drumming: Finding the Rhythm to Heal. WATCH HERE.
Following that impressive event, Matt Sorum welcomed RDF to his GoodNoise Studio in Palm Springs, CA. Once again, Allen, Monroe, and Sorum brought together a community of their drumming peers, supporters, donors, and music lovers for a very special event to honor and support Veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors. Watch highlights from that event HERE.
In early 2023, Raven Drum Foundation launched a partnership with Chateau Diana Winery, putting out a special line of wines inspired by Monroe’s songs and featuring artwork by the couple, with a portion of the proceeds going to RDF.
Most recently, the non-profit hosted its most comprehensive gathering to date, the multi-day Mountain Rhythm Reset in Jackson Hole, WY. With interactive programming featuring fireside chats and discussions as well as healing drum circles, the weekend was designed to bring together a select group of legendary musicians, innovative change-makers, leading business & health visionaries, and decorated military Veterans to inspire personal growth & community impact.
Already off to a great start, and with new items being added regularly, 2023’s auction will conclude on Veterans Day (11/11/2023) at 12 PM Pacific Time. To bid, please visit drummers.givesmart.com.
