Rick Allen, legendary drummer of Def Leppard, understands that music transcends boundaries. In 1984, a life-changing car crash on New Year’s Eve cost him his left arm. Inspired by this experience, he founded the Raven Drum Foundation in 2001. This foundation empowers him to offer direct support to trauma survivors, veterans, and first responders. Through RDF, Allen has been hosting an auction with other iconic musicians since 2021 to help those in need.
Allen aptly named the auction ’12 Drumming Drummers,’ drawing inspiration from the ’12 Days of Christmas’ song, as other famous drummers primarily provide the auctioned items. Currently, 29 music superstars have committed to contributing signed memorabilia. Some of the participating legends are Tommy Lee, Zac Hanson, and Jim Keltner.
One of the most remarkable items is a signed, one-of-a-kind Dave Matthews guitar. The proceeds from this signed guitar will fund a partnership with Musicians On Call, a nonprofit organization providing live bedside music in VA Hospitals across the country. The collaboration showcases the power of music in the healing process and the foundation’s commitment to supporting those who have suffered through traumatic and life-threatening experiences.
Raven Drum 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, we bring the tools and experiences of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to support and inspire mental health, resiliency, and unity.
Mission statement on the auction homepage
Alongside Allen as the co-founder of RDF is Lauren Monroe, his wife of 20 years. Monroe is not only a musician, but she is also a holistic wellness expert. Because of her background, the rest of the proceeds will fund mental health support and suicide prevention programs. Additionally, they will support complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) experiences. It is with Monroe’s superior knowledge of cultivating mental health wellness that RDF can host this charity auction.
This year’s auction, concluding on Veterans Day, November 11th, continues to add more memorabilia until its closure. On top of this monumental auction, there is an event with the current participants, including Taylor Swift and Jon Bon Jovi. The event regularly announces more participants, creating an appealing opportunity for any music fan. If bidding isn’t financially feasible, there are general donation options available on the auction’s homepage. For additional information and to view the listed items, please visit the 12 Drumming Drummers homepage.
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