"Music is the universal language. It has the ability to transcend and convey every human emotion that exists without saying a word. Music kept me off the streets and out of trouble and gave me something that was mine that no one could take away from me. Music education and families are dealing with the economic times, and I wanted to help them. If I can help a kid discover a liking, or even a passion for music in their life, then that's a wonderful thing. Music has provided a good life for me and hopefully it can help make life better for others with this donation." - Eddie Van Halen

Eddie Van Halen donated 73 guitars from his personal collection to the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. They will be distributed to 7 Los Angeles area schools. Among them, Garfield High School, has already witnessed a surge of enthusiasm in guitar class.

"It was like an injection of enthusiasm when you let them know where the guitars are coming from and what a legend Eddie Van Halen is," Music Director Eloy Adame said. "As the band director here at Garfield High School, I not only run the marching band but the symphonic band and the jazz band in addition to the beginning band and beginning guitar class. With this significant donation from The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, we can continue to expand our guitar class and diversify our guitar class to include electric guitars and enable students to broaden their horizons. Thank God, again for your support."

We are deeply grateful to Eddie for allowing us to give these stunning instruments to so many deserving youngsters.