Jim Holler, owner of Trinity Guitars in Jamestown, has teamed up with Allegany Region Missions Inc. of Randolph to raise money for the construction of a new school in Haiti, a nation still struggling to recover from history's sixth-deadliest earthquake.
Holler, who already has completed one trip to Haiti in which he contributed hands-on assistance in rebuilding the nation's shattered infrastructure, is looking forward to returning there in October.
"As soon as I learned of the devastation in Haiti, it became a personal issue for me," Holler said, "and I began searching for an area organization that would be a good fit as a partner. It didn't take long for me to realize that the folks at ARM and I share a common sense of purpose and outlook where helping others is concerned."
Dave Messinger, president of ARM states, reciprocates Holler's sentiments.
"ARM is fortunate to have people like Jim Holler of Trinity Guitars, who share our vision, want to make a difference, and then make it happen,'' Messinger said.
Holler's fund-raising efforts to date have been supported by Taylor Guitars of El Cajon, Calif., and CFMartin of Nazareth, Pa. Proceeds from the sale of the more than 100 shirts donated by Taylor and Martin - more than $1,500 to date - have been donated in full to ARM's Heart for Haiti campaign. Taylor also donated one of its Baby Taylor guitars, which Holler left with leaders of a Haitian church congregation at the conclusion of his earlier visit to the island.
"It's a blessing to be working with ARM with the support of business partners like Taylor Guitars and CFMartin, who are willing to help us out with this effort. Not to mention Bille Ward, who personally tie-dyed many of the shirts they donated, because she felt they would bring in more money that way. And she was right - they have been a huge hit,'' Holler said of Bille Ward, daughter of well-known Chautauqua-area musician, Bill Ward, an employee of Trinity Guitars and a friend of Holler.
In addition to ongoing shirt sales, upcoming fundraising efforts include a pair of events scheduled at Trinity Guitars. The first is a day of CFMartin Guitar clinics, set for 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, highlighted by the return of Martin clinician Richard Starkey.
The second is a return engagement by the Taylor Road Show on Nov. 19. In addition to exhibiting many new and custom guitars, Taylor personnel will discuss guitar building, wood selection and sound amplification.
The workshops will be held at Trinity Guitars, 800 W. Third St., Jamestown. While admission to the two events will be free, Holler points out that attendees will be asked to consider contributing to the Heart for Haiti campaign. Reservations are required, and can be made by phone at 665-4490.
Trinity Guitars is open from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Monday and Friday and 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday. Appointments for other hours can be scheduled by calling 665-4490.
Allegany Region Missions' Heart for Haiti campaign was established to help with the reconstruction of damaged buildings of ministry partner Christian Service International. The organization is focused on the construction of a new school in the Haitian village of Gallette. The school, currently an open-air shelter with desks, accommodates nearly 300 students, 10 teachers, a pair of aides and a director on a yearly operating budget of $30,000. Through its Teacher Sponsorship Program, the campaign aims to guarantee teachers a competitive wage and purchase needed textbooks. The effort has been supported by educators from Ohio State University.
Donations to the Heart for Haiti campaign are allocated to mission activities designated by the donor. For more information, visit www.ARMissions.org, call 358-9126, or e-mail ARMissions@stny.rr.com.
