Held on November 14, Metallica did their first-ever worldwide livestream concert from their headquarters in Northern California, with all the proceeds of ticket sales and an auction going toward the band’s All Within My Hands (AWMH) Foundation, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. The band, featuring ESP artists James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett, raised a total of $1.3 million via the “Helping Hands” event, which included over $47,000 from the auction of two ESP guitars signed by the band.
“We are very grateful to have had the opportunity to be involved in the ‘Helping Hands’ concert and auction,” says Matt Masciandaro, President and CEO of The ESP Guitar Company. “While the services provided by the band’s AWMH Foundation are crucial in every year, the financial assistance they’re providing in 2020 will make a huge impact on many people’s lives, and we’re happy to have been able to be a part of this successful event.”
ESP donated two instruments for auction-based fundraising as part of the “Helping Hands” event. One was an ESP LTD TL-6 guitar that ESP customized in Purple Sunburst Sparkle finish for Kirk Hammett that was subsequently signed by Kirk and James Hetfield, as well as drummer Lars Ulrich and bassist Robert Trujillo. That guitar, played live by Kirk at the concert event, brought in $26,100 at auction, while the second guitar, a black ESP LTD M Series model with custom AWMH graphics and also signed by the band, brought in $21,050.
Previous to the “Helping Hands” concert and auction, Metallica’s AWMH Foundation had already donated $645,000 to a number of COVID-19 related relief funds in 2020, including Feeding America, Direct Relief, and several charities assisting those suddenly without work in the entertainment and hospitality industries. This fall, the Foundation also donated $350,000 to several agencies aiding those affected by wildfires up and down the West Coast. Finally, the Metallica Scholars program is now in its second year, supported by a $1.5 million grant benefiting 15 community colleges across the country.
You can help the All Within My Hands Foundation’s charitable efforts by making a donation at www.allwithinmyhands.org.
