In 2009, Damon Marks founded the Traveling Guitar Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which provides musical equipment and support for school systems that are struggling to finance their music education programs. In so doing, Damon and the other Traveling Guitar Foundation Board Members hope to catalyze children's creativity, foster their intellectual development, and expose them to the joy that music can bring.

The Foundation accomplishes its mission in two ways. First, the Foundation travels to schools whose music programs are in jeopardy and gives music educational clinics for the benefit of students. In these clinics Damon interacts directly with children by providing musical instruction and discussing the importance of attaining an education. At each event, Damon also enlists the help of both younger and established artists to help showcase the power of music as an artistic platform, cultural force, and enjoyable activity. A diverse range of artists, including SWIZZ BEATZ, Miranda Cosgrove (ICarly), Ariana Grande (Victorious) and Darryl McDaniels of Run-DMC, have participated in Traveling Guitar Foundation musical clinics across the United States.

Second, after each clinic, the Foundation donates guitar kits and other instruments directly to the schools to help them sustain their musical education programs. Importantly, after the Foundation stages a clinic, Damon and other Traveling Guitar Foundation board members continually check back with the school's administration and music faculty to make sure that the donated instruments are being used properly, and regularly, for the betterment of children's intellectual and creative development.

Since 2009, the Traveling Guitar Foundation's profile has grown rapidly. Initially, the Foundation established a substantial presence in the New York tri state area. In the New York area alone, Damon has appeared a live guest on WABC TV, NBC,FOX 5, NJ12 TV, and WPIX CW11 Morning News. He has also appeared on radio stations such as Z100, Power 105, Q104.3 and 103.5 KTU.

However, the Foundation has also recently established a national presence, holding educational guitar clinics and school assemblies in California, Georgia, and Florida. During this time, Damon has interfaced with superstar athletes and musicians who have taken notice of the Foundation's mission and work, such as Alicia Keys, Allan Houston, David Tyree, and Dikembe Mutombo.

Damon has also secured and maintained sponsorships for the Traveling Guitar Foundation with Dean Guitars, Line 6, Yamaha and Mogami Cable.

In 2011, Damon also plans to release a Traveling Guitar Foundation compilation album featuring various nationally-known recording artists as well as younger musicians and students who have benefited from the Foundation.

With the help from corporate sponsors and the generosity of music industry members and individuals like you, the Traveling Guitar Foundation can continue its mission. To donate visit:http://travelingguitarfoundation.org/ways-to-donate/.