Fender's GuitarMania supports community programs.

FROM JIMI HENDRIX'S famed hand-painted Stratocaster guitar, which he later burned and smashed at the Monterey Pop Festival, to "Rocky," the psychedelic Strat painted by George Harrison, the Fender Stratocaster has long been a canvas of individual expression for artists and musicians alike. That tradition continued on October 20, 2007, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, where more than 400 people gathered to bid on giant decorated Fender Stratocaster guitars to raise much-needed money for local charities.

The extravaganza concluded the third installment of the public art event known as GuitarMania. This partnership between the United Way of Greater Cleveland and Fender Musical Instruments is a public art and charity fundraising project with the iconic symbol of rock 'n' roll--the Stratocaster guitar--as its foundation. Since its inception in 2001, GuitarMania has raised more than $1.6 million dollars for the United Way of Greater Cleveland and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum education programs, and has showcased local and national artists' talent to millions of people.

GuitarMania 2007 featured approximately 60 nine-foot-tall Strat guitars painted, tiled, and decorated by artists and celebrities including The Doors guitarist Robby Krieger and actress Liv Tyler, and autographed by automobile legend Carroll Shelby. Guitars were also painted in the likeness of The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and LeBron James.

"Fender Musical Instruments is honored to have been involved with GuitarMania since 2001," said Fender Musical Instruments Corp. Chairman and CEO Bill Mendello. "We're extremely proud to be a part of such a dynamic project that, in the true spirit of rock 'n' roll, benefits the community and the arts."

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

GuitarMania was also held in Scottsdale, Arizona, where Fender's worldwide headquarters are located, and will be held in Mexico City in 2008.