Sunset Strip Business Association Gives Back to Community

THE SUNSET STRIP BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (SSBA) continues its goal of building and supporting community efforts with the announcement that the organization has raised more than $145,300 to support local charities since August 2011. Beneficiaries include local organizations that support music education in schools; provide services and programs for homeless youth in Los Angeles; and organizations that provide drug and alcohol treatment services.

The funds were raised through various efforts and events managed by the SSBA as well as partnerships with sponsors, including the GIBSON GUITARTOWN on THE SUNSET STRIP Charity Auction supporting the Los Angeles Fund for Education's "Arts Matter" campaign, which funds music and art education in L.A. public schools; partnering with Jack Daniel's to create a special Mötley Crüe-branded bottle for the 2011 SUNSET STRIP MUSIC FESTIVAL, with proceeds benefitting the Skylar Neil Foundation for children's cancer research. Additionally, the SUNSET STRIP MUSIC FESTIVAL donated a portion of ticket sales to support organizations including West Hollywood Elementary School's arts and music education programs and IMPACT Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center.

A full list of beneficiaries includes:

GIBSON GUITARTOWN II Charity Auction, February 2013: In partnership with Gibson, raised $52,280 to benefit Los Angeles Fund for Education's "Arts Matter" campaign, which funds art and music education programs in Los Angeles public schools.

2012 SUNSET STRIP MUSIC FESTIVAL: A portion of ticket sales raised $6,505 to benefit IMPACT Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center and $3,587 to benefit West Hollywood Elementary School's arts and music programs.

2012 SUNSET STRIP MARKET: The farmers' market's $1 bag donation program raised $380 to support West Hollywood Elementary School's garden program.

2011 SUNSET STRIP MUSIC FESTIVAL: $25,000 raised in partnership with Jack Daniel's to benefit the Skylar Neil Foundation to raise awareness and fight children's cancer. Additionally, a portion of ticket sales raised $3,210 to benefit West Hollywood Elementary School's arts and music programs.

GIBSON GUITARTOWN I Charity Auction, December 2011: In partnership with Gibson, raised $27,180 to benefit the Los Angeles Youth Network; $20,385 to benefit the West Hollywood Arts & Cultural Affairs Commission, specifically to support and fund public art; and $6,795 to benefit the West Hollywood Library.

"We are extremely proud of the work we have accomplished in support of local charities and organizations, and we are thankful for our likeminded partners - including Gibson and Jack Daniel's - who also understand the importance of giving back," noted SSBA Executive Director Todd Steadman. "THE SUNSET STRIP BUSINESS ASSOCIATION and its member businesses diligently work to incorporate charity components into events whenever possible, and we are pleased to announce we have raised significant funds to support efforts within our community and throughout Los Angeles."

Words from partners and beneficiaries:

"The money donated to West Hollywood Elementary School has provided funding for our art program, music and enrichments for students at this public school, which includes transitional kindergarten through sixth grade. We are thankful for THE SUNSET STRIP BUSINESS ASSOCIATION's continued dedication to community and the association's support of music and art education," noted Karen Kuo, parent and community outreach committee member for Friends of West Hollywood Elementary, a nonprofit, parent-run group that raises funds in support of the school.

"The proceeds from the GUITARTOWN auction are a shot in the arm for the Arts Matter campaign," stated L.A. Fund Executive Director Dan Chang. "People are stepping up and saying that arts education is critical for L.A. public school students. The proceeds from the event will support arts and music programs in Los Angeles Unified Schools, including many served in West Hollywood. Thank you GuitarTown team!"

"The 2011 SSMF was able to bring three iconic friends together for one great cause, a musical connection only they understand. THE SUNSET STRIP, Mötley Crüe and Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey came together to support the Skylar Neil Foundation during a time when the band was being honored. The mates did not forget about one of the important things in life, giving back," noted Marc Hindorff, senior corporate responsibility manager at Brown-Forman. "At Jack Daniel's, music and community are very important to us, which are attributes we share with our iconic friends and friends support each other."

THE SUNSET STRIP BUSINESS ASSOCIATION is a private, nonprofit corporation operated by approximately 175 Sunset Strip business owners in West Hollywood. The organization is comprised of businesses in the hotel, restaurant, retail, valet/parking and nightlife/music industries. The SSBA provides security, street maintenance, public outreach and marketing services for THE SUNSET STRIP, under contract with the City of West Hollywood.

The SSBA is also the managing member of the limited liability company that owns the SUNSET STRIP MUSIC FESTIVAL, which was created in 2008 to promote, preserve and perpetuate the legendary Sunset Strip music experience, and the SSBA launched THE SUNSET STRIP MARKET, a certified farmers' market, in 2012.

For more information about THE SUNSET STRIP or its events, please visit www.thesunsetstrip.com, www.ssmf.com and www.sunsetstripmarket.com.

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