Youth : News for the 18-and-under crowd : Concert Key to Music at Boys & Girls Clubs

A recent benefit concert by rock, country and blues artists has raised more than $140,000 for the Bonnie Raitt Boys & Girls Club of America music program, which is being launched at 34 clubs across the nation this month.

Fender Musical Instruments’ 50th Anniversary concert, held at the Anaheim Hilton last month, included performances by Bonnie Raitt, Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi and the Ventures.

The money, which will be used to help fund the day-to-day operations of the club’s music programs, was raised by admission fees and a silent auction that included guitars signed by the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton.

The music program was launched last year after Raitt agreed to allow Fender to create for her a signature guitar if sales from the instrument were used to fund a music program for youngsters, especially girls.

Fender also helped by asking its dealers throughout the country to volunteer their time to give free music lessons to the children, said Evan McElroy, vice president of marketing and communications for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

“It’s like ‘Guitar 101,’ ” McElroy said. “It really is a terrific opportunity. We’re just glad we’re part of it.”

The classes begin this month in 34 Boys & Girls Clubs and the organization hopes to expand to 100 clubs by the end of the year, McElroy said. Eventually, McElroy said, he hopes all 1,800 clubs nationwide will be participating.