Bringing a guitar, strings, or a gig bag grants entry to the second annual “Guitars for Vets” benefit running from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Copper Fiddle Distillery in Lake Zurich.
The northwest suburban distillery hosts the event to support military veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder. Local musicians and community members gather at the venue to help the nonprofit reach its target of collecting 60 instruments. Last year’s inaugural drive secured 30 guitars.
Donations collected during the afternoon go directly to veterans enrolled in the Guitars for Vets program. The organization provides participants with 10 weeks of free guitar lessons alongside a complimentary instrument to aid in their recovery.
Copper Fiddle manager Amanda Karchmer noted the strong community connection behind the musical donations. “We had a lot of stories behind last year’s guitar, too, because we’re a music venue and a distillery,” Karchmer said.
“We had a ton of people show interest, so if you’re surrounded by musicians, everyone’s got a guitar at home — Why not take it out and give it to someone who can actually utilize it and probably appreciate it more than your closet did?” Karchmer said.
Beyond hosting charity benefits, the venue operates as a craft beverage producer in Lake Zurich. Visitors can book a distillery tour and tasting session lasting up to 60 minutes with a private distilling guide, according to Copper Fiddle Distillery. These tours run every Saturday at 4 p.m. and include a flight of spirits alongside weekly designer cocktails.
| Event Detail | 2025 Event | 2026 Event |
|---|---|---|
| Collection Target | Unspecified | 60 Guitars |
| Guitars Collected | 30 Guitars | Pending Sunday |
| Event Time | Afternoon | 2 – 6 p.m. Sunday |
Sunday’s event runs through the afternoon hours at the Lake Zurich venue. Participants drop off their gear to gain admission to the benefit.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
