Metallica’s Philanthropic Efforts: How the Band is Giving Back to the Community
Carmen DeBerry, a newly-minted commercial delivery driver in Baltimore, Maryland, has seen her life completely transformed thanks to a scholarship from Metallica’s charity foundation, All Within My Hands. “It feels awesome,” she said, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to take care of her daughter and mother. The commercial driver’s license, which can cost up to $7,500, was made possible by the band’s generosity.
Metallica, one of the most commercially successful bands of all time, has donated over $10 million to workforce education through their charity foundation. The band’s lead singer, James Hetfield, emphasized the importance of supporting individuals who may not be suited for college, citing his own father’s experience as a truck driver. “Not everyone is built for college, and not everyone needs college,” he said.
The Genesis of Metallica’s Philanthropy
The band’s philanthropic efforts began with a simple question: what to do with leftover food backstage at their concerts. They started donating it to local food banks, which eventually led to larger donations and disaster relief efforts. Guitarist Kirk Hammett recalled the Northern California fires in 2017, which affected many people in the Bay Area, and how the band was able to provide significant support. “We were able to jump in and really help people right off the bat,” he said.
A Chance Encounter with a Metallica Scholar
Recently, James Hetfield met Carmen DeBerry, a Metallica scholar, backstage before a show in Landover, Maryland. DeBerry expressed her gratitude for the scholarship, which she believes helped her secure her job as a commercial delivery driver. “I really think that your scholarship, me telling them about your scholarship, is what got me the job,” she said. Hetfield replied, “Right on!”
Metallica’s Commitment to Giving Back
Metallica’s philanthropic efforts are a testament to the band’s commitment to giving back to the community. This Giving Tuesday, December 2, their foundation, AWMH, is partnering with Carhartt to provide five million meals through Feeding America. For more information, visit allwithinmyhands.org. You can also stream Metallica’s album “72 Seasons” by clicking on the embed below (Free Spotify registration required to hear the tracks in full).
Read more about Metallica’s charity work and their efforts to support workforce education Here
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