Gord Bamford trades his guitar for smiles

Canadian Country Music star Gord Bamford put up his personal guitar during a private corporate appearance recently in Calgary, Alberta, to help raise donations for “Operation Smile.”

Dedicated to providing reconstructive surgery and related medical care for children born with facial deformities, the charity has long been a passion for Bamford, who followed his performance by inviting bids for the guitar he has played in concert for the past 20 years.

The event raised a total of $48,000, $30,000 of which came from Bamford’s guitar, which he personalized with an autograph for the winning bidder.

“You kind of touched me with what you guys are doing over there,” he told the audience. “I’m kind of a softie for kids. … My son might get mad because he wanted the guitar, but it’s for a great cause.”

Watch the performance and the auction here:

**Read more at CMA Close Up