Breedlove Donates 75 Guitars to Bend-La Pine Schools With Support From EDCO

BREEDLOVE DONATES 75 GUITARS TO BEND-LA PINE SCHOOLS WITH SUPPORT FROM EDCO

Local guitar maker strikes a chord for education with a 75-guitar gift to Bend-La Pine schools, strengthening community ties through music

Bend, Ore. – November 6, 2025 – Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) today announced that local guitar manufacturer Breedlove Guitars will donate 75 guitars to middle and high schools throughout the Bend-La Pine School District.

This collaboration between Breedlove and the school district was facilitated by EDCO as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen community partnerships that support education as well as local businesses. The donation reflects Breedlove’s deep commitment to nurturing music programs and inspiring the next generation of musicians in Central Oregon.

As part of the program, Breedlove co-owners Pete Mroz and Shannon Pollard will present the instruments to the music faculty and perform for students in a special ceremony on Thursday, November 13^th, at 7pm in the Mountain View High School band room.

The donation will provide 75 guitars, valued at a total of nearly $65,000, to six schools within the district, including Mountain View High School, Bend Senior High School, High Desert Middle School, Caldera High School, Summit High School, and Three Rivers School. In addition to the donation, Breedlove will serve as the official repair and service provider for all the instruments.

“EDCO is proud to help connect companies like Breedlove with opportunities that make a lasting impact on our community,” said Don Myll, EDCO Bend Area Director. “This partnership highlights the creativity, generosity and community spirit that make Central Oregon such a special place to live and work.”

Breedlove Guitars, a long-established brand in Central Oregon, was recently acquired by Pete Mroz and Shannon Pollard. Mroz is a nationally recognized singer-songwriter and former standout on NBC’s The Voice. Pollard, grandson of country music legend Eddy Arnold and founder of Plowboy Records, brings decades of experience as an entrepreneur in the music industry.

“We are honored to give back to the community that has supported Breedlove for so many years,” said Pete Mroz, co-owner of Breedlove Guitars. “Music education opens doors for creativity and connection, and we hope these guitars inspire students to explore their passion and express themselves through music.”

Keith Chaiet, Director of Bands at Mountain View High School, said, "Learning how to play music plays a vital role in every student’s growth, fostering creativity, confidence, and connection. This donation from Breedlove Guitars makes a tremendous difference for our schools, helping ensure every student has the opportunity to learn and play. Many of our schools simply don’t have enough instruments for all who want to participate. Breedlove’s generosity not only provides access to quality guitars but also reflects a true investment in our community and a deep commitment to music education.”

For more information about Breedlove Guitars, visit breedlovemusic.com. To learn more about EDCO’s work supporting business and community growth, visit edcoinfo.com.