Cancer - - - even just hearing the word itself promotes dread. And rightfully so, as so many people have been touched by cancer in some way, either personally where they've had to fight it themselves, or they've had a friend or family member who'd battled it. And when these battles against cancer occur - some individuals win, but others lose, and the experience leaves scars upon many more than just the person who's doing the fighting.
And that's exactly why a great many charities and organizations all over the planet have been set up to try to help those who are in need. One of which has been getting a lot of attention recently from the music lovers of the world because of how it combines a passion for music and collecting music paraphernalia with being able to help combat this terrible disease.
Pick Collectors Against Cancer was formed in September of 2015 by a pick collector himself, Lee Hutchinson. Hutchinson caught his first guitar pick at a Slayer concert back in 1991 and that's what sparked his own personal collection, but now he provides auctions for guitar picks, and additional items as well, to raise money for organizations that help those who are struggling with cancer.
In the short time that Pick Collectors Against Cancer has been in existence, it's already nabbed the attention of several major acts and musicians who have been willing to help. Bands like Shadows Fall and Anthrax, Mastodon, Hed PE, and more. And one of the musicians who has jumped in with both feet and been truly instrumental in helping others find out about this great organization is New Found Glory bassist, Ian Grushka.
Hutchinson talked a little about how New Found Glory, and Grushka in particular, got involved with Pick Collectors Against Cancer: "My first contact with Ian was regarding his custom picks quite a while ago, I hadn’t even thought about PCAC [Pick Collectors Against Cancer] at that time, it was just a brief chat about our pick collecting hobby. Months later, after I had announced the project, Ian messaged me asking what it was all about, how it works, where the money goes, then finally he asked how he could help. New Found Glory were about to go out on tour with Yellowcard so Ian said he would get a bunch of signed items and picks so I could auction off. He then came up with the idea of doing a custom pick with the New Found Glory logo on one side and the PCAC logo on the other, which of course I jumped at. He also took the time to sign a photo to go with each pick. They sold out in six hours and raised over $1,000. The two New Found Glory auctions that have taken place have been very popular."
And in regards to the impression Grushka's involvement had on Hutchinson: "I am blown away that Ian wants to help out as much as he does, I’m still a bit shell-shocked by how quick the project has grown. This past weekend we broke $12,000! So to have an actual band member from a famous band throw their full support behind it amazes me. Ian helped change the direction of PCAC with the custom picks, and the items he donates raise so much. It’s a nice feeling to know he has trusted me from the start and enough that I won’t embarrass him in any way in the future. I am fully aware that with all the artists supporting PCAC I am not only representing myself and the project, but them and their bands. I was hoping to get to meet Ian at Slam Dunk festival to say thanks and pick up some items for auction but I have a family party I cannot miss. Next time New Found Glory are in the U.K. though I’m sure we will get to meet and chat about the project a bit more."
And not that anyone should ever ask 'why' someone is willing to help out a charity or organization that assists others, but it's natural to wonder why anyone - not just a musician - would choose a particular group to work with. So what was it about Pick Collectors Against Cancer that caught the eye of Ian Grushka?
Ian Grushka: Well, I think the first part of this, which is easy to explain, I love collecting guitar picks. I started collecting when I was 13 and caught two Jason Newsted/Metallica picks at a show in Tallahassee, FL. One I still have, one I gave to my brother that night. I think part of the reason I make so many New Found Glory pick designs is I want to add to my collection by both keeping one of each design, and trading some to get other bands picks for my collection. So by being involved in trading groups online, I came across PCAC and quickly realized how genius of an idea it was. In a world where some people constantly sell picks they get for free on eBay for their own profit, this was a breath of fresh air. To see collectors and bands both donating picks and memorabilia to be sold to raise money for others, it's just an amazing feeling. You may pay a little more for an item on PCAC but every penny is worth it. It's incredible to see how special everyone in this group has made it. I can't imagine how Lee must feel. I haven't met him yet, but I am so proud of everything that he has achieved so far, and I'm thankful for the people who follow this group and bid and continue to make it so special. Once I realized how easy it was to donate items, most of which could have easily been thrown away, or given away for free, I knew I had to get involved. I just had to help out. I think all us have had a family member, friend, or friend's family member who have dealt with cancer in some way. I don't think this is just about one person. It's about all of us, and coming together to help everyone.
AXS.com: You have signed 80 photos, donated not just guitar picks but so many other items as well, and promoted PCAC on your social media pages. You were also the first artist to do a custom pick with your band logo. What was it about PCAC that made you feel that you could trust them and really get behind what they're doing?
Ian Grushka: I would see all these items getting sold and I just kept thinking, what can I do to make this more special or unique than it already is? What can I do to help Lee make this grow larger and raise more money to help more people? Because that's the point, right? What can we do to help other people? So I started thinking, if I make an exclusive design, which let's face it, this is so easy for me or anyone in any band to do that has a heart and cares about other people's well being. This means the person who buys the pick gets a rare pick, which is special, plus they donate money which also makes them feel good inside, and to top it all off raises money for a charity who also appreciates it and uses that money to help others. This is a no brainier. Then I worried a little bit - what if the followers in this group don't know my band, and we weren't able to sell 80 of them? I didn't want to let Lee down. So I thought a little more, what if I print 80 photos of me and sign them all with inscriptions of the year and PCAC to go with the pick. I just wanted the people who bid to know this was genuine and know that we are all in this together. Everyone who bids, donates items, shares the posts, we are all helping make this special. Even a losing bid, helps the price get higher. We are all winners in this. I've never met Lee before, but I see names of people following this group who are people I trust. And when I reached out to Lee and heard his story and why he was doing this, I knew he was someone I could trust and I knew I wanted to be involved in anyway I could.
AXS.com: We all know that in various ways music can change the world, but isn't it nice how something as simple as a guitar pick can help others?
Ian Grushka: I knew the day I caught Jason Newsted's pick how special a tiny piece of plastic could be. The feeling of going to a show is amazing on its own - the escape from reality and just letting go and feeling the music. For the couple of hours you're at a show you forget about all of your problems and just have good old fashioned fun. So, going to a show and leaving with a shirt is usually enough for most people. But being one of the people who catches a pick, it's more than just plastic. It's a memory, it's a piece of the show. I also collect game-used sports memorabilia and it's the same feeling. So I know how special picks are to me, and I know so many people share that same bond. Most don't get the 'itch,' as I call it, until they get the first one. Some people, not me, will use it to play with. Once they get that second pick, then they get the itch. Because two makes the beginning of a collection. That's when they will start asking for them. So I'm getting off subject I think, but I have seen a few people do things like this in the past, and I've donated picks to raise money for sick children. And it's so easy to do, that why would any band want to say no. And the truth is, eBay makes some people question whether they can trust people to be honest. Are they gonna lie to me and just sell it? But with Lee I never questioned. And what he is doing is so rad I'm gonna continue to help him as much as I can. Because is so easy for me to help and it feels amazing that we are helping other people. I think even if I wasn't in a band I would want to help others, because I know I would want others to help me if I needed it.
AXS.com: If you could choose one band or musician to get involved and make a custom pick with PCAC who would it be?
Ian Grushka: This is a hard question to answer and even harder to pick just one artist. But based on who I collect picks from, and I'm gonna attempt to pick someone who I think would be out of reach and hard to contact. I guess I'll have to say I would most want one from Taylor Swift. I'm sure a lot of artists would want to be involved if they knew how easy it is to help out and give back. I have a bunch of bands in mind that I plan to ask to make picks. But I don't want to give away any of my secrets yet, or get anyone's hopes up. If for some reason the band isn't able to help out, I don't want to make them look bad publicly, so it's best to keep my ideas inside. I can say I have already asked the first band, who said yes, and they are currently designing a two-pick set. So, so far so good - I'm very excited that Lee has let me become a small part of this. Nothing feels better than giving back.
Ian Grushka(continued): New Found Glory, my band, will be in the U.K. at the end of May for "Slam Dunk" and we will be on the Warped Tour in the U.S. all summer. Other than that, I've decided to start to talk to friend's bands to make custom picks for PCAC, and also try to raise money for the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. Anthony is from my hometown, he's a cancer survivor, and he plays first base for the Chicago Cubs. And thanks to everyone who has helped PCAC in any way. Let's, together, make this as huge as we can. I wish you all nothing but the best. Be safe and always respect each other. And thanks for taking the time out of your day to read this.
As for Hutchinson, it's apparent that he's not only happy with, but humbled by, Grushka's passion for Pick Collectors Against Cancer. "There is one thing that is very clear from talking to Ian in private messages, he wants to help raise money for people that need it, there’s no blurry line on that - it’s all about raising a lot of money for the charities," explained Hutchinson, "I’m really looking forward to working with him in the future. The good thing is we both think the same when it comes to PCAC - Let’s raise as much money as possible whilst giving fans and collectors some great items to add to their collections. Ian is on a mission to get as many bands joining in as possible which for PCAC and its members is brilliant, he’s already got one band that he’s friends with to agree to do a custom pick. Being in a well known band, he’s in a unique position to do that as he gigs with so many throughout the year. There will be some great auctions, custom band picks exclusive to PCAC, and I’m sure between us we can think of some other new and exciting prizes."
And that's exactly why a great many charities and organizations all over the planet have been set up to try to help those who are in need. One of which has been getting a lot of attention recently from the music lovers of the world because of how it combines a passion for music and collecting music paraphernalia with being able to help combat this terrible disease.
Pick Collectors Against Cancer was formed in September of 2015 by a pick collector himself, Lee Hutchinson. Hutchinson caught his first guitar pick at a Slayer concert back in 1991 and that's what sparked his own personal collection, but now he provides auctions for guitar picks, and additional items as well, to raise money for organizations that help those who are struggling with cancer.
In the short time that Pick Collectors Against Cancer has been in existence, it's already nabbed the attention of several major acts and musicians who have been willing to help. Bands like Shadows Fall and Anthrax, Mastodon, Hed PE, and more. And one of the musicians who has jumped in with both feet and been truly instrumental in helping others find out about this great organization is New Found Glory bassist, Ian Grushka.
Hutchinson talked a little about how New Found Glory, and Grushka in particular, got involved with Pick Collectors Against Cancer: "My first contact with Ian was regarding his custom picks quite a while ago, I hadn’t even thought about PCAC [Pick Collectors Against Cancer] at that time, it was just a brief chat about our pick collecting hobby. Months later, after I had announced the project, Ian messaged me asking what it was all about, how it works, where the money goes, then finally he asked how he could help. New Found Glory were about to go out on tour with Yellowcard so Ian said he would get a bunch of signed items and picks so I could auction off. He then came up with the idea of doing a custom pick with the New Found Glory logo on one side and the PCAC logo on the other, which of course I jumped at. He also took the time to sign a photo to go with each pick. They sold out in six hours and raised over $1,000. The two New Found Glory auctions that have taken place have been very popular."
And in regards to the impression Grushka's involvement had on Hutchinson: "I am blown away that Ian wants to help out as much as he does, I’m still a bit shell-shocked by how quick the project has grown. This past weekend we broke $12,000! So to have an actual band member from a famous band throw their full support behind it amazes me. Ian helped change the direction of PCAC with the custom picks, and the items he donates raise so much. It’s a nice feeling to know he has trusted me from the start and enough that I won’t embarrass him in any way in the future. I am fully aware that with all the artists supporting PCAC I am not only representing myself and the project, but them and their bands. I was hoping to get to meet Ian at Slam Dunk festival to say thanks and pick up some items for auction but I have a family party I cannot miss. Next time New Found Glory are in the U.K. though I’m sure we will get to meet and chat about the project a bit more."
And not that anyone should ever ask 'why' someone is willing to help out a charity or organization that assists others, but it's natural to wonder why anyone - not just a musician - would choose a particular group to work with. So what was it about Pick Collectors Against Cancer that caught the eye of Ian Grushka?
Ian Grushka: Well, I think the first part of this, which is easy to explain, I love collecting guitar picks. I started collecting when I was 13 and caught two Jason Newsted/Metallica picks at a show in Tallahassee, FL. One I still have, one I gave to my brother that night. I think part of the reason I make so many New Found Glory pick designs is I want to add to my collection by both keeping one of each design, and trading some to get other bands picks for my collection. So by being involved in trading groups online, I came across PCAC and quickly realized how genius of an idea it was. In a world where some people constantly sell picks they get for free on eBay for their own profit, this was a breath of fresh air. To see collectors and bands both donating picks and memorabilia to be sold to raise money for others, it's just an amazing feeling. You may pay a little more for an item on PCAC but every penny is worth it. It's incredible to see how special everyone in this group has made it. I can't imagine how Lee must feel. I haven't met him yet, but I am so proud of everything that he has achieved so far, and I'm thankful for the people who follow this group and bid and continue to make it so special. Once I realized how easy it was to donate items, most of which could have easily been thrown away, or given away for free, I knew I had to get involved. I just had to help out. I think all us have had a family member, friend, or friend's family member who have dealt with cancer in some way. I don't think this is just about one person. It's about all of us, and coming together to help everyone.
AXS.com: You have signed 80 photos, donated not just guitar picks but so many other items as well, and promoted PCAC on your social media pages. You were also the first artist to do a custom pick with your band logo. What was it about PCAC that made you feel that you could trust them and really get behind what they're doing?
Ian Grushka: I would see all these items getting sold and I just kept thinking, what can I do to make this more special or unique than it already is? What can I do to help Lee make this grow larger and raise more money to help more people? Because that's the point, right? What can we do to help other people? So I started thinking, if I make an exclusive design, which let's face it, this is so easy for me or anyone in any band to do that has a heart and cares about other people's well being. This means the person who buys the pick gets a rare pick, which is special, plus they donate money which also makes them feel good inside, and to top it all off raises money for a charity who also appreciates it and uses that money to help others. This is a no brainier. Then I worried a little bit - what if the followers in this group don't know my band, and we weren't able to sell 80 of them? I didn't want to let Lee down. So I thought a little more, what if I print 80 photos of me and sign them all with inscriptions of the year and PCAC to go with the pick. I just wanted the people who bid to know this was genuine and know that we are all in this together. Everyone who bids, donates items, shares the posts, we are all helping make this special. Even a losing bid, helps the price get higher. We are all winners in this. I've never met Lee before, but I see names of people following this group who are people I trust. And when I reached out to Lee and heard his story and why he was doing this, I knew he was someone I could trust and I knew I wanted to be involved in anyway I could.
AXS.com: We all know that in various ways music can change the world, but isn't it nice how something as simple as a guitar pick can help others?
Ian Grushka: I knew the day I caught Jason Newsted's pick how special a tiny piece of plastic could be. The feeling of going to a show is amazing on its own - the escape from reality and just letting go and feeling the music. For the couple of hours you're at a show you forget about all of your problems and just have good old fashioned fun. So, going to a show and leaving with a shirt is usually enough for most people. But being one of the people who catches a pick, it's more than just plastic. It's a memory, it's a piece of the show. I also collect game-used sports memorabilia and it's the same feeling. So I know how special picks are to me, and I know so many people share that same bond. Most don't get the 'itch,' as I call it, until they get the first one. Some people, not me, will use it to play with. Once they get that second pick, then they get the itch. Because two makes the beginning of a collection. That's when they will start asking for them. So I'm getting off subject I think, but I have seen a few people do things like this in the past, and I've donated picks to raise money for sick children. And it's so easy to do, that why would any band want to say no. And the truth is, eBay makes some people question whether they can trust people to be honest. Are they gonna lie to me and just sell it? But with Lee I never questioned. And what he is doing is so rad I'm gonna continue to help him as much as I can. Because is so easy for me to help and it feels amazing that we are helping other people. I think even if I wasn't in a band I would want to help others, because I know I would want others to help me if I needed it.
AXS.com: If you could choose one band or musician to get involved and make a custom pick with PCAC who would it be?
Ian Grushka: This is a hard question to answer and even harder to pick just one artist. But based on who I collect picks from, and I'm gonna attempt to pick someone who I think would be out of reach and hard to contact. I guess I'll have to say I would most want one from Taylor Swift. I'm sure a lot of artists would want to be involved if they knew how easy it is to help out and give back. I have a bunch of bands in mind that I plan to ask to make picks. But I don't want to give away any of my secrets yet, or get anyone's hopes up. If for some reason the band isn't able to help out, I don't want to make them look bad publicly, so it's best to keep my ideas inside. I can say I have already asked the first band, who said yes, and they are currently designing a two-pick set. So, so far so good - I'm very excited that Lee has let me become a small part of this. Nothing feels better than giving back.
Ian Grushka(continued): New Found Glory, my band, will be in the U.K. at the end of May for "Slam Dunk" and we will be on the Warped Tour in the U.S. all summer. Other than that, I've decided to start to talk to friend's bands to make custom picks for PCAC, and also try to raise money for the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. Anthony is from my hometown, he's a cancer survivor, and he plays first base for the Chicago Cubs. And thanks to everyone who has helped PCAC in any way. Let's, together, make this as huge as we can. I wish you all nothing but the best. Be safe and always respect each other. And thanks for taking the time out of your day to read this.
As for Hutchinson, it's apparent that he's not only happy with, but humbled by, Grushka's passion for Pick Collectors Against Cancer. "There is one thing that is very clear from talking to Ian in private messages, he wants to help raise money for people that need it, there’s no blurry line on that - it’s all about raising a lot of money for the charities," explained Hutchinson, "I’m really looking forward to working with him in the future. The good thing is we both think the same when it comes to PCAC - Let’s raise as much money as possible whilst giving fans and collectors some great items to add to their collections. Ian is on a mission to get as many bands joining in as possible which for PCAC and its members is brilliant, he’s already got one band that he’s friends with to agree to do a custom pick. Being in a well known band, he’s in a unique position to do that as he gigs with so many throughout the year. There will be some great auctions, custom band picks exclusive to PCAC, and I’m sure between us we can think of some other new and exciting prizes."