Sheryl Crow Birthday Drive raises $12,400 for charity

The 2015 Sheryl Crow Birthday Drive is over, and a fan from the Chicago area has won the Fender Custom Shop Telecaster guitar donated by another fan.

The winner is Rung-Chuan Lin.

Each year, the birthday drive benefits the Delta Children's Home. This year, fans donated more than $12,400, surpassing last year's total by $1,100.

The drive began in 2001, when members of the Fan Forum wanted to find a way to celebrate the Feb. 11 birthday of Crow, who is a Kennett, Missouri, native. The forum is on hiatus, but its moderator, Gregg Dempsey, coordinates the drive. Jim Baker does so on the Kennett end.

The winner is a longtime fan.

"He plays guitar and was super-excited his name was drawn as the winner," Baker said.

"I heard the drum roll, and it still feels like a dream. Thanks again, Jim and Gregg. I will send my picture with guitar, thanks to you all. Overall, making better lives for children who need help is the most important thing," Lin said on his Facebook page.

Crow will sign the guitar, and it will be sent to Lin.

Since its inception 15 years ago, the Sheryl Crow Birthday Drive has raised $194,000 for Delta Children's Home. Contributions come from Crow's fans all over the world.