NEW YORK – On May 31, Jerry Garcia’s legendary “Wolf” guitar will once again hit the auction block with Guernsey’s – but this time to benefit the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Guernsey’s previously sold the guitar in 2002 at Studio 54, where it fetched nearly $1 million, more than doubling the existing world record for any guitar ever sold. Now, Wolf’s buyer, wishing to support the Southern Poverty Law Center and its continuing fight against racism and hate groups, has returned Wolf to Guernsey’s for an unprecedented one-lot auction of this most treasured instrument.

“I’ve been a fan of the Grateful Dead since I was a kid, and playing this iconic guitar over the past 15 years has been a privilege. But the time is right for Wolf to do some good,” said the man who purchased Wolf in 2002.

Customized by luthier Doug Irwin, and labeled “D. Irwin 001,” the guitar was delivered to Jerry and first appeared in a 1973 Grateful Dead performance in New York City. Over the following two decades, it became almost as well known as the performer himself.

“Rarely, if ever, has there been an item as memorable and noteworthy as Wolf being sold to benefit such a worthy cause,” said Arlan Ettinger, president of Guernsey’s. “Guernsey’s is thrilled that the return of Wolf will go a long way to combat poverty, racism and injustice across the country.

The proceeds of the winning high bid on the guitar will go directly to SPLC.

The Guernsey’s event, additionally supported by the Relix Group, will be held on May 31 following an evening of music played by a lineup of extraordinary musicians live at NYC’s Brooklyn Bowl. Absentee bidders will also be accommodated.

The auction of Wolf comes only days after Amazon’s upcoming release of the Martin Scorsese-produced four-hour documentary about Gerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead.

Those interested in bidding should visit www.guernseys.com or contact the auction house in New York at 212-794-2280.