Happy August to you! 2018 has been a time of tremendous growth for Ukulele Kids Club and we wanted to update you on all the latest news. As of August 1, we have now distributed 6,500 ukuleles to children in need with serious health conditions.
Here is what we have been up to lately: UKC Launches Music Therapy Fellowship Program As you know, our primary function is to support music therapy at hospitals around the world. Now, we are more engaged than ever! The UKC just announced the first-ever Jared Bergman Fellowship in Music Therapy, to be run in conjunction with Riley Hospital for Children and the Riley Cheer Guild in Indianapolis. Our $10,000 donation will be matched by Riley Cheer Guild, and will fund a music therapist at Riley Hospital. In addition, we're making a grant of $5,000 to fund music therapy sessions at Children's Hospital New Orleans (CHNOLA), also to be matched by the hospital. The Jared Bergman Fellowship program is now a reality, and a rewarding milestone for everyone involved with UKC. Learn more
UKC Expands to France and Taiwan In addition to the 200-plus hospitals we're already working with in the US and globally, UKC is happy to announce that we are expanding to France and China. UKC Board member David Chen, director of UKC Taiwan, will lead the efforts of the UKC in Shanghai as well. Meanwhile, in the EU our first donations are expected to drop this September. Stay tuned for more details on how we're supporting the therapeutic benefits of our favorite four-string instrument around the world.
Fundraising
Thanks to our committed army of volunteers and go-getters, we have been very successful – and fortunate – in raising funds this year. In May, we started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for an upper-limb disability device that works wonders with playing the uke. If you haven't seen the video of Wesson playing the uke for the first time, you are in for a treat! So far we've raised $4,600 and have a ways to go! Click on the image below to view the video:
In June, we had an online auction and live event, the Rock N Roll Luau III in New Orleans (there's a lot going on in NOLA these days!). The auction and event raised $5,000, and it happened thanks to the Louisiana Modified Dolls, Wayward Owl Brewing Company and a host of artists who donated their time and talent. Thanks to our incredible organizer Amber O'Leary for spearheading.
And, a Good Word From a Good Friend
We ran into global recording artist and Grammy winner Jason Mraz recently, and he was so kind (and accurate!) in praise of our efforts! Here's what he has to say (click on image below):
Of course, there are many more small steps and victories along the way. To stay tuned minute by minute, please check in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube and learn more about the kids and music therapists we are helping, everyday!
On behalf of all of us and little James, thank you for staying involved!
py, to be run in conjunction with 
ce and China. UKC Board member David Chen, director of UKC
Taiwan, will lead the efforts of the UKC in Shanghai as well. Meanwhile, in the EU our first donations are expected to drop this September. Stay tuned for more details on how we're supporting the therapeutic benefits of our favorite four-string instrument around the world
