Maui Update - First ukes shared at the hotels, a second shipment on the way and more events planned!

This week a group of displaced Maui residents living in hotels gathered to play ukulele and be taught by the owner of Lahaina Music Studios. We so are grateful for his willingness to share his talents and time. 

It was wonderful to see people smiling, laughing, and singing, and that we were able to give out close to 20 ukuleles for the attendees to keep. 

As we had hoped and expected, this event was well received, and another session has already been arranged for next week. 

The idea of replicating this type of event on a regular basis is taking hold and we've been asked by representatives of the Hawaiian government to come to a "wellness and resiliency" event being scheduled at hotels or community events.  We've already been asked to attend events this weekend and discussing creating regular visits at the hotel shelters. 

Based on the expected demand for instruments we have ordered a second shipment of instruments and are pursuing funding opportunities that will allow us to purchase hundreds of instruments. 

We've also been introduced to a defined music teacher to help us expand our ability to create opportunities to create comfort and distraction through playing music together.