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Ukulele sing-along to raise awareness, relief funds 

 

SALUDA—Saluda Moon Glass Studio will host Singing for Maui, an event for victims of the Hawaii wildfires on Friday, September 15. 

Wildfires raging across Hawaii have resulted in the tragic loss of 96 lives and an estimated $5.6 billion in damages, making it the most devastating natural catastrophe in the state’s history and the deadliest fire in the United States in over a hundred years.

The community is invited to the outdoor courtyard of Saluda Moon Glass Studio, located at 24 West Main St., for a musical performance and sing-along by the Hendersonville Ukulele Group. All proceeds will go to the Maui Strong Fund, a locally based group that is directly helping the residents of Maui. Maui Strong will use the money to address evolving needs in Hawaii, including food, shelter, financial assistance and mental health. 

One member of the Hendersonville Ukulele Group, Mani Arak, who lived in Maui for 43 years, is personally affected by the fires. Arak’s daughter was also born and raised in Maui, and she has raised $36,000 for the cause so far. 

“It’s beyond a tragedy and it’s beyond horrible,” said Arak. “It’s going to be many years of a relief effort. When people lose their home, they still have to pay their mortgage, they still have bills.

“The people living there need prayers to get back on their feet for their mental health. The more you create community the more we can be there for each other in good times and bad times”

Attendees are asked to bring seating, food and beverages of their own. Song booklets will also be provided for the sing-along, and t-shirts will be available for purchase. 

The Singing for Maui fundraiser will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Donations to the Maui Strong Fund can be made in the form of cash or check, but are preferred to be made through the QR code available at the event. Other donations and more information can be found at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org.