Southern NH Ukulele Group Reaches $120K Milestone for Charity

The Southern New Hampshire Ukulele Group (SNHUG) has reached its 2025 fundraising goal, surpassing the $120,000 mark in total funds raised for charity since the group was founded in 2012.

The milestone was achieved during a performance for the Eagle Rock Yacht Club in Kennebunk, Maine, on July 19. The festive event, hosted by Wally Olihovik and Janet Atkinson, brought in generous donations that pushed SNHUG over its goal. Almost all funds raised by SNHUG support the Ukulele Kids Club, a national 501(c)(3) organization that provides music therapy and instruments to hospitalized children and their families.

Once attendees learned of SNHUG’s mission, they were eager to help.  Wally Olihovik shared, “They are wonderful people. They help sick, hospitalized children.  They believe in the adage, that the quickest and best way for a child to heal is through the power of music. It’s quite a service that they give to the community.”

The Eagle Rock Yacht Club has partnered with the Kennebunk Beach Improvement Association (KBIA) for over 50 years. KBIA’s mission is to “create safe, supportive, and exciting Summers of Discovery for children and their families, through high-quality, affordable educational and enrichment programs taught by experienced and dedicated staff.”

Founded twelve years ago, SNHUG meets every other Friday in Brentwood and welcomes players of all levels for classes, workshops, jams, and open mics. The group performs at festivals and community events to give back through music.

Their Ninth Annual SNHUGFEST, a free summer celebration, will be held at the Rotary Arts Pavilion in Dover on September 20, 2025. All are welcome. For more information, contact snhug@outlook.com or visit Facebook/snhug.



Photo Caption:  The Southern NH Ukulele Group performed at an event hosted by Eagle Rock Yacht Club in Kennebunk, Maine.  Total funds raised by SNHUG for charity are over $120,000.