Ukulele Club: Music for a cause
By Elly Yang
The Marshall Middle School Ukulele Club recently brought music and smiles to two local farmer’s markets – all to support animals in need.
The club hosted one live fundraising performance at the Poway Farmer’s Market on May 24 and another one at the Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market on May 29. Their goal was to raise money for the Helen Woodward Animal Center, an organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals. Along with their online GoFundMe.com page, they raised $395 in total.
“This time we played a mix of timeless classics and pop hits,” said Jacob Zhu, the leader of the club. “It was wonderful to see people of all ages pass by our stand with a smile.”
The other club members who joined the performance were Tyson Ahn, Nico Bernardo, Kevin Deng, Reyansh Desai, Sarang Kim, Jason Kong and Olivia Lee.
At the Poway performance, the club also invited a group of fourth graders from Mrs. Asdal’s class from Dingeman Elementary School to join in.
“Most of our club members are Dingeman alumni, so performing with students from our old school brought back a lot of memories,” Zhu said. “This is what the club is all about: bringing people together with music and kindness.”
“I am proud of the kids, appreciative of the parent support and happy they were able to take part in this unique opportunity,” Asdal said.
“The kids gained valuable experience, confidence and a sense of responsibility,” a Dingeman Elementary parent added.
“We are pet lovers and think this is a great cause,” another parent said.
The club is especially grateful to Beverly Cassity, the warm and welcoming manager of the Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market. She immediately embraced the idea and didn’t hesitate to offer her help when she learned what the students were doing.
Families stopped to listen, donate and cheer the students on.
“It was not easy for middle schoolers to organize something like this,” Zhu said. “But with the support of the community, it became possible.”
He hopes to plan another event like this next year, and is excited to see even more club members and students join in to spread music and kindness together.