The University of Hawai'i Centennial Campaign is on track to meet its initial goal of $250 million with some six months left in the fundraising effort, the University of Hawai'i Foundation said.

The campaign was launched to celebrate 100 years of public higher education in Hawai'i and benefits the 10 UH campuses. Its fundraising efforts have centered around four priorities: advancing academic excellence, enhancing the student experience, fulfilling the UH research mission and funding additional projects.

As of Oct. 31, community colleges have raised $26 million, with 15,000 donors giving 28,000 gifts.

At UH-West O'ahu, 741 donors made more than 1,700 gifts totaling $426,000.

The University of Hawai'i-Hilo has raised $10.8 million, with 5,800 donors contributing more than 10,000 gifts. This includes $3.15 million for the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center.

Nearly 67,000 donors have made more than 153,000 gifts to the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, totaling $184 million.

MUSIC PROGRAM NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

The Roots Rhythm Foundation has partnered with Palolo Elementary for its "Plant the Seed: Adopt A Music Program" initiative.

The nonprofit organization will start a new in-class 'ukulele program for Palolo's spring semester, starting January 2009. Each Tuesday and Friday, third- and fourth-grade teachers will get an 'ukulele lesson by Roots Rhythm Foundation volunteers.

Volunteers are still needed. Those interested may e-mail info@rootsrhythm.org.

Training for volunteers starts Monday at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa's Campus Center. No experience is needed.

HOLIDAY MUSIC FEST IS TUESDAY

Kahuku Public & School Library will host its fourth annual Holiday Music Festival at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday .

The free event will feature the Brigham Young University-Hawai'i Music Club and Orchestral Ensemble, Mrs. Macy's Children's Choir, the Kahuku High School Music Learning Center's "Vocal Motion" and the Kahuku High School Band

The library will also host "Christmas Treat," featuring Chef Hector Morales of the Turtle Bay Resort, at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16.

Chef Morales will share some of his cooking techniques, recipes and culinary samples.

HOLIDAY CRAFT CLASSES ON TAP

Evelyn Nakamura will present a series of three "green" holiday make-and-take craft classes in December at 'Aina Haina Public Library.

Registration is requested and limited to the first 20 registrants:

• "Children's Craft: Gift Tags and Cards," will be Wednesday at 3 p.m. Children 6 and older are invited to learn how to use scraps of paper, cardstock and magazine pictures to make fun, personalized note cards.

• "Teen Craft: Envelope Gift Bags," will be Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. Children 12 and older, and adults, are invited to learn how to transform their junk mail and envelopes into useful gift bags.

• "Furoshiki: Alternative Gift Wrapping," will be Dec. 13 at 10:30 a.m. Seniors and other adults are invited to learn how to wrap gifts of different sizes and shapes, using only a fabric square. By using and reusing a furoshiki, this will eliminate wrapping paper, ribbons, tape, tissue paper and cardboard boxes.

To register for these classes, call the library at 377-2456 or sign up in person.