Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 11/10/2025
(WEEHAWKEN, NJ) -- United Children's Music Project (UCMP) will host its annual fundraiser, "A Night on the Hudson", on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at The Chart House (1700 Harbor Boulevard) in Weehawken, NJ. The event runs from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
Guests will savor delicious hors d'oeuvres and drinks as they celebrate UCMP's mission to empower children through orchestral music education, while also honoring outstanding partners whose commitment to the arts continues to strengthen Hudson County's cultural landscape. At this year's fundraiser, UCMP will honor:
* Ponce Bank – Community Impact Award recipient, recognizing their continued support of UCMP and investment in community development through the Ponce de Leon Foundation.
* New Jersey Symphony and Terry D. Loftis – Partners in Harmony Award recipient, for their collaboration and dedication to inspiring UCMP's young musicians and across New Jersey.
* Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and Hudson County's Local Arts Program (LAP) – Champion of the Arts Award recipients, for their leadership in advancing arts access and education.
The glittering musical evening will feature a special appearance by U.S. Congressman Rob Menendez, and an inspiring musical performance by Brazilian violinist (and New Jersey Symphony Colton Fellow) Thierry de Lucas. UCMP's young musicians – in our Intermediate/Advanced and Chamber Orchestras and Latin Jazz Ensemble – will also showcase their talents for the audience.
UCMP expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner and the Township of Weehawken for their invaluable ongoing support, as well as to the New Jersey Office of Faith-Based Initiatives and Ponce Bank for co-sponsoring this year's event.
"'A Night on the Hudson' is more than an event—it's a celebration of how music transforms lives," said Melina Garcia, UCMP Founder and Executive Director. "We are deeply grateful to our honorees, sponsors, and community for helping us ensure that every child has access to the joy and discipline of music."
All proceeds from A Night on the Hudson support UCMP's low-cost music education initiatives, providing instruments, materials, and affordable after school instruction to Hudson County's underserved 3- to-18-year-olds lacking in-school music programs.
For tickets and more information or to support UCMP, please visit: www.ucmusicproject.org
Founded in 2012, United Children's Music Project (UCMP) provides affordable, high-quality orchestral and choral music education to children and youth throughout Hudson County. By offering free instruments, intensive low-cost instruction, and regular performance opportunities, UCMP equips local kids with the tools to succeed academically, socially, and artistically.
UCMP's accomplishments have been featured on PBS, NPR, Univision, and in Symphony Magazine, among other media; they received the Russell Berrie Foundation's 2019 "Making a Difference" Award, and were just named "2025 Nonprofit of the Year" by the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce and HOLA.
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