More than 1,300 people filled the pews and balconies of Fountain Street Church on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, for a benefit concert aimed at bringing hope and support to immigrant families in West Michigan.
Organizers said the event raised more than $45,000, with funds split evenly among three local groups: Movimento Cosecha GR, SECOM Community Resource Center and Kent County Indivisible. The groups work to support immigrant families, especially those affected by actions from United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
But organizers said the concert was about more than raising money. They said their biggest goal was to bring joy to the community during a difficult time.
“In the midst of all that’s going on in the world today, their biggest goal for this event was to bring joy to others,” organizers said.
The concert began as a simple idea just over three months ago. With the help of nearly 100 volunteers, that idea grew into a large gathering that brought together music, community and activism.
“The idea was, is there any way that we could bring the community together for a benefit concert where the whole day would be focused on music, food, joy and the common cause of helping immigrant families affected by ICE,” said John Haines of Kent County Indivisible.
Throughout the afternoon, music filled the historic church. Local musicians, including Jeff Schroeder, Friends and Cabildo and BootStrap Boys, performed for the crowd. Many audience members clapped, danced and sang along, creating a feeling of unity and celebration.
Those who attended walked through information tables set up by local organizations. Volunteers shared resources, answered questions and explained ways people could support immigrant families in West Michigan.
Organizers said they hoped people would leave not only entertained but also inspired.
The event was designed to show a different side of community action. Instead of focusing only on protest, it focused on bringing people together through music and shared experiences.
People of all ages attended, from young children to seniors. Families sat together in the pews, while others stood in the back or gathered in hallways to listen. Many said they came to show support and stand in solidarity with immigrant neighbors.
Organizers said the strong turnout showed how much the community cares.
“This was about solidarity,” one volunteer said. “People wanted to show they care and that they stand together.”
Many attendees said the concert gave them hope. They said it reminded them that even during stressful and uncertain times, people can still come together to support one another.
Organizers acknowledged that the challenges facing immigrant families will continue. They said news and social media can often feel overwhelming and discouraging.
But they hope this event left people with something positive to hold onto.
People came together in solidarity to join in a day of music, joy and protest to help families affected by immigration enforcement. Organizers said they know that when people return to their daily lives and see difficult headlines again, they will remember this day.
They hope the concert planted what one organizer called “a seed of a memory” — proof that community, compassion and joy are still possible.
Media Works of John Rothwell 