FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Central MN Shynes Benefit Concert to Support Immigrant Families in Need
Benefit concert, silent and art auctions set for March 29 at Pioneer Place on Fifth
St. Cloud, MN — Central MN Shynes, a benefit concert, silent auction and art auction
supporting the needs of immigrant families, will take place Sunday, March 29, at
Pioneer Place on Fifth in St. Cloud.
The 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. concert will be headlined by musician Michael Shynes, along with
featured performances by musician Dalmar Yare and comedian Jason Schommer.
Speakers from local nonprofit organizations Fe y Justicia and Fahan Organization will
also share stories about immigrant families experiences in the region.
Learn more at centralmnshynes.org.
“This is a night for joy, laughter, and community,” said volunteer organizer Dawn Yilek.
“We will come together to support our immigrant neighbors.”
In addition to the live performances, the event will include two fundraising auctions:
Silent Auction
The silent auction will be hosted online. Items can also be viewed in person at Pioneer
Place in St. Cloud from 3 to 9 p.m. on March 29. Local businesses and community
members have donated a range of items for bidding. Proceeds and donations will
provide essential support to families facing urgent financial challenges.
Art Auction
The art auction will feature paintings, pottery, and other works created by local artists.
Bidding will take place online. Artwork can be viewed in person at B-Side Indie Music
Cafe in downtown St. Cloud from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 29.
“We have such a vibrant local art scene of community-minded artists,” said local artist
Anne Meyer. “This is an artist-led effort to help our neighbors with the skills we have.”
Ma Elena Gutierrez, executive director of Fe y Justicia, emphasized the urgent need for
community support.
“We have families and children living in fear and community members sharing in the
trauma that has occurred,” Gutierrez said. “The pain does not disappear after a member
of your family has been displaced. I ask for investment on behalf of our community to
support mental health services and to help with rent. Thank you so much to our
community for your continued support.”
Amina Mumin, executive director of Fahan Organization, also highlighted the financial
strain many families are facing.
“Recent operations have left many families in our communities afraid to go to work,
causing sudden loss of income and making it hard to keep up with rent. In moments like
these, the kindness of a community can make all the difference. Coming together to
support rent relief helps ensure our neighbors can stay safe, stable, and housed,”
Mumin said.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Central Minnesota Community
Foundation and distributed to area nonprofits that provide direct support to immigrant
families in impacted communities. These funds will help local organizations provide
urgent assistance such as rent support, groceries and mental health services.
Madie Hynes, a volunteer organizer, explained the importance of community. “I am
passionate about this project. Through my work, I’ve had the privilege of hearing the
stories of many underprivileged and vulnerable families, and it’s been deeply moving to
see how many people struggle with so little access to support. It’s a reminder that this
work truly takes a community, and that when we come together with compassion and
care for one another, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our
neighbors.”
Organizers say the event is about more than fundraising—it is about community. Central
MN Shynes invites residents from across the region to come together for an evening of
music, comedy, and art while supporting neighbors who need it most.
Visit centralmnshynes.org for concert and auction details.
Media Contact:
Name: Madie Hynes
Email: madie@thmusicgroup.com
Phone: 320-493-2212
Name: Dawn Yilek
Email: dawnmy@icloud.com
Phone: 320-260-2693
