Humility Homes and Services, Inc. (HHSI) will host a benefit pipe organ concert at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14. The “Sip, Shop and Listen” event will take place at the Fresh Start Center (formerly St. Mary’s Church) at 522 Fillmore St., Davenport.
All of the proceeds from the event will support HHSI’s shelter and housing programs. There is no admission fee, but donations are welcome.
Riley Sindt, the organist, choir director and music coordinator at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dubuque, will be featuring music by Bach, Boellman, Coldplay, as well as some of his own compositions during the concert.
The former St. Mary’s church building, built in 1867, now is home to the Fresh Start Donation Center, a 6,541-square- foot building where the HHSI participants can get everything they need to start their lives over and establish their new homes at no cost. Available items include clothing, bedding and more.
The resale shop will be open for sales and concert-goers will be able to shop and enjoy refreshments while listening to music played on the oldest pipe organ west of the Mississippi.
The Moline Pipe Organ Co. built the organ in 1882. It stands 26 feet tall and has more than 975 pipes. “We are very happy to keep the organ and we want the community to be able to enjoy music from this 140-year-old organ that still has lots more to offer,” said Ashley Velez, HHSI executive director, said in a news release.
Humility Homes and Services is committed to ending homelessness by offering housing opportunities and supportive services in the Greater Quad Cities area. During fiscal 2021, HHSI served more than 1,158 people and families who have experienced homelessness.