Augustana’s Phi Mu Alpha fraternity and local band Subatlantic took the stage Sunday, March 16, in the Gavle Rooms for more than just a performance. Quad Cities and Augustana community members gathered for the second annual World Relief Benefit Concert, with all proceeds from entry and food sales going directly to World Relief QC (WRQC), an organization dedicated to supporting refugees settling into the Quad Cities.
The Augustana Sociology and Anthropology (SOAN) Society started the event in collaboration with WRQC in 2025 after major government changes impacted the organization’s financial support. The event has helped create a stronger connection between Augustana and the broader Quad Cities community.
Senior Curtis Baldwin, president of the SOAN Society, said the shift inspired the group to help fundraise for the refugee organization.
“Back in 2025, with the first round of government budget cuts, [WRQC] were the first to get their budget cuts. They’ve been operating, to my knowledge, without a federal budget, pretty much since [Trump’s] inauguration, or very soon after that. So we really wanted to step up, [and] do a little more this year to continue supporting their operations,” Baldwin said.
This year, the World Relief Benefit Concert raised over $800 specifically for WRQC, while the SOAN Society has raised $4,000 across all other events and initiatives.
Adam Kaul, professor and chair of the sociology and anthropology department, said that he believes that the impact of the concert goes beyond the monetary support; it sends a message to refugees who may still be navigating life here in town.
“It sends a really good message to the Quad Cities, and especially to the refugee communities, that Augustana is supportive of their presence here,” Kaul said. “I think the money that’s raised is great, but I think even more than that [it’s] the kind of message it sends.”
Kaul is also a part of the local indie-rock band, Subatlantic, which performed at the event. He said that performing at events like these, which serve a greater purpose, gives music a whole new meaning.
Alongside Subatlantic, Phi Mu Alpha, Augustana’s music fraternity, performed some songs from their recent Vocal Valentines fundraiser, and a separate jazz combo.
Senior Michael Steinbecker, a member of the fraternity, said there is also significance behind utilizing music to connect people – especially in a unique area such as the QC.
“It’s not something you see very frequently [where] four semi-large cities across two states are as connected as the QC. And one thing you’ll always find anywhere is music, and that’s another thing about the QC: It’s a significant culture hub because a lot of different demographics have settled here [and] live in the area,” Steinbecker said. “And, regardless, music is going to connect them.”
The money raised from the music concert goes to benefit several areas, such as “gap funding,” which are any core service programs that are, or will be, depleted from the federal
government shortfalls. It is also used to help the WRQC food pantry for refugees, which began this March and operates twice a month.
George Carizey, director of engagement and outreach at WRQC, said there are various ways to support the organization, such as volunteering at places like the food pantries, in education and mentoring programs, Good Neighbor Team (GNT) programs and more.
“[WRQC] love[s] being a part of the Quad Cities community. The QC is full of ethnicity, diverse in its culture, and is my home. I always want to show everyone the beauty of this community and how our refugees are part of [it],” Carizey said.
While music creates connection and purpose, ongoing community support helps organizations like WRQC continue their work in making the Quad Cities a welcoming place for all.
