About 50 people attended a fundraising concert Saturday evening at the Havenhaus in downtown Memphis in support of veterans and vulnerable families.
The concert featured multiple local acts, including the University of Memphis student band Degenerate Breakfast, giving artists an opportunity to perform while contributing to the cause.
The event, called Fundraiser Against The Occupation, was organized by Havenhaus volunteers in partnership with Remember Your Oath, a veterans organization that provides support to families affected by ICE detentions and recent government shutdowns. Proceeds also supported the Free the 901 Bail Fund, which helps Memphis residents who cannot afford bail.
Several students from the University of Memphis showed up in support of Degenerative Breakfast and their cause. One of them was Mackenzie Parker.
“My grandfather served during the Korean War and has played a huge role in raising me,” said Parker.
Parker, a biology major at the University of Memphis, said she believes many veterans are overlooked.
“I think a lot of veterans don’t get their just due,” she said. “They don’t get the recognition they deserve for putting their lives on the line, and I don’t think they get compensated as they should either, so I made it a priority today to come and show support.”
While some attendees were motivated by the cause, others came for the music and atmosphere. Danny Foster said he stopped by after hearing live music while walking downtown with friends.
“I heard some interesting sounds and decided to check it out,” Foster said.
He didn’t initially know the concert was a fundraiser, but once he learned its purpose, he chose to donate beyond the admission price.
“After I realized this was in support of veterans, I felt like it was only right to donate even more,” he said. “I support veterans and what they do to help this country. I feel like us as regular citizens should do all we can to help, and this concert is a step in the right direction.”
Although the music may have been the initial draw, attendees found themselves with an opportunity to support veterans, affected families and community aid efforts across Memphis.
Carter Burton can be contacted at cmbrton4@memphis.edu.
