The Lakelanders Men’s Chorus once again showed their love and support for women and children in our community by holding their annual Hope and Harmony concert on September 21st to benefit Ruth’s House of Hope, The HOPE center, and Whispers of Hope.  The concert was held at the River Valley Church in Faribault and, like previous concerts, this one featured rich harmonies and beautifully blended vocals.

This was the third time I have heard the Lakelanders perform, and every time I hear them, I marvel at their precise pitch, beautiful ringing chords, and the joy they exude as they sing.  But it is their love for their community, and the fact that they wanted to sing to support those who are in crisis, that I am particularly thankful for.   I do not know the personal stories of the men in the chorus and what motivates them to support those in crisis in our community, but I do know that they continue to show up year after year to do what they can to help.  This is what makes our community a wonderful place to live, it is not that there is never trauma or heartbreak, it is that those around us do what they can to help.

Lately, it seems easy to focus attention on what divides us from others, but it is vitally important to notice what brings us together to support one another.  The Lakelanders Men’s Chorus did a beautiful job of bringing us together as we listened to music from a simpler time and laughed at the humorous banter between songs.  It wasn’t just a concert — it felt like a conversation with old friends.

On behalf of Ruth’s House of Hope, The HOPE Center and Whispers of Hope, we thank the Lakelanders for a wonderful afternoon and their love and support for women and children in crisis.

Susan Stout

Ruth’s House Outreach Coordinator