John Lynch started the Break Room Concerts (BRC) in the break room of his own business to raise money for the community including for his kids, who went to MHS, and their activities of soccer and lacrosse.

“I have a passion for helping the Marquette community, local nonprofits and seeing the fundraising I do prosper around me,” Lynch said.

BRC is a series that hosts concerts of developing artists to fundraise for local charities and organizations. Angels’ Arms is one organization Lynch partners with often. They help to keep siblings in foster care together instead of splitting them up. 

BRC has also raised money for MHS organizations such as choir, theater and golf.

After his cable business shut down, he moved the concerts to Forest Hills Country Club where he can seat more people and bring in more funds. 

Lynch switched the fundraising amount to split the revenue between two organizations after the relocation. This increased the amount raised for both parties. Tickets are $50 per person, so half goes to each organization.

Lynch brings in smaller artists, such as Griffin House, to artists like guitarist Sean Watkins, who has won a Grammy award.

“All artists have to start somewhere, and I provide that opportunity to these smaller artists who are just as talented as famous artists,” Lynch said.

Learning about this fundraiser is usually by word of mouth in the tight-knit community Lynch has formed. 

BRC is geared more toward adults, but that doesn’t stop some students from going. Nora Dean, junior, is a member of choir and is Lynch’s neighbor. She’s gone to three BRCs and helped set up a choir fundraiser. 

Leigh Nash, who is known for her songs “Kiss Me” and “There She Goes” as a member of the band Sixpence None the Richer, performed at the BRC to benefit the choir. 

“It’s very interactive with the singer,” Dean said, “It was a very close-knit, intimate concert, and it was a lot of fun.” 

Jason Winters, choir director, said he was happy for the opportunity to raise money to hire band members for Show Choir next year. 

“We were looking for fundraising opportunities and ways to give back to the community,” Winters said. “You feel like you are having a conversation with the artist, even though you aren’t.”

The next BRC concert will feature Griffin House on Wednesday, May 3, in support of The Forest Hills Charitable Foundation and the Marquette Messenger. Tickets must be purchased in advance through breakroomconcerts.com. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.