Polka, Hymns, and a Helping Hand
Each winter, as temperatures drop across Northeast Ohio, a unique partnership comes together to bring warmth, music, and hope to those in need. For the past five years, the Chardon Polka Band, Celebration Lutheran Church, and Sub Zero Mission have joined forces to present Beer & Hymns, a free community concert that raises funds and collects vital winter supplies for people experiencing homelessness.
What began as a simple idea has grown into an annual tradition that many families now look forward to each year.
A friendship that sparked a movement
For band leader Jake, the connection began through an unexpected friendship.
“I met a great guy named Dave Bethel while working at an automotive restoration shop,” Jake said. “He was involved with Sub Zero Mission and talked about it with such enthusiasm that we decided to check it out for ourselves. From there, we built an event around it with Celebration Lutheran Church.”
That early connection laid the foundation for what would become a lasting community effort.
Music with a purpose
The Chardon Polka Band brings more than just lively tunes to the afternoon. Their performance blends traditional polka energy with meaningful worship.
“We do hymns in our polka style in the church’s sanctuary,” Jake explained. “We’re playing them in a way folks might not have experienced before.”
“It’s often said that polka music is happy music,” he added. “What could make you happier than helping with a great cause?”
Only a few times each year does the band focus on hymn-based performances, making this event especially meaningful for both musicians and attendees.
Making a real impact
For Sub Zero Mission, the annual concert marks an important milestone in their outreach season.
“This is an event we all look forward to,” said Nick Adjinovich of Sub Zero Mission. “It closes our fundraising season. Our volunteers love working it, and it’s a tradition for us.”
Over five years, the partnership has generated remarkable results. Adjinovich estimates the event has collected more than 2,000 warming items and $15,000 in donations.
“These items go directly to the homeless population we serve,” he said. “They help fuel our missions.”
Each winter, Sub Zero Mission distributes approximately 30,000 warming items to more than 1,400 people, requiring about $135,000 annually to sustain operations.
From donation to distribution
Every coat, hat, glove, and sleeping bag donated at the event is carefully handled.
“Each item is inspected and cleaned if necessary,” Adjinovich explained. “We inventory everything and prepare it for distribution before it goes out on a mission.”
Those missions are carried out by dedicated volunteer teams known as the Blue Coat Missionaries.
“They know these items may be the difference between someone surviving a winter night or not,” he said. “That knowledge fuels what we call ‘Blue Fire.’”
In addition, Sub Zero’s fundraising volunteers—known as “The Bears”—ensure events like this one run smoothly. Together, the organization relies on more than 120 volunteers.
Strength through partnership
Both Jake and Adjinovich emphasize that the success of the event depends on strong collaboration.
“Celebration works with us a couple times a year, and we love them,” Jake said. “They help make these polka-rific happenings possible.”
Adjinovich agrees. “Local groups and churches form the backbone of our collections,” he said. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to complete our winter missions.”
Changing perspectives
Beyond supplies and funding, the event helps build understanding and compassion.
“The homeless population is very diverse,” Adjinovich said. “Some have struggled with addiction. Some have fallen on hard times. Some lack family support. But they all deserve help—and they are always grateful.”
For Jake, that message is central. “I hope events like this remind us that not everyone is as fortunate as we might be,” he said. “It’s our duty as neighbors and fellow humans to take care of each other.”
An invitation to the community
For first-time attendees, both organizations extend a warm welcome.
“Come out and have some food, drink, and fun,” Jake said. “You don’t have to sing hymns or drink beer to enjoy it.”
Adjinovich echoed that invitation. “More importantly come for some great food, enjoy a great band, have a fun afternoon and BYOB.”
Together, the Chardon Polka Band, Celebration Lutheran Church, and Sub Zero Mission have created something special—an event where music, generosity, and compassion come together to make winter a little warmer for everyone.
Beers & Hymns takes place on Sunday, March 15, 2026 from 3–5:30 p.m. at Celebration Lutheran Church, 10621 Auburn Road in Chardon.
What began as a simple idea has grown into an annual tradition that many families now look forward to each year.
A friendship that sparked a movement
For band leader Jake, the connection began through an unexpected friendship.
“I met a great guy named Dave Bethel while working at an automotive restoration shop,” Jake said. “He was involved with Sub Zero Mission and talked about it with such enthusiasm that we decided to check it out for ourselves. From there, we built an event around it with Celebration Lutheran Church.”
That early connection laid the foundation for what would become a lasting community effort.
Music with a purpose
The Chardon Polka Band brings more than just lively tunes to the afternoon. Their performance blends traditional polka energy with meaningful worship.
“We do hymns in our polka style in the church’s sanctuary,” Jake explained. “We’re playing them in a way folks might not have experienced before.”
“It’s often said that polka music is happy music,” he added. “What could make you happier than helping with a great cause?”
Only a few times each year does the band focus on hymn-based performances, making this event especially meaningful for both musicians and attendees.
Making a real impact
For Sub Zero Mission, the annual concert marks an important milestone in their outreach season.
“This is an event we all look forward to,” said Nick Adjinovich of Sub Zero Mission. “It closes our fundraising season. Our volunteers love working it, and it’s a tradition for us.”
Over five years, the partnership has generated remarkable results. Adjinovich estimates the event has collected more than 2,000 warming items and $15,000 in donations.
“These items go directly to the homeless population we serve,” he said. “They help fuel our missions.”
Each winter, Sub Zero Mission distributes approximately 30,000 warming items to more than 1,400 people, requiring about $135,000 annually to sustain operations.
From donation to distribution
Every coat, hat, glove, and sleeping bag donated at the event is carefully handled.
“Each item is inspected and cleaned if necessary,” Adjinovich explained. “We inventory everything and prepare it for distribution before it goes out on a mission.”
Those missions are carried out by dedicated volunteer teams known as the Blue Coat Missionaries.
“They know these items may be the difference between someone surviving a winter night or not,” he said. “That knowledge fuels what we call ‘Blue Fire.’”
In addition, Sub Zero’s fundraising volunteers—known as “The Bears”—ensure events like this one run smoothly. Together, the organization relies on more than 120 volunteers.
Strength through partnership
Both Jake and Adjinovich emphasize that the success of the event depends on strong collaboration.
“Celebration works with us a couple times a year, and we love them,” Jake said. “They help make these polka-rific happenings possible.”
Adjinovich agrees. “Local groups and churches form the backbone of our collections,” he said. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to complete our winter missions.”
Changing perspectives
Beyond supplies and funding, the event helps build understanding and compassion.
“The homeless population is very diverse,” Adjinovich said. “Some have struggled with addiction. Some have fallen on hard times. Some lack family support. But they all deserve help—and they are always grateful.”
For Jake, that message is central. “I hope events like this remind us that not everyone is as fortunate as we might be,” he said. “It’s our duty as neighbors and fellow humans to take care of each other.”
An invitation to the community
For first-time attendees, both organizations extend a warm welcome.
“Come out and have some food, drink, and fun,” Jake said. “You don’t have to sing hymns or drink beer to enjoy it.”
Adjinovich echoed that invitation. “More importantly come for some great food, enjoy a great band, have a fun afternoon and BYOB.”
Together, the Chardon Polka Band, Celebration Lutheran Church, and Sub Zero Mission have created something special—an event where music, generosity, and compassion come together to make winter a little warmer for everyone.
Beers & Hymns takes place on Sunday, March 15, 2026 from 3–5:30 p.m. at Celebration Lutheran Church, 10621 Auburn Road in Chardon.