Potawatomi Hotel & Casino Names Sojourner Family Peace Center as 2019 Heart of Canal Street Charity of Choice Partner

MILWAUKEE (July 29, 2019) – Potawatomi Hotel & Casino is proud to announce a partnership with Sojourner Family Peace Center for the 2019 Heart of Canal Street campaign. Now in its 26^th year, Potawatomi’s signature community program has raised more than $19 Million for children’s charities throughout southeast Wisconsin.

As this year’s Charity of Choice, Sojourner will receive the first $100,000 in funds raised during the campaign, which kicks off August 8. Sojourner is one of the largest family justice centers in the world and has the most comprehensive array of domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault services under one roof.

Sojourner will use money raised this year to benefit their Camp HOPE program, a week-long summer camp for kids impacted by domestic violence. Campers experience meaningful activities and encouragement that help them feel safe, seen, supported and loved. The Camp HOPE experience helps break the generational cycle of family violence with the goal of giving children their childhood back.

“We share Potawatomi Hotel & Casino’s commitment to serving the young people of our community and are grateful to be named their Charity of Choice,” said Carmen Pitre, Sojourner President and CEO. “Kids impacted by domestic violence need to know the violence is never their fault. Safety planning and talking about their experience is central to healing. But data also shows conquering healthy challenges, like those at Camp HOPE, help build resilience and hope.”

“Sojourner Family Peace Center does such an outstanding job in our community helping victims of domestic violence and, sadly, too often that includes children,” said Potawatomi Hotel & Casino CEO and General Manager Rodney Ferguson. “We hope this partnership will allow Sojourner to continue the inspiring work they do for families and give children the exposure to all of the opportunities Camp HOPE provides.”

Heart of Canal Street funds are raised primarily through the Canal Street bingo game, which guests can play this year from August 8 through December 12. A total of 31 children’s charities will benefit from this year’s fundraising total, which will be announced December 16.

MORE ABOUT HEART OF CANAL STREET

Heart of Canal Street is Potawatomi Hotel & Casino’s signature community program that raises funds for children’s charities in southeast Wisconsin. The program has raised more than $19 million for hundreds of area organizations since 1994. It began as a way to carry on the Potawatomi tradition of nurturing younger generations so they grow to lead healthy, productive lives. The majority of funds are raised through our bingo department. During each bingo session between August and December, players can choose to participate in the Canal Street Bingo game. Half of each $3 and &7 game purchased goes to the Heart of Canal Street fund, which totaled more than $1 million last year. Money is also raised through beverage specials, a special poker tournament and more.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.