Potawatomi Hotel & Casino announced a partnership with Sojourner Family Peace Center for the 2019 Heart of Canal Street campaign. Now in its 26th 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 Dec. 16.
