By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Dec 27, 2011 at 12:34 PM

Milwaukee-are native and "American Idol" season eight finalist Danny Gokey, 31, and his girlfriend Leyicet Peralta announced their engagement on Christmas on Gokey's foundation Web site sophiasheart.org. The foundation honors the memory of his late wife, Sophia. 

The couple is targeting the end of January 2012 for a ceremony and issued this statement, "We are thankful for so many of the blessings God has given us.  It is our desire to see homeless children and families be kept together and lifted back on their feet through the help of Sophia’s Heart. We love and appreciate you all."

Gokey's latest single is "Second Hand Heart."