DOWAGIAC, MI – The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians has donated $36,351.50 to the Pokagon Potawatomi Veterans Society Military Emergency Relief Fund using proceeds from its 15th Annual Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament held at the Hampshire Country Club in Dowagiac. The Pokagon Potawatomi Veterans Society Military Emergency Relief Fund supports Pokagon Citizen Veterans, also referred to as “Pokagon Bode´wadmik Ogitchedaw,” who are both active duty and retired military. The tournament featured a four-person scramble format along with food, drinks and prizes that were awarded in several categories.
“We are very pleased to have completed another successful Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament to help support our Pokagon Bode´wadmik Ogitchedaw,” said Tyler Dodson, Chairman of the Pokagon Bode´wadmik Ogitchedaw Board. “In total we had 63 sponsors for the pre-tournament dinner and golf tournament. Through their generous support, we are proud to donate $36,351.50 to the Pokagon Potawatomi Veterans Society Military Emergency Relief Fund. Currently the Pokagon Band has 55 Ogitchedaw and their needs can range from temporary financial assistance for things like healthcare and medical bills to utility bills, and vehicle and home repairs.”
Funds raised for the Pokagon Potawatomi Veterans Society Military Emergency Relief Fund are distributed by the Pokagon Bode´wadmik Ogitchedaw Board.
“We are very grateful for all the donors, sponsors, participants as well as our hard-working team members who came together to support our Pokagon Bode´wadmik Ogitchedaw and the 15th edition of our Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament,” said Matthew Wesaw, Tribal Council Chairman for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. “If it wasn’t for the valiant efforts of these veteran heroes, the world would be a much different place today and I am very grateful for their sacrifices. The funds raised from this year’s tournament will not only serve to demonstrate our appreciation for the sacrifices our veterans have made, but also provide much needed support to our veterans that need assistance.”
Copper Sponsors for the tournament included: AGS; Blueberi; Bodwé Professional Services Group/Seven Generations; Chi Ishobak, Inc.; Coca-Cola; Dallmeier Electronic USA; Ecolab; Fifth Third Bank; Four Winds Casinos; IGT; KeyBank; Koontz-Wagner; Kuert Concrete LLC; LiUNA Local 355; Market Street Group; Mno-Bmadsen; RSM; Ryan Fire Protection, Inc.; Sysco; Wightman Associates; and Wildman Uniform.
