DOWAGIAC, Mich. -- The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians announced it has donated $48,444.26 to the Pokagon Potawatomi Veterans Society Military Emergency Relief Fund with proceeds from its 14th Annual Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament held on Friday, May 25.

The 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 with food, drinks, and prizes awarded in several categories.

Chairman of the Pokagon Bode´wadmik Ogitchedaw Board Matthew Swisher said, “We are very pleased to have completed another successful Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament to help support our Pokagon Bode´wadmik Ogitchedaw.  In total we had 240 participants as well as 60 sponsors for the pre-tournament dinner and golf tournament.  Through their generous support, we are proud to make a donation of $48,444.26 to the Pokagon Potawatomi Veterans Society Military Emergency Relief Fund.  Currently the Pokagon Band has 83 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 Relief Fund are distributed by the Pokagon Bode´wadmik Ogitchedaw Board.

Tribal Council Chairman for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Matthew Wesaw stated, “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 make the 14th edition of our Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament our most successful event to date.  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.”