October 13, 2011 –
Approximately 50 people attended the quarterly Charitable Contributions award ceremony today at the Prairie Band Casino & Resort where over $88,000 was given to 27 organizations. At the microphone is a representative from Brewster Place, a continuing care retirement facility in Topeka, that received an $1,800 donation from the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.
Tribal Council Secretary Jim Potter was the emcee for the ceremony and was interviewed afterward by Courtland Davis, KSNT-27 News from Topeka. Kansans can look for coverage of the event on Kansas First News tonight at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The Royal Valley School District #337 received $10,814. At the podium is Bonnie Williams, Deputy Clerk for Royal Valley, who said that the school’s working relationship with the PBPN had been beneficial not just from a monetary standpoint but also culturally as well.
Members of the Charitable Contributions Committee look on during the ceremony. From left to right, Lavera Bell, Wanda Treinen, Mary Carr, John Tuckwin and Frank Tecumseh. Not pictured is Betty Rice who is also on the committee.
Loring Henderson, executive director of the Lawrence Community Shelter, accepted a $5,000 award that will be used to deliver services to homeless individuals in Lawrence. In the background is Jim Potter.
From left to right is Jancita Warrington, Carrie O’Toole and Karen Shanks who received a $1,500 check that will be used toward the Topeka Public Schools USD #501) Indian Education Program. Shanks is the Liaison for the Indian Education Program and Warrington and O’Toole are on the Tribal Council.