$65,000 Raised for Victims of Domestic Violence and “Stolen Sisters” Documentary
With both the sunlight and smiles shining brightly on Friday, May 31, the annual Chief Moguago Golf Against Domestic Violence event once again teed off at Binder Park Golf Course, in Battle Creek, Michigan.
For the first time, NHBP Tribal Members solely conducted the entire Opening Ceremony for this yearly event — from emceeing by Brad Simmons, with an invocation from Tribal Council Secretary Nancy Smit, to Drumming by Fire Creek Drum, Jingle Dress and Traditional Dancing by Northern Office Culture & Membership Services Supervisor Camie Castaneda and her two daughters, and McKenna Burlingham singing the National Anthem — all to begin the day in a good way.
“You are all a beacon of light,” said Chief Justice for NHBP Tribal Court Melissa L. Pope to the 216 golfers in her remarks. “That’s what you provide. Our Victim Advocacy Team at NHBP does tremendous work around supporting our survivors. Uniting Three Fires Against Violence was able to use funding from last year to attend national training and learn better how to culturally support victims from all around the state of Michigan. Your attendance here matters. What we are doing today matters.”
Not just merely attending, the golfers gave it their all, playing hard and participating in a full day of food stations and activities. The attendees poured out their generosity through several auctions and fundraising opportunities. NHBP hosted a 50-50 raffle, a silent auction and a “pick your prize” auction, with prizes of golf and NHBP swag and other household items.
Out on the green, donation opportunities included launching a ball out of a cannon stationed on hole #7 Preserve under the direction of the NHBP Tribal Police Department, and even a special appearance by LPGA Golfer Sarah White.
Originally hailing from the greater Grand Rapids area, White took a break from her current Epson Tour to be stationed at the 5th hole during the golf outing. For a small donation, White would tee off for a foursome.
“Every team who came through donated to have me hit for them,” said White, who is preparing for the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship on Friday, June 7. “I really enjoyed supporting such an important cause, and I love the great relationship with the FireKeepers Casino Hotel and the NHBP Tribe.”
Being back home has its perks on the course, too.
“Having the homecourt advantage in West Michigan is amazing,” said White. “I am really happy to be back home surrounded by my family and hometown support.”
Kche Migwéch to all the golfers, sponsors and the NHBP Community, whose hard work and generosity truly made a difference in this event. The impact was felt in the moment by the NHBP Tribal Council, who expressed their gratitude during the closing remarks.
“We raised $65,000, which is $1,000 more than last year,” said NHBP Tribal Council Vice-Chair Robyn Elkins with a quiver in her voice. “Thank you, everyone, for your continued support of this Golf Outing. Over the years, this event has raised nearly half a million dollars for education, Veterans, and now, for victims of domestic violence– thanks to you; we continue to make a profound impact for our Community.”
The funds raised from this Chief Moguago Golf outing go directly toward three crucial programs: the NHBP Emergency Needs Pantry, overseen by the NHBP Tribal Court Victims Service Program, the Michigan-based non-profit organization Uniting Three Fires Against Violence, which promotes the social change necessary to address the disproportionate rates of violence impacting our communities, and lastly, the “Stolen Sisters” documentary. This documentary highlights the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women/Persons epidemic and was filmed onsite at several locations throughout Michigan. “Stolen Sisters” is set for release in the coming months.
To view the photo galleries, including the team photos, please click here: 2024 Chief Moguago Golf Outing (passgallery.com)
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