Heart of Canal Street campaign raises nearly $1.2 million for children's charities

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Monday brought an exciting big reveal for a fundraiser that benefits dozens of children's charities in southeastern Wisconsin.

The Potawatomi Hotel and Casino's 26th annual Heart of Canal Street campaign raised nearly $1.2 million. The money will go to 31 programs carrying on the Potawatomi tradition of nurturing younger generations so they can grow to lead healthy, productive lives.

Most of the money was raised during bingo sessions. 

"We are helping a number of organizations who provide direct service across the spectrum," said Ryan Amundson, public relations manager at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. "Put books in children's hands, put food on their plate, roofs over their heads, they help supplement educational opportunities, just across the spectrum providing great direct service to kids in our community."

The Heart of Canal Street program has raised more than $19 million for hundreds of area organizations since 1994.