Community Center Event Will Benefit Sikh Temple, Lt. Murphy

After the shocking Aug. 5 shootings at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, many business leaders called the Oak Creek Community Center wondering what they could do to help.

The facility, after all, has long been known for its ability to coordinate large fundraisers, and "strengthening community" is directly in its mission statement.

So after a few weeks passed and things started to settle, Community Center Director Rich Duchniak started contacting those businesses and organizations that reached out to him the week of the shootings.

After numerous conversations, the idea of a community fundraiser was hatched.

"A Community United," a benefit to support the and injured police officer Brian Murphy, will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 29 at the , 8580 S. Howell Ave.

The event will feature a chicken dinner, entertainment and raffles. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door, with kids 10 and under $5.

The event came together thanks to the generous donations from many local businesses, Duchniak said.

Businesses such as Rich's House of Cakes, Papa Luigi's, Black Bear and Culver's donated food and drink for the event, while other businesses lent whatever services it could.

"The support has been incredible," Duchniak said.

Organizers are still in need of raffle items. Otherwise, anyone wondering how they can help should buy a ticket, Duchniak said. 

Thickets can be purchased at , 8701 S. Howell Ave.; Rich's House of Cakes, 4353 S. 27th St.; or the community center.

Only 500 tickets will be sold, so it would be wise to buy in advance.

The community center is working closely with the and the Sikh temple on the fundraiser. Both groups are providing volunteers to help staff the event, Duchniak said.

Profits will be split between funds benefiting the Sikh temple and the family of Lt. Murphy. Murphy was .

For more information, call the community center at (414) 768-5840 or e-mail rich@occenter.com.