Why We Give: Hopkins Youth Hockey Bantam A Team

For four years, the Hopkins Youth Hockey Bantam A team has shown incredible generosity to Sojourner, supporting our work through both financial contributions and in-kind donations. Many families on the team were first connected to Sojourner through the late Shelley Weier. Shelley, a devoted Hopkins hockey mom and former board chair at Sojourner, was a passionate advocate for our mission. Her dedication continues to inspire the community today.

In December of 2025, the team hosted its second Bingo Night at Boom Island Brewing, with all proceeds benefiting Sojourner. Thanks to the team’s efforts and local businesses’ generosity, the event featured fantastic prizes, gift cards, and enthusiastic community participation. They even reached out to local car dealerships to sponsor the event!

Together, these efforts raised more than $15,000, an extraordinary impact from a group of young athletes, their families, and community supporters. Special thanks to Jessica Shortall, whose organizing efforts and intentionality made this result possible.

Bingo Night

Youth participants shared:

“While being a part of the fundraiser for Sojourner, I have learned that the little things that you do actually come a long way. What I mean by that is, we started off years ago by making baskets with blankets, toothbrushes, paper towels, and soaps. And now, we are raising thousands of dollars. What a big impact this will have on the moms and the families that are part of the Sojourner community.”

"It has been a great experience because it feels really nice to raise money for a very good cause. It’s amazing how much a team can pull together to really make an impact on so many people’s lives. Sojourner has also opened my eyes to people facing hard times and being able to help them in different ways."

Asking Corporate Sponsors

We are deeply grateful to the team, their families, and the following corporate sponsors who contributed:

• Luther Hopkins Honda

• Luther Automotive Group

• Rudy Luther Toyota

• Genesis of Minneapolis

• Jaguar Land Rover Minneapolis

• Luther Westside Volkswagen

  
  

The Team!

Through dedication, teamwork, and community spirit, the Hopkins Youth Hockey Bantam A team demonstrates the power of giving and how one group’s commitment can touch the lives of many.

Interested in learning more about fundraising for Sojourner? Email development@sojournerproject.org or call 952-351-4067.