GRHF Reflects on an Exciting 2024 and Looks Ahead to 2025

Ironwood, MI – December 16, 2024 – The Gogebic Range Health Foundation (GRHF) has had an eventful and impactful year in 2024, marked by significant growth and collaboration. Throughout the year, GRHF has worked closely with local nonprofits and community health organizations to assess community needs. This collective effort has strengthened the Foundation’s ability to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families across the Gogebic Range by setting updated funding priorities.

A key milestone in 2024 was the hiring of Kassi Huotari as the new Executive Director in July. Since her arrival, GRHF has continued to expand its partnerships and deepen its impact in the region. Notable achievements this year include:

  • Assisting Michigan’s Western Gateway Trail Authority with a successful raffle ticket fundraiser, raising $25,680 to support the maintenance and enhancements of the Iron Belle Trail.
  • Receiving a $48,700 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, which will help strengthen the Foundation’s organizational capacity to better serve the community.
  • Partnering with IncredibleBank to provide $1,000 in support to nine different food security programs in the Gogebic Range, benefiting local families in need during the holiday season.
  • Serving as a fiscal sponsor for Saint Maud’s, enabling the organization to secure $33,425 in funding from the American-Scandinavian Foundation while they were in the process of securing their nonprofit status.

Although GRHF paused its grant-making in 2024 to focus on leadership transitions, we are excited to reopen a round of grant-making in early 2025. All donations received from now until December 31st will go directly toward supporting these grants and funding the critical initiatives that help the Gogebic Range thrive.

Looking ahead to 2025, GRHF is eager to build on these successes and continue supporting the four new funding priorities:

  • Youth Engagement & Mental Health
  • Economic Empowerment
  • Community Food Systems
  • Connected Communities

Make a Difference Today
Donations can be made easily here or by mailing a check to:
Gogebic Range Health Foundation
E6112 Bluff View Rd
Ironwood, MI 49938

For those wishing to designate their donation, options are available for Community Grant Making, Youth Engagement & Mental Health, Economic Empowerment, Community Food Systems, Connected Communities, the Jonathan A. Erickson Fund, Project Connect, or a General Donation.

“Thanks to the incredible generosity and support from our community, we’ve made great strides this year,” said Kassi Huotari, Executive Director of GRHF. “We’re excited about the future and the positive impact we can create together in 2025. Your contribution—no matter the size—helps us continue our mission to build a healthier, more resilient Gogebic Range.”

For more information, please contact:
Kassi Huotari
Executive Director
Gogebic Range Health Foundation
📞 906-364-7527
✉️ kassi.huotari@gogebicrangehf.org

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