Annual Community Health Celebration and Fundraiser
Gogebic Range Health Foundation hosts its Annual Celebration
GRHF is celebrating its fifth year as a public charity foundation by holding a virtual celebration, during the month of June. “After a difficult year for everyone we wanted to bring light to and celebrate the programs, projects, organizations, businesses and people that created spaces for people to engage in health” Andrea Newby, Executive Director explains. “It was difficult because the pandemic caused our lives to be disrupted and many suffered great losses. But the community persevered and pulled together, so we are focused on highlighting the organizations and people that helped create healthy spaces for residents and visitors”.
Annual Community Health Celebration Events
Community Health Organization Mini Video Series
The GRHF will highlight groups that make Gogebic County MI and Iron County WI a healthy and fun place to live….Penokee Rangers, Friends of the Iron Belle Trail, MECCA Trails, Gogebic Community College, ICORE, SISU Dirt Crew are among the groups that will be featured.
Community Health Champion Awards
We will also be announcing our new Community Health Champion awards. A Community Health award will be presented to a business, an organization and an individual that has made an impact on community health in the last year.
Silent Auction – June 24 – 26 at Cold Iron Brewery
We will be holding a live silent auction at Cold Iron Brewery in Downtown Ironwood on June 24, 25, and 26th during brewery hours.
Make a Donation
You can help us continue to fund great community health projects by making a donation. Make a donation to help us meet our challenge of 30 $100 donations in 30 days.
The Gogebic Range Health Foundation is excited to continue working with MECCA trails on their annual winter fundraiser event. This year the event has been renamed the Mecca Winterfest. The event will consist of four events; The traditional Turtle River Pursuit, 5K Claire d’Loon Classic Fun Race, the new Flowage 15K Freestyle and the new Mercer Springs Snowshoe Tour.
The Winterfest is virtual this year in order to host a safe event for participants and volunteers. Participants can register now and decide when and how many times they ski and snowshoe, as long as it’s between Friday, December 18, 2020 and Sunday, March 28, 2021. Participants may choose to race or tour alone or with a group of their family or friends. Racers will keep their own time and upload their best result. Awards will be given to overall winners and all participants will receive Winterfest swag.
The fee for the Turtle River Pursuit and for the Flowage 15K Freestyle is $25. The cost to participate in the Claire d’Loon Classic or the Mercer Springs Snowshoe Tour is $10. Online registration and downloadable forms are available at meccatrails.com.
The MECCA Winterfest is an annual fundraiser for MECCA Trails in Mercer, WI and will help fund trail improvements and expansion as well as community outreach programs.
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
The Gogebic Range Health Foundation (GRHF) and IncredibleBank have partnered to bolster food security initiatives in Gogebic and Iron Counties, ensuring families have access to nutritious meals during the holiday season. Each organization contributed $500 to nine local food programs, resulting in $1,000 donations to each organization and maximizing the impact of this collaborative effort.
The organizations receiving support include:
Mercer Area Food Pantry
Iron County Food Pantry
St. Vincent DePaul locations in Ironwood, Bessemer, and Watersmeet
Total Faith Ministries (Union Station)
Northwind Naturals Food Co-op (Kids Account)
Gogebic County 4-H Knapsack Program
Lac Vieux Desert Food Pantry
“This partnership with IncredibleBank demonstrates the power of collaboration,” said Kassi Huotari, Executive Director of GRHF. “Together, we can make a more significant impact, providing vital resources to organizations that support food security in our community, especially during this time of heightened need.”
Kevin Nyquist, Market Manager at IncredibleBank, added, “At IncredibleBank, we are deeply committed to giving back to the communities we serve. Partnering with GRHF to address food security ensures that local families can enjoy a healthier, more secure holiday season. This collaboration highlights the strength of our community when we come together to support one another.”
This initiative reflects GRHF’s broader mission to enhance community well-being through its four funding priorities: Youth Engagement & Mental Health, Economic Empowerment, Community Food Systems, and Connected Communities.
While GRHF paused its grant-making in 2024 to focus on leadership transitions, this initiative demonstrates its continued commitment to addressing critical community needs. As the Foundation prepares to resume grant-making in early 2025, supporters are encouraged to contribute to its mission.
Donations can be made here or by mailing a check to: Gogebic Range Health Foundation E6112 Bluff View Rd, Ironwood, MI 49938
For more information, please contact: Kassi Huotari Executive Director | Gogebic Range Health Foundation Phone: 906-364-7527 Email: kassi.huotari@gogebicrangehf.org
Ironwood, MI — November 8, 2024 — The Gogebic Range Health Foundation proudly announces it has been awarded a $48,700 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund (Health Fund) to bolster its organizational capacity. This grant, part of the Health Fund’s Community Health & Capacity Building Initiative, will support critical professional development efforts, conference participation, educational programs, and financial management resources over a two-year period.
“We’re grateful for this funding, which enables us to strengthen our internal operations and build a more resilient organization,” said Kassi Huotari, Executive Director of Gogebic Range Health Foundation. “With enhanced capacity, we can continue improving health and well-being in the Gogebic Range.”
About Michigan Health Endowment Fund The Michigan Health Endowment Fund works to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents and reduce the cost of healthcare, with a special focus on children and seniors. You can find more information about the Health Fund at mihealthfund.org.
About Gogebic Range Health Foundation The Gogebic Range Health Foundation supports initiatives promoting health and resilience across Gogebic County, MI, and Iron County, WI. Its core priorities include youth engagement, economic empowerment, community food systems, and fostering connected communities.
Contact: Kassi Huotari, Executive Director Gogebic Range Health Foundation 906-364-7527 kassi.huotari@gogebicrangehf.org
Pictured (from L to R): Mandy Lake, City of Bessemer Clerk, Treasurer, and Interim City Manager, Mark Movrich, City of Bessemer Council Member and MWGTA Member, Paul Anderson MWGTA Board Chair, and Kassi Huotari, Executive Director of the Gogebic Range Health Foundation in front of the new Iron Belle Trail shed.
Ironwood, Michigan – September 30, 2024 – The Gogebic Range Health Foundation (GRHF) over the last few months served as fiscal sponsor for Michigan’s Western Gateway Trail Authority (MWGTA) for the Iron Belle Trail maintenance fundraiser. Their latest collaborative fundraiser was a tremendous success, raising an impressive $25,680! This achievement has also brought GRHF to a remarkable point—just $4,480 shy of reaching $1 million in community giving since its founding in 2015.
The community’s support was on full display as all 300 raffle tickets, priced at $100 each, sold out, generating $30,000. After awarding 8 cash prizes totaling $10,000 and covering raffle expenses, $20,680 was raised. Thanks to GRHF’s generous $5,000 match, the total reached $25,680. These proceeds will directly fund crucial maintenance and improvements on the much-loved Iron Belle Trail.
“We couldn’t be more excited to assist the MWGTA crew to hit their fundraising goal,” said Kassi Huotari, GRHF Executive Director. “Not only were we able to raise significant funds for trail maintenance, but this achievement also puts GRHF on the verge of reaching $1 million in giving. Selling all 300 tickets speaks volumes about the trail’s importance to our region.”
Proceeds from the raffle will be used to ensure the trail continues to thrive and serve the community for years to come. Planned projects include:
Purchasing a storage shed for maintenance equipment (pictured above at the Iron Belle Bessemer Trailhead)
Surfacing improvements and repairs, such as fixing tree root cracks
Regular mowing, brushing, and grooming of the trail
Supporting long-term maintenance efforts
The Iron Belle Trail is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, residents, and visitors alike, providing a safe and scenic space for recreation, exercise, and relaxation.
“We are incredibly proud of this partnership and the community’s generosity,” added Paul Anderson, MWGTA Board Chair. “This success not only benefits the trail today but ensures its longevity for future generations.”
With GRHF on the brink of its $1 million giving milestone, the organization looks forward to continuing its mission of enhancing the health and wellness of the Gogebic Range community through impactful partnerships and initiatives.
About Gogebic Range Health Foundation: The Gogebic Range Health Foundation is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of the community by supporting various initiatives and projects that encourage active living. Since 2015, GRHF has provided nearly $1 million in funding to support programs and partnerships that enhance quality of life across the Gogebic Range. In the midst of transitioning its mission to meet the community’s needs, GRHF is excitedly positioned to make a big impact.
About Michigan’s Western Gateway Trail Authority: The MWGTA oversees the maintenance and development of the non-motorized trail system in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, ensuring its continued use and enjoyment by the public. MWGTA is focused on providing a safe, accessible, and sustainable trail system that encourages outdoor recreation and promotes community wellness.
Media Contact:
Kassi Huotari Executive Director, Gogebic Range Health Foundation 906-364-7527 kassi.huotari@gogebicrangehf.org
Ironwood, Michigan – October 1, 2024 – The first Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit was held on September 26 and 27, 2024 at the Michigan Technological University in Houghton. Kassi Huotari, Executive Director of the Gogebic Range Health Foundation and Amy Nosal, a Community Health Worker with the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department, participated in the event uniquely centered around the needs and benefits of increasing accessibility.
Increasing accessibility means creating spaces and attitudes that uplift an understanding of why and how to invite the largest variety of people possible. Whether it’s infrastructure design or people-first language, steps taken to improve accessibility expand the number of individuals who are engaging in a positive experience with a service provider, be it a government agency or business.
Summit attendees heard from local and national speakers about the latest data and resources to further accessibility efforts in the Upper Peninsula. More than 1 in 4 Americans have a disability, that’s about 1 in 3 families, and many are invisible conditions. Partnerships like those between Superior Alliance for Independent Living (UP SAIL) and communities in the Marquette and the Keweenaw regions have provided site accessibility assessments which then are used to strategically plan new developments and promotional materials. Featuring accessibility benefits residents and tourists alike by creating more social interactions and financial transactions. The summit concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing community partners who have created significant impacts in improve accessibility across the Upper Peninsula.
“Attending the first Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit was an important opportunity for us to explore how we can enhance inclusivity throughout the Gogebic Range,” reflected Huotari. “The Iron Belle Trail is a remarkable example of how accessibility can be seamlessly integrated into recreational spaces, and we aim to carry that vision into future projects in our community. By keeping accessibility at the forefront of future projects, we hope to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has access to the resources and opportunities they deserve. This summit is an important step in assessing how we can continue making Iron and Gogebic Counties more inclusive and accessible for all.” For more information about the Gogebic Range Health Foundation, visit https://gogebicrangehf.org/.
Nosal spent this summer working with partners including Extension Iron County 4-H, Friends of the Iron Belle Trail, and the City of Bessemer to reintroduce the duet wheelchair bike, an electric pedal-assist tandem bike, for public use after the COVID pandemic. Nosal explains “It’s an opportunity for us to talk about our programs like Children’s Special Health Care Services, and it’s a service municipalities and businesses can promote to residents and visitors. Being a part of the summit expanded how to think about making places great for every body. It demonstrated the value of understanding others’ perspectives and how our different networks can align to create more resources and local income.” For more information about adaptable equipment in the Gogebic Range, visit https://iron.extension.wisc.edu/outdoor-adaptive-equipment/.
The Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit was created by members of the Accessible Keweenaw Initiative, including Visit Keweenaw, Keweenaw Community Foundation, Superior Alliance for Independent Living, and Western U.P. Planning and Development Region. For more information, visit https://www.visitkeweenaw.com/accessible-keweenaw-initiative/.
IRONWOOD, MI – Gogebic Range Health Foundation, a nonprofit community-based organization dedicated to advancing health outcomes across the Gogebic Range, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kassi Huotari as its new Executive Director, effective immediately.
An area native, Kassi brings seven years of nonprofit and institutional management experience, with a proven track record of driving organizational growth, fostering collaboration, and implementing strategic and financial initiatives. Most recently, she served as Business Manager at the Bessemer Area School District, where she oversaw operations, transportation, and human resources functions, and was actively involved in fiscal and strategic planning.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kassi to our team,” said John Garske, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Her passion for our mission, combined with her expertise in nonprofit management, makes Kassi the ideal person to lead our organization into its next chapter.”
As Executive Director, Kassi will be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the organization, managing day-to-day operations, and building relationships with stakeholders and the community. She will be onboarding over the next several weeks and will assume the role full-time starting July 1.
“I am honored to join Gogebic Range Health Foundation and work alongside such a dedicated team,” said Kassi. “I look forward to building on the organization’s successes and advancing its mission to improve health outcomes throughout the community.”
About Gogebic Range Health Foundation: Based in Ironwood, in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula, the Gogebic Range Health Foundation now serves to advance community health throughout the Gogebic Range, which includes Gogebic County, Michigan, as well as Iron County, Wisconsin, and to establish the Gogebic Range as a fun and healthy place to live. See more about current efforts at http://www.gogebicrangehf.org.
The Anderson Bluffs and River Trails Foundation and the Gogebic Range Health Foundation, nonprofit organizations, are proud to announce Project Connect, a collaborative effort to build, maintain and enhance walking, biking and cross-country skiing trails throughout the Gogebic Range.
Project Connect is a visionary plan that lays out the progress made on the trail systems and the extensions that are currently being worked on. The plan is an alignment of the foundation’s missions and encourages the community to become engaged through donations that make a meaningful impact on specific trails segments. To achieve the vision, the two Foundation’s have identified a number of priority trails across both Iron County, Wi and Gogebic County, MI that need improvements or expansions in addition to already having resources and or are currently underway.
Scott Anderson, Director for the Anderson Bluffs and River Trails Foundation supports the collaboration and explains, “Our initiative will not only help improve health through physical activity but also increase economic development through enhanced tourism opportunities for those who visit our community annually for skiing and other activities enjoyed by residents. Together we can make a meaningful impact on our community. By supporting this project, you are helping us create a truly connected community where residents can access resources, amenities and recreation across town through walking, biking or skiing. Your support encourages others to engage in similar efforts as well as creates a legacy for future generations of family members.”
Andrea Bergman, Executive Director for the Gogebic Range Health Foundation states, “We believe that access to our beautiful outdoor spaces and amenities is a major factor in the quality of life our residents, visitors and businesses experience. Connecting our trails systems with safe, accessible trails can have a positive impact on the health, economy and quality of life in our region. Project Connect is an opportunity to engage the community in the development of our trail systems that we all use and love. With your help, we can make a clear, visible and realistic plan for how to get more people enjoying the outdoors. Project Connect is about taking action and making change happen.”
More information about Project Connect can be found on the Foundation’s websites, www.gogebicrangehf.org and www.andersonbluffsrivertrailsfoundation.org. Donations are also being accepted by each Foundation. To donate to the Anderson Bluffs and River Trails Foundation you can go to their website or send checks to E 5299 West Pioneer Rd, Ironwood MI 49938. To donate to the Gogebic Range Health Foundation you can go to their website or send checks to E 6112 Bluff View Rd, Ironwood MI 49938.
The Gogebic Range Health Foundation’s fall grant cycle is open.
The foundation is now accepting Letter of Intent submissions at www.gogebicrangehf.org/apply-for-grants/. Information about grant priorities and the application process can be found on the website as well.
The Gogebic Range Health Foundation’s grant program supports community-based health initiatives that align with the Foundation’s mission and vision. Applications from organizations and agencies that have pedestrian walking and biking infrastructure projects and that make it easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities to walk/bike for recreation or transportation are encouraged. Priority will be given to projects that are seeking match funding or gap funds. A specific percentage match is not required but leveraging funds and funding partnerships are reviewed very carefully.
Please review the information on the website carefully before submitting an application. Contact info@gogebicrangehf.org with questions.
Fall Grant Priority Areas
Pedestrian walking/biking paths, lanes and trails
Mountain bike trails and facilities
Connector trails from neighborhoods and parks to the Iron Belle Trail or the Mercer By Bike regional trail corridors
Land acquisition with an existing plan for trail development.
Safe Routes to School projects that improve safety of children walking and biking to school.
The GRHF generally makes grants to the following.
Tax exempt organizations under 501(c)(3) and organizations that meet our mission and vision
Public agencies including school districts, state, county and city governments
Organizations and agencies located in the Gogebic Iron Range: Iron County, Wi and Gogebic County, MI.
The GRHF generally does not make grants to the following.
For profit organizations
General operating costs and salaries
Travel
Organizations and projects that do not align with our mission or priorities
Individuals, sectarian, religious or political activities/campaigns/causes
Projects in which the Gogebic Range Health Foundation is the sole or primary funder
Projects outside of Iron County, Wi or Gogebic County, MI
Events, races, promotions, sponsorships
The mission of the Gogebic Range Health Foundation is to advance community health across the Gogebic Range, and they accomplish this through investing in projects that make a sustainable impact on the community. Andrea Newby, Executive Director states that “We believe our greatest opportunity is to leverage funding from other agencies, and to serve as a catalyst in making community health projects a possibility.”
The Gogebic Range Health Foundations funding priorities are based on the idea of a broad definition of health, that there is much more to health than health care. Newby says, Strategic focus on facilitating and leading efforts to create an interconnected network of pedestrian walking and biking trails will lead to health benefits that include better overall physical health and mental health of residents and economic health of the community.
The grant process has two parts, a Letter of Intent, and a full application. The Letter of Intent is due October 8, 2021. Organizations will be invited to submit a full application, after all Letter of Intent submissions have been reviewed.
We’ve partnered up with the Extension Iron County, Gogebic County Community Mental Health and Range Suicide Prevention Coalition to share a special promotion of community events and mental health resources available across the Gogebic Iron Range. “Get Connected in September 2021” raises awareness of September as both National Recovery and Suicide Awareness Month and highlights community partners who continually provide every resident with opportunities to be healthy and socially connected.
People who make frequent and positive contact with others tend to have better health. It’s not a far-out idea, but sometimes we may need encouragement or support to engage in social spaces and activities1.
“While we are very lucky to have access to COVID-19 vaccinations available in 2021, our county health and human services departments are still extremely busy, and this project seemed like an appropriate way to compliment their efforts,” explains Amy Nosal, Extension Iron County Community Development Educator. “COVID-19 safety considerations are still needed, and we are fortunate to live in an area that values being active outside, as is clear by the list of events featured in “Get connected in September 2021,” she continues.
The Gogebic County Community Mental Health Authority and the Range Suicide Prevention Council have been key partners in the “Get Connected in September 2021” project, providing directories of resources and events that aim to support and normalize mental health. These resources and events are highlighted in a poster format and shared broadly online. Additionally, for those interested in supporting mental health programs across the Gogebic Range, there is an invitation to donate to the Jonathan A. Erickson Memorial Fund managed by the Gogebic Range Health Foundation. This fund supports programs and projects that raise awareness of mental health conditions and the expansion of services for individuals and families who may need services.
Andrea Newby, Executive Director of the Gogebic Range Health Foundation sits down with Dr. George McNulty, President of Gogebic Community College to discuss collaborations on community health projects.
GRHF is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, for more information visit our website at www.gogebicrangehf.org
For more information about Gogebic Community College visit www.gogebic.edu. You can make a donation to the Gogebic Range Health Foundation and be a part of making these projects happen and make a difference on the community health of the Gogebic Range. www.gogebicrangehf.org/donate
