Carry the Torch Fundraiser Raises More Than $18,000 For Northwoods Charities
Lake of the Torches Resort Casino raised a total of $18,292 for four Northwoods charities during an extraordinary day of sportsmanship and good will as part of the annual Carry the Torch Fundraiser held Thursday, Sept. 18, at the historic Gateway Gun Club and Lodge in Land O'Lakes, Wis.
The event was the fifth Carry The Torch Fundraiser hosted by Lake of the Torches. As part of the event, participants competed in trap and sporting clay competitions at the Gateway Gun Club, which is known as one of the premier shooting facilities in the Midwest. The Lakeland Pantry, the Northern Tier of the American Red Cross, the Northwoods United Way and the Lac du Flambeau Youth Center will each receive $4,573 from the proceeds of the event.
John Muir, a four-time All-American trap champion and a former professional shooter with the Winchester Firearms Company for 10 years, led participants in shooting demonstrations that morning in preparation for the trap and sporting clays competitions. Awards were presented to top place finishers in a number of categories. Participants also had the chance to win prizes during raffles held at the end of the event.
"This is an incredible group that comes together to help members in our community," said Dennis Turner, a volunteer for the Lakeland Pantry who has helped at the event for the past couple of years. The Lakeland Pantry distributes 16,000 pounds of food each week to families in the Lakeland area. Additionally, the pantry also provides used clothing and books along with necessities for infants and toddlers.
The American Red Cross will use its donation to help with disaster relief and providing assistance to fire victims in the Northwoods and central Wisconsin area. The Red Cross also teaches classes on CPR and emergency preparedness along with sending assistance to armed service members and their families.
"Carry the Torch is a tremendous event for us in helping to raise money for our programs. We thank Lake of the Torches for including us in this event that helps us reach our annual fundraising goal," said Nancy Sattler, Executive Director of the Northwoods United Way. The organization helps fund more than 20 agencies that provide services and assistance to area residents.
The Lac du Flambeau Youth (Abinoojiiyag) Center offers a wide variety of after school and cultural programs for more than 500 youth in the Lac du Flambeau area. The Youth Center will use the donation to help fund its many club activities, including cultural activities and Ojibwe language instructional programs.
"Thank you to all of our sponsors and to those who helped make this year's Carry the Torch Fundraiser another success. Carry the Torch is a great way for our participants to come together in camaraderie and sportsmanship to raise thousands of dollars for crucial charities, each of whom help brighten the lives of Northwoods residents every day," said Lake of the Torches' Director of Marketing Leana Schlecht.
Situated on the shores of Pokegama Lake and nestled in Wisconsin's Northwoods, the Lake of the Torches Resort Casino has a feel of a classic Northern retreat and reflects its Ojibwe culture and heritage. The casino has over 800 slot machines (including a high-limit and non-smoking area), Blackjack tables, Poker tables, Craps and Roulette, a high-stakes Bingo Hall seating up to 500 persons, Woody's Bar and Grill and the Eagle's Nest Restaurant. The hotel has 101 well-appointed rooms, the Dancing Waters Lounge and the Woodland Oasis pool area. The 8,500 square-foot Convention Center with the Hall of Nations offers an outstanding venue for entertainment, receptions, trade shows, meetings, presentations and seminars. It is proudly owned and operated by the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.
Information on upcoming events and promotions at Lake of the Torches is available at www.lakeofthetorches.com.