The NOW-I-CAN Charities was created by Lakewoods Resort & the Rasmussen family to support the local community of Sawyer, Bayfield and Ashland (SAW-BAY-ASH) counties.
Lakewoods Resort hosts several events throughout the year, like the World's Longest Weenie Roast and Namakagon Cancer Walk. The proceeds from these events are donated to various organizations like the volunteer fire department, ambulance service, and area Lion's Club.
Two special events (MS Golf Tournament and Namakagon Cancer Walk) differ from traditional charities. The money raised from these events go directly to special accounts. The money from the Namakagon Cancer Walk provides assistance to those people in the SAW-BAY-ASH counties who are fighting cancer and do not have adequate resources for many of their medical needs. The money from the MS Golf Tournament provides assistance in much the same way for those with Multiple Sclerosis.
A board of individuals from the area and health field professionals receive referral letters and administer the funds. There are no administration costs. All the money raised goes to those in need.
Referral letters come from the doctors, health care providers, or individuals needing the funds. There are no restrictions or requirements. Letters are received by the board and funds are distributed based upon needs of the individual and the amount of the request.
Lakewoods Resort is proud to take part in a variety of charity events. Lakewoods' involvement is instrumental in running several different charity events, helping the areas not for profits, and supporting community events or fundraisers for those in need. Donating more than $40,000.00 per year in cash donations, goods, and services, we are dedicated to helping those people who find themselves in this wonderful area of northern Wisconsin.
Namakagon Cancer Walk / Hot Air For Hearts Balloon Rally / MS Golf Benefit
Namakagon 5th Annual Cancer Walk
October 16th, 2010
The Namakagon Cancer Walk was started to provide assistance to those people fighting Cancer in the three county area. The Acronym Saw-Bay-Ash stands for Sawyer, Bayfield, and Ashland Counties — the three counties receiving the majority of the funds. The event features a walk around Lake Namakagon. 18 miles in length, participants may walk as little or as much as they would like. By reaching set fund-raising goals, participants will receive lodging, meals, and gifts for collecting their donations. Offering a whole weekend of fun, most participants come from out of town to participate.
Walkers can receive a FREE weekend for their fund-raising efforts!! By collecting just $350, you can get a room, all of your meals, gifts and more for the whole weekend!
Donation goals start at $25 for walkers only
(no lodging required).
Walkers who collect $25 in donations but do not need to stay at Lakewoods Resort will receive a luncheon and refreshments during walk. As donations increase you will receive more prizes for your fundraising efforts. Raise over $500 for 2 nights stay at Lakewoods Resort during the Cancer Walk, all meals included, and a Namakagon Cancer Walk Shirt.
Level of Participation
- Tadpole $25 - $49
Includes snacks & lunch
- Minnow $50 - $99
Includes shirt, snacks, & lunch
- Bluegill $100 - $249
Includes shirt, snacks, & all Saturday meals
- Walleye $250 - $499
Includes shirt, snacks, all Saturday meals, & 1 night lodging
- Musky $500 - Over
Includes shirt, snacks, Friday & Saturday meals, 2 nights lodging
But most importantly, remember that this event is for a very good cause and any amount is extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
Differing from traditional charities, the monies raised go directly to the sponsoring hospitals. A board featuring individuals from the area, doctors, and hospital staff, receive referral letters and administer the funds.
There are no administration costs, so all the money raised goes to those in need!
The referral letters may come from anyone in need or from their care provider. There 
are no restrictions or requirements needed to receive these funds. Referral letters are received by the board and funds are distributed based upon needs of the individual and the amount of the request.
Click Here to register online!
We strongly encourage you to go out and collect donations for the walk. Bring the whole family to join in on the fun. There's an indoor pool during the off time and more importantly a hot tub and sauna. For those with some energy left, great biking and hiking trails or even a trophy fish out of Lake Namakagon are just outside your door.
You'll want to stay with us for the weekend, so make room reservations for the weekend. Please call 800-930-6657 to book your stay at Lakewoods Resort. And remember that special incentive...You will not be charged for the room or your meals if you meet your collection goals for this event!
This "Not to Miss" event really does make for a wonderful weekend. Extremely rewarding, self benefiting, and fantastic fun. Remember to get your friends, family, co-workers — even strangers on the street — to either donate or join you in the fun. We want you to be a "Partner Against Cancer"!
For more information about the Namakagon Cancer Walk or to register by phone, please call us at 800-930-6657 today!
World's Longest Weenie Roast
(Held Annually the First Weekend in March)
March 5th, 2011
Known throughout the region as the most fun on ice, thousands of weenie enthusiasts come to Lake Namakagon for the event. Held to raise funds for the Great Divide Ambulance Service, the Namakagon Volunteer Fire Department, and other area charities and not-for-profits, this event holds the record for the longest line of hot dog cookers over one fire in the world. With events like snowmobile speed runs, ice bowling, outlaw drags, and the frozen weenie polar bear plunge into Lake Namakagon, there is more than enough for everyone. Click Here for the details!
If you're interested in finding more about this year's event call us at (800) 930-6657 or Click Here!
Hot Air for Hearts Balloon Rally and Snowshoe Race
Lakewoods Resort is featured in Snowshoe Magazine! Click Here to read the article about this fantastic event held here on March 11-13, 2011.
(The Race is held Annually the 2nd Weekend in March)
Organizers of the Lakewoods Hot Air For Hearts Balloon Rally are holding another fun filled weekend March 12th - 14th 2010. Hot air balloonists from Wisconsin and 
Minnesota cometo participate in the Hot Air Balloon Rally for Charity. People from all over the Midwest attend the event which raises money for the Cable Area Lions Heart Benefit.
Weather permitting, crew members help the balloonists set up and take down balloons and may ride along with the pilots during the flights. Flights are scheduled mornings and evenings Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and will fly as often as the weather permits. “The balloons can't always go up daily due to weather,” said Jill Hisdahl volunteer crew member, “but when you get to fly the views are incredible.” In addition to the balloon flights, a “glow” is scheduled in front of Lakewoods Resort after dark. On Saturday night, guests in the dining room and spectators alike are treated to a fantastic view of Lake Namakagon and the 3+ story high balloons lit up from the inside like giant luminary candles. “Its great fun to see kids helping get the balloons up,” says Suzanne Lind of Lake Namakagon, “my grandsons just love to watch the balloons.”
This charity event is great for the family and is a fantastic way to get out and enjoy the new snow this winter. All the colors of the balloons and racers make for a fun and festive atmosphere and both are very exciting to watch.
Click Here to request more information, or call today at 800-930-6657.
Click Here to download a registration form. Print it, fill it in and mail or bring it in to Lakewoods.
Cable Area Lions Heart Golf Tournament
(Held Annually in the Spring)
June 2011
Through the Cable Are Lions Heart Golf Tournament, our local Lions club puts out a challenging roar to other Lions clubs and charity groups everywhere to participate in a tournament raising money for heart disease related causes. This 4 person golf scramble is held on our Forest Ridges Golf Course. Anyone is invited to participate for awards and prizes, and every team has a chance to win up to 50% of the proceeds for their favorite charity or not-for-profit group. The event raises over a thousand dollars for the Cable Area Lions and other charitable groups everywhere.
For more information, to bring a team to the event or answer the roar, Click Here or call us at (800) 930-6657 today!
MS Golf Benefit
11th Annual MS Golf Benefit to be held July 15, 2011
Lakewoods Forest Ridges Golf Course will be hosting the 12th Annual Saw-Bay-Ash MS Golf Benefit. The first seven events have been an astounding success. The event has raised over $150,000 to help those people afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis. “Every year it astonishes me the generosity and commitment people show toward this event,” says Kathy Rasmussen, Co-Chairman, “we will again see more than 200 contributors pledge their money and services to help the benefit.”
The event is unique among high profile fund raisers, as all the money raised goes to help people located in the three county areas of Ashland, Bayfield, and Sawyer counties. “We have no overhead or organizational costs as the Ashland Memorial Medical Center administers the funds. Because of this, all the money goes to the people who need it the most, those that have MS.” The funds have helped people purchase motorized wheelchairs, accessible vehicles, ramps into homes, emergency life lines, and any number of purchases which ordinary health insurance or programs leave out. “These are people who need assistance to live ordinary lives in extraordinary circumstances. We help them do that.” says Bruce Claflin, an event organizer.
The event sees over 30 four-person teams from around the country compete in a scramble format for thousands of dollars in prizes, raffles, and auction items. Open to anyone excited about the cause, it is a truly rewarding event. “It is because of the strong community support and efforts of the people in these three counties that we contribute the success of the event,” said Kathy Rasmussen “but let's not forget the participants from Texas, Indiana, and those who traveled from all over the Mid-West to help.”
The MS Golf Benefit is an annual event which is held the third Friday in July each year.
For those interested in finding out more about the charity or seeking assistance, contact Kathy Rasmussen at 715-794-2561 or by e-mail at kathy@lakewoodsresort.com. You can also Click Here to request more information.
