Annual GRRR fundraiser rolls out on Iron Belle Trail

By P.J. GLISSON

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Ironwood — Fine weather drew dozens of people Sunday to the Gogebic Range Ride and Run, which started and ended at the Historic Ironwood Depot Park.

The GRRR is an annual fundraiser for the Gogebic Health Foundation.

Foundation members were happy with the enthusiastic turnout.

“We have about 70 people signed up,” said Andrea Bergman, executive director of the foundation. “We just wanted to make it a social activity.”

The GRRR provided participants with the choice of running, walking or bike riding on the paved Iron Belle Trail. An additional option of mountain biking included a foray onto the dirt trails of the Miners Memorial Heritage Park.

Although 5K was suggested for the run/walk, everyone was welcome to join for as much or little time and distance as they pleased.

In fact, persons who did not wish to hit the trails still could support the cause simply by registering for the “Zero K Cookout and Social,” which allowed them to join trail participants for a cookout, bag raffles, silent auction and music.

Mike Shouldice, a GHF member who also represent’s Mercer’s MECCA, said that about $20,000 was expected from the Sunday event.

Foundation Treasurer Charmaine Chiantelle said that the event’s proceeds would go toward next year’s allotment of GHF grants.

The foundation aims to support local initiatives that promote healthy habits.

“We’ve been focused on the trails,” said Shouldice in describing an ongoing GHF interest.

But board members said they also serve as the fiscal agent for the Jonathan A. Erickson Fund for Mental Health.

“We’re narrowing in on distributing nearly a million dollars,” said Shouldice of the foundation’s grant-giving in the half decade of its existence.

Chiantelle said that the GHF, specifically, has allotted $920,000 in grants, which are listed on its website.

This year’s grant applications already have been received and are expected to be awarded before the end of the month.

Bergman said business sponsors donated about $11,000 in items for this year’s fundraiser. Event T-shirts also were available for sale.

Providing further support were a variety of local organizations such as Friends of the Iron Belle Trail, the Anderson Bluff and River Foundation, Penokee Rangers, Friends of the Mercer Library, Wolverine Ski Trails and Emberlight Festival.

In general, said Shouldice, “Our missions align.”

He said they all regard the region as “a fun place to have a healthy life or a healthy place to live and have fun.”