The Keweenaw Community Foundation is delighted to announce that its Special Community Project, “Outdoor Recreation for All - Build the Boards Project,” has successfully reached its fundraising goal of $100,000 to restore the Ahmeek Ice Rink. The campaign garnered support from 110 donations, including community members, hockey enthusiasts, local businesses, nonprofits, and four local charitable foundations.

“We appreciate the many community members, local businesses, and granting organizations contributing to our fundraising campaign. Additionally, many people helped behind the scenes to coordinate this project and make it a reality. This type of collective effort makes our area so special, and we’re very excited to make these improvements at the rink,” stated Joni Erkkila, Ahmeek Ice Rink fundraiser volunteer.

The community was invited to a special event at the Ahmeek Ice Rink on Wednesday, May 22nd, to celebrate this achievement. During this event, the Keweenaw Community Foundation presented the grant check to the project team.

“I would like to thank the many generous people and businesses that donated to this important community project. These new boards will ensure that the next several generations will be able to enjoy the Ahmeek Ice Rink just as we and our children do,” stated John Cima, Ahmeek Ice Rink fundraiser volunteer.

Build the Boards Project

The Emil Aho Memorial Ice Rink, commonly known as the Ahmeek Ice Rink, has been a cherished community facility since its establishment in 1984. Maintained year-round by dedicated volunteers and supported through donations and township assistance, the rink’s current boards, updated in 2019, have deteriorated due to harsh weather and are now unsafe for skaters.

Recognizing the need for safe and sustainable recreational facilities, a group of volunteers and the Keweenaw Community Foundation launched the “Outdoor Recreation for All - Build the Boards Project” in the fall of 2023, setting a fundraising goal of $100,000. The successful completion of this fundraiser means that the necessary materials can now be purchased, and renovations will be completed by November, in time for the 2024 winter skating season. 

“It was amazing to see how generous and supportive our community has been towards this project. We are excited to have partnered with the community to meet this fundraising goal and be able to replace the rink boards to allow this important community asset to be saved,” stated Robin Meneguzzo, KCF Executive Director.

Honoring Our Donors

Donors will be acknowledged with an engraved plaque at the Ahmeek Ice Rink facility and on the Keweenaw Community Foundation website. The complete list of donors can be found below. Sponsorship levels include: 

• Nickel under $199

• Bronze $200-499

• Silver $500-999

• Gold $1000-4999

• Copper $5000+

Although the Foundation is no longer accepting donations for this project, contributions to support the Ahmeek Ice Rink can be directed to Allouez Township. For more information about the Ahmeek Ice Rink project and a list of donors, please visit the Keweenaw Community Foundation website: keweenawgives.org/ahmeek-ice-rink

About the Ahmeek Ice Rink

Located on School Street in Ahmeek, MI, the Ahmeek Ice Rink offers a welcoming space for skaters during the winter, with facilities open daily for warming up, skate tying, restrooms, and refreshments from the concession stand. During peak season, the facility is open for more than 60 hours per week for ice skating and 30 hours per week for public hockey.

In the off-season months, the rink serves as a versatile outdoor space for various activities such as rollerblading, road hockey, and other community events. Future plans include adding more recreational options like pickleball. 

About the Keweenaw Community Foundation

The Keweenaw Community Foundation proudly serves as a permanent charitable resource in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. Established in 1994, the Foundation collaborates with other organizations on a variety of community-wide initiatives such as accessibility, housing, and childcare; provides grants to local non-profit organizations, schools, and municipalities; awards scholarships to local students; and assists donors with their philanthropic goals to provide support for the community they love. If you have any questions regarding the Foundation, please contact us at mail@keweenawgives.org or 906-482-9673.

Ahmeek Ice Rink Donors

COPPER LEVEL — $5,000 and ABOVE

Keweenaw Health Foundation, Keweenaw Terminal, Inc., James A. Ruppe Foundation, DeMarois Logging, Inc., Laurie Hamlin, Pat’s Foods, CLK Youth Hockey Fund (KCF) in memory of Joel Tuoriniemi, Mr. Philip E. Ruppe (in memory of Paul Coppo), Copper Shores Community Health Foundation

GOLD LEVEL — $1,000 - $4,999

David Wiitanen and Slim McLean Memorial Youth Hockey Fund (KCF), Kellogg Youth Endowment Fund (KCF), Jim Paull, Lassila Insurance Agency, Inc., Royale, Inc., IncredibleBank, Center Ice, Keweenaw Outdoor Recreation Coalition (KORC)

SILVER LEVEL — $500 - $999

Leveque Agency, U.P. Engineers and Architects, Copper Country Old Timers Hockey, Deborah Baer, Anna and Jack Mendelin, Cheryl and Ace Laurie, Mark Gregorich, Calumet Sportsman Club

BRONZE LEVEL — $200-$499

Cementation (Eagle Mine), Erkkila Forest Products, The Harjalas, Paul and Kathy Malnar, CLK VFW, Doug Anderson Logging, Lac La Belle Sportsman Club, Calumet Wolverines, Copper Ingot Post, Nate and Leah Polzein, Karen (Turnquist) Foster, Steve and Sherry Outinen (In memory of Jill Outinen), James and Sandra Vaupel, Lindsey (Piche) Barkow, Scott and Jeannie Patrick, Kelly Ryan, Heron Foundation, Greg and Cassi Kingstrom, Superior National Bank (Hancock), James Dube, Nick and Jes Bracco Family, Yeo Family, Pat and Anna Roche (In memory of John Theiler), John Kaura, Joanie Hinsa (In memory of Gordan and Lillian Bennetts)

NICKEL LEVEL — $199 and UNDER

Victoria Boggs, Ron Mortti, Michelle Jeannotte, Darren Bausano, Roger Somero, Pam Nelson, Jamie Hella, Savanna Weber, Adrien Buzzo, Sue Peterson, Nick Patrick, Koppers Performance, Chemicals - Hubbell Plant, Northern Mutual Insurance Co., Robert Mikkola, Linda and David Frederickson, Julie Kent (In honor of Nick Kent), Max and Kate Hardy, Jim Stimac, Gary and Joyce O'Connell, Ken Rowe, Randy and Lauren Rastello, Robert Sastamoinen (In memory of Mervin), Mary Flemming, Kathy St. Germain (In memory of Kelly Aho), Paul Myers, Steve Schulte, Eva Loyd, Tom and Debra Talvensaari, Mary (Tulpo) Fleming, Teri Haataja, Ruth and Karl Parks, Eric Rasmussan (In memory of Scott Laurie), Mike and Elizabeth Bjorn, Steve and Sue Hainault, Mary Kay and Dan Grabig (In honor of Addy and Mason Erkkila)

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