17th Annual Fishin’ Chicks raises 33K

On a free statewide fishing day, women gathered on Moon Lake in Iron River for the 17th Annual Fishin’ Chicks ice fishing tournament, an all-ladies event raising funds and awareness for breast cancer patients.

“Friends of friends invited us to come up for it and we did, and we absolutely loved everything about what they did. So we were participants before we were organizers. We met Laurie at Fishin’ Chicks, and she was really good about going around and talking to people,” says Millar.

That’s Paula Millar. She and organizers Amy Wangensteen, Carla Ward, Monica Montag, and Julie Bender all started as participants, and now they run the tournament each year.

The tournament began in 2010 when Laurie Soderlund was diagnosed with breast cancer. She and her husband Jeff wanted to raise awareness and funds for breast health. Over the years, the event has raised $215,000 to support women battling breast cancer. Even after Laurie passed in 2020, the event continues, led by women dedicated to carrying on her legacy.

“Our goal is to really to have a lot of fun, involve a lot of people, but come together for a very specific purpose of helping women who are in need,” says Millar.

Millar says the money raised goes directly toward compassion care for breast cancer patients at Essentia Health in Ashland. That includes covering everyday needs that come with treatment, like gas cards to get to appointments, food and meal gift cards for families, and items like wigs, scarves, and prosthetics.

Along with supporting the Essentia Health Breast Center, funds also help patients locally through Iron River’s NorthLakes Clinic, and through the Pink Ribbon Boutique in Chippewa Falls, which provides support products for post-mastectomy women.

Millar says she’s most proud of the community coming together to support the cause.

“It’s just been unbelievable what a small community like this can do,” says Millar.

This year, the tournament raised $33,000 for Compassion Care for patients.