Lake Country Power selected Let’s Go Fishing Itasca as the winner of its annual Touchstone Energy® Community Award. The co-op chose this organization for the variety of people they reach and for its 100-percent, volunteer-operated community organization impact. 

As winner of the Touchstone Energy® Community Award, Let’s Go Fishing Itasca was awarded a plaque and $500 that will go toward sustaining the program.

Let’s Go Fishing Itasca is a non-profit organization operated by volunteers in Itasca County. The organization was formed 18 years ago and has given pontoon rides to more than 14,000 people. During the winter, the program focuses on ice fishing making it a year-round service. All supplies are provided, including fishing rods and reels, bait and treats.

“Without the community backing us, we couldn’t do what we do,” said Beverly Taylor, a volunteer with Let’s Go Fishing Itasca who submitted the community award application. “One-hundred percent of the grants we receive goes back into the program, so thank you!”

The primary client base of Let’s Go Fishing Itasca includes youth, adults and seniors from senior residents of care facilities, support groups, assisted living, adult day cares, adult foster homes, church groups, mental health support groups, and individuals living independently. The pontoon is handicapped accessible.

“When reviewing the applications, we liked the variety of people Let’s Go Fishing Itasca helps and that there is no age limit for their services,” said Angie Clafton, Lake Country Power. “We also appreciate how the organization is run by volunteers, which means no one’s on a payroll making this program truly grassroots at its core.”

Another function of Let’s Go Fishing Itasca focuses on exposing 5th grade elementary students to the importance of clean water through the Itasca Water Summit.

“Our program’s main goal is getting people back into the great outdoors, putting smiles on faces, and creating many happy memories,” said Beverly Taylor. 

Lake Country Power is one of several Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives in Minnesota providing a local award to encourage and recognize local community contributions. Let’s Go Fishing Itasca will compete with winners from other Minnesota-based electric cooperatives in February for statewide recognition and $2,000. For more information about Let’s Go Fishing Itasca, visit https://itasca.lgfws.com/.