From downhill skiing, snow shoeing and cross-country ski trails to Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua's 70 live performances each season, Mt. Ashwabay's 200 acres have long sustained family-focused recreation, arts, and entertainment. Area residents and visitors alike flock to this recreational hot spot year-round.

Now supporters of Mt. Ashwabay and Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua have a unique opportunity to ensure this premier piece of land retains its focus as a ski hill that promotes health, wellness and family fun in the winter and provides arts and musical entertainment to 25,000 area residents and visitors in the summer.

The current owner of Mt. Ashwabay is selling this premier piece of land and has offered the Ashwabay Outdoor Educational Foundation, Inc. (AOEF) the opportunity to purchase the property. The AOEF, a not-for-profit 501(C)(3) corporation, plans to buy the land and continue the traditions of family-focused recreation where skiing and the arts thrive.

But the challenge is daunting. We must raise $500,000 by September 30, 2004, to make this purchase a reality. We know how important Mt. Ashwabay has been to you and your family. Maybe you learned to ski or race on the hill. Maybe you've spent the day at the hill with your own kids. Or maybe you've been entertained by some of the country's finest musicians and performers at Big Top Chautauqua.

You know what Mt. Ashwabay has meant to you and the entire Chequamegon Bay region. Help guarantee that Mt. Ashwabay remains the Northland's family ski hill and home to Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua. Help by sending your tax-deductible donation today. Your support will ensure the continued smiles of kids of all ages -- skiers, artists, musicians, and those sitting in the big blue tent.

For more information or to make a donation contact the Ashwabay Outdoor Educational Foundation Inc. at P.O. Box 222 Washburn, WI 54891 or call Jim Bratley at (715) 373-2774 or Cliff Grand at (715) 682-8281 or send email to aoef@washburnwi.com