Annual Foundation Fundraising Events
One of the primary ways the Northern Lights Foundation raises money is by hosting annual fundraising events throughout the year. These events range from a formal dinner to a crazy singing competition involving cow bells. A majority of the events are open to the public and offer the community an opportunity to have fun while helping their friends and neighbors in need.
June 2025 - Grandma's Marathon Charity Runner
2025 GRANDMA’S MARATHON WEEKEND
Anyone interested in running either Grandma’s Marathon, the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, or the William A. Irvin 5K can participate as a Charity Runner! Run the races while raising money for the Northern Lights Foundation!
DATES: Friday, June 20, 2025 & Saturday, June 21, 2025 Grandma's Marathon weekend in Duluth.
August 2025 - Duluth
2025 Charity Softball Game
Join us for our 16th Annual Charity Softball Game at Wade Stadium in August!
Watch the Duluth/Superior Police Departments take on the Duluth/Superior Fire Departments on the field along with a great BBQ in the outfield for all fans.
All are invited!
Open to the community, active First Responders and Employees, Retired First Responders, Families & Supporters.
Date: August 2025
September 2025 - Duluth
2025 NorthShore Inline Marathon
Join us at the annual NorthShore Inline Marathon! A portion of proceeds raised will be donated to the Northern Lights Foundation!
It's time to skate, run, or ski the Northshore with NorthShore Inline Marathon's 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, & Northern Lights Foundation Kid Sprints!
Over 2,000 skaters from around the world travel to Duluth each fall to participate in the largest inline marathon in North America.
We participate in the pre-event expo to raise awareness and funds. Be sure to stop by and visit us at our NLF Table at the Expo. We look forward to seeing you!
https://www.northshoreinline.com/
Friday, September 12, 2025 - Saturday, September 13, 2025!
October 14, 2025 - Children's Charity Gala
2025 Children's Charity Gala
Join us at our annual Children's Charity Gala.
This is our largest fundraisers of the year and includes a live and silent auction, raffles, social hour, dinner, and presentation. It's a night you never want to miss!
DATE: October 14, 2025 at the DECC in Duluth.
February 19-21, 2026 - Cody Buus Invitational Courage Snowmobile Ride
Inaugural Cody Buus Invitational Courage Snowmobile Ride
A three-day snowmobile ride benefiting the Northern Lights Foundation to provide financial support to families with children facing life-threatening illnesses.
DATE: Thursday, February 19 - Saturday, February 21, 2026.
March 2026 - Duluth
2026 Lake Superior Lawmen Hockey Tournament
Join us for the Annual Lake Superior Lawmen Hockey Tournament! Participating teams include current and former police officers, military members, firefighters and other public safety personnel.
Proceeds raised will be donated to the Northern Lights Foundation!
Join us for this family friendly event that takes place at Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center!
DATE: TBD March 2026
Annual Charitable Partner Events
The Northern Lights Foundation is proud to be chosen as the official charitable partner for the following events. These partnerships offer event participants the chance to help raise funds for Northland children and families while having fun.
April - Duluth
Chive Meet-up in Duluth
Chive Charities is committed to helping underdogs – namely, people who have rare medical diagnoses and veterans. Each year, Chive Charities hosts an event in Duluth and 50% of the proceeds go to the Northern Lights Foundation.
September - Duluth
NorthShore Inline Marathon
Over 2,000 skaters from around the world travel to Duluth each fall to participate in the largest inline marathon in North America. In 2016, the marathon chose Northern Lights Foundation as its charitable partner and the foundation participateed in the pre-event expo to raise awareness and funds.