Through NorthLakes 100 Who Care Sawyer County
Winged Freedom Raptor Center has been selected as the recipient ofthe NorthLakes 100 Who Care Sawyer County Environmental, Recreation, Garden and Animals Category Award, receiving more than $12,000 to support its Operation Eagle Floors project.
The funding will help improve the Winged Freedom Raptor Hospital, a modern wildlife veterinary facility dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and orphaned birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. Located in Washburn County, Winged Freedom is the only licensed raptor rehabilitation facility serving twelve counties across northwestern Wisconsin.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded entirely through private donations and grants, Winged Freedom provides free medical and surgical care to approximately 275 raptors each year, including more than 100 Bald Eagles.
The Operation Eagle Floors project will replace existing flooring throughout the hospital with a durable, sanitary, and easy-to-clean surface installed by a local flooring contractor. The improvement will strengthen infection control measures, support animal health and recovery, enhance workplace safety for volunteers and staff, and help ensure the facility remains a professional regional resource for wildlife care.
“We are incredibly grateful to the members of 100 Who Care Sawyer County for recognizing the importance of wildlife rehabilitation in our region,” said Dr. Kim Ammann, CEO of Winged Freedom Raptor Center. “This investment in our facility will have a lasting impact on the quality of care we provide to hundreds of birds each year.”
100 Who Care Sawyer County was founded and is hosted by NorthLakes Community Clinic. The organization operates on a giving-circle model in which members contribute $100 three times annually and collectively determine which local nonprofit organization will receive the pooled donations.
With more than 140 members participating, the winning nonprofit receives over $12,000, while the two runner-up finalists each receive $1,616 through the organization’s finalist fund.
Since its launch in 2022, 100 Who Care Sawyer County has generated significant support for local nonprofits, creating meaningful economic impact and helping organizations address critical community needs throughout Sawyer County.
NorthLakes Community Clinic congratulates Winged Freedom Raptor Center on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to seeing the positive impact of the Operation Eagle Floors project on wildlife rehabilitation efforts across northwestern Wisconsin. For more information on being a member, please contact Madelaine Rekemeyer at mrekemeyer@nlccwi.org
