Our Story
Fifty-four years of neighbors taking care of Manitowish Waters. 545 Foundation, formerly the Manitowish Waters Alliance Foundation, has been bringing people together to give back since 1972.
Since 1972 It started with the water.
In 1972, a group of Manitowish Waters residents and business owners came together around a simple idea: the ten-lake chain that defines this place was worth protecting, and it would take all of us to do it. They called themselves the Manitowish Waters Alliance.
Their founding purpose was "to have citizens and business people join together to maintain the Manitowish Waters chain of lakes," preserving the natural beauty that drew every one of us here in the first place. From the start, the Alliance was as much about people as it was about lakes: shared values, good company and service to the community.
From the lakes to the whole community.
In 1992, the Manitowish Waters Lake Owners Association (today's Manitowish Waters Lakes Association) formed to take on the day-to-day work of protecting the chain. That freed the Alliance to widen its circle.
Over the next three decades, the Alliance became the place where year-round residents and seasonal families met, volunteered and gave back. Membership dues, fundraisers and countless volunteer hours turned into support for local causes.
Showing up for our neighbors.
In 2019, members started something new: Mani*Wish, a December gathering that raises money to buy holiday gifts for area kids and families in need. It sold out its third year at Little Bohemia Lodge and has every year since. 2026 marks the 8th Annual Mani*Wish.
Along the way, the Alliance has supported organizations that keep Manitowish Waters running. Recent recipients include Manitowish Waters Fire Department, the Koller Library, the North Lakeland Discovery Center and Little Forest Day Care, along with individual families facing hard times.
Fifty years and counting.
In the summer of 2022, members marked the Alliance's 50th anniversary at the Annual Social with food, music and a champagne toast.
Why "545"?
In 2026 we became 545 Foundation. The name comes from 54545, the ZIP code shared by everyone who loves Manitowish Waters, whether they're here twelve months a year or count down the days until summer.
A new board took the opportunity to look hard at who we are and who we want to be. We set a clear mission, are planning to launch an endowment so this work can last for generations, and refreshed the way we show up in the world.
What hasn't changed: the volunteers, the events, and the belief that this special place has given us so much, and it's our turn to give back.
Timeline
1972 Manitowish Waters Alliance founded to protect the chain of lakes and build community
1992 Manitowish Waters Lake Owners Association forms; the Alliance broadens to community-wide support
2014 Solstice Festival, "Ride the Northwoods," begins
2019 First Mani*Wish holiday fundraiser
2020 The Alliance Foundation is reimagined for a new generation of members
2021 Snowmobile Poker Run begins
2022 50th anniversary celebrated at the Annual Social
2026 Renamed 545 Foundation; new leadership, mission and values
Help us tell the story.
Have photos, newsletters or memories from the Alliance's early years? We'd love to add them to our history. Share a memory.