LAKE VERMILION-Red Lowen was never concerned that a change in ownership of the annual City Auto Glass walleye tournament to Safelite would mean less of a commitment to funding worthwhile causes across the Iron Range.
“Our Safelite team was very impressed with how the event turned out,” said Lowen, a territory sales manager for Safelite, who also heads up the CAG Foundation, the recipient of the funds raised as part of the annual fishing contest. “They will continue to support our efforts as we move forward. However, without our anglers, golfers, and tournament partners, our events don’t happen. We’re so appreciative and thankful for all of them!”
In recognition of the tournament’s 20th year, the first prize for the winning team went from $17,000 to $20,000. This was made possible when Matt Uhan from First National Bank of Gilbert/Hoyt Lakes announced at Friday’s dinner that his bank would be adding an extra $3,000 to the prize money.
Mark Hess and Joshua Lamecker each took home $10,000 for their winning tally of 13.22 pounds to edge out Justin Chromy and Paul Klancher’s haul of 12.69 pounds. Steve Tauyer and Johnathan Tauer finished third with 12.55 total pounds, while Davin Wagner and Carter Thome took fourth place with 12.38 total pounds. Rounding out the top five were Jarek Wujkowski and William Hanson with 11.78 total pounds.
“The top 20 teams take home winnings, plus 21st place, last place, and big fish,” said Lowen, who added that the final 2025 tournament results can be viewed by visiting  www.vermiliontournaments.com. “In total, we awarded nearly $60,000 in cash and prizes. The 250 anglers competing were from all corners of Minnesota, plus surrounding states.”
One day earlier, the two-man teams of Matt Uhan and Nick Devich, along with Casey Niemi and Frank Consi, tied for first place in the 9th annual golf tournament at The Wilderness at Fortune Bay. The golf tournament, now known as the Safelite Vermilion Open, has been a nice addition to the overall event as it gives non-anglers a chance to help raise money for the CAG Foundation.
With May’s events in the books, Lowen won’t have the luxury of decompressing too much, as the CAG Foundation is busy finalizing plans for another tournament this coming October here on Lake Vermilion.
“Our foundation has produced a fall bass tournament on Mille Lacs since 2021. At the suggestion of one of our partners, the decision was made to hold a fall walleye tournament on Oct. 4 instead, plus another golf scramble,” said Lowen. “A first-year event is challenging, but funds that we do raise will go to similar organizations for kids, plus opportunities to support others!”
Since the event began 20 years ago, the CAG Foundation has raised a tremendous amount of money for great causes across the Iron Range.
“To date we have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local organizations that uplift, educate, and improve the lives of area young people,” said Lowen, whose wife, Denise, serves as his anchor in planning and executing the event every year. “These include the Kiwanis Club, the Lions Club, Boys and Girls Clubs, Camp Voyageur, youth baseball, Foster Love, and more.”
The support Lowen and his hard-working team of volunteers receives is impressive as one just needs to look at all the raffle prizes that filled the perimeter of Fortune Bay Resort Casino’s expansive ballroom.
“It’s inspiring to see how their hard work pays off,” said Fortune Bay’s Brian K. Anderson of Lowen and his team. “They are very passionate about this event and the good that it does for our area communities.”
Anderson added that many businesses contribute to this event because they know their support goes a long way in making a difference to the lives of many of our young people.
“Our team at Fortune Bay Resort Casino is honored to partner with these events and look forward to a continued partnership with Safelite and the CAG Foundation for many years to come,” said Anderson.