In the high desert town of Lakeview, Oregon, residents have discovered that sometimes the best way to solve a problem is with creativity, humor, and a willingness to bare a little more than usual. Faced with a shortage of funds for essential snow removal services, twelve brave community members chose to strip down for a good cause rather than burden their neighbors with higher taxes.

The idea came from residents Jess Calvin and Margot Dodds, who drew inspiration from the beloved 2003 film "Calendar Girls," which told the true story of Yorkshire women who created a nearly nude calendar to raise money for leukemia research. When Dodds presented the concept at a Lakeview Town Council meeting last summer, she came prepared with a success story from Vermont, where a similar "Men of Maple Corner Calendar" had raised an impressive $56,000 for a community center.

The vision was clear from the start: beautiful, tasteful photos showcasing community members having fun in the Oregon Outback, strategically covered to maintain modesty while celebrating the playful spirit of their town. "We have some brave members of the community who are willing to become vulnerable to support their town," Dodds told the Lake County Examiner, emphasizing that nothing would be visible that wouldn't be seen at a public pool.

After collecting photo submissions via email and working with volunteer photographers, the 2026 Outback Naked calendar came to life, featuring mostly middle-aged and elderly models who proved that community spirit and good humor know no age limit. The calendars went on sale in November 2025 at $25 each, with every penny of profit dedicated to snow removal funds.

The response has been heartwarming. So far, the calendars have raised over $13,000, making a significant dent in the town's financial challenges. Lakeview has faced difficult times recently, with decreased revenue from various tax sources and even the threat of a government shutdown in 2025. Yet instead of letting hardship divide them, residents came together in the most unexpected and delightful way.

The Ripple Effect

What started as a practical fundraising solution has become something far more meaningful for this small Oregon community. The calendar project has reminded residents that even in difficult times, there's room for joy, creativity, and connection.

Local resident Marie Lee captured this sentiment beautifully in a Facebook post, describing the calendar as "a renewal of good feeling." She noted that despite ideological differences, the project showed how community members could still appreciate each other and come together. Lee suggested the calendar should be buried in a time capsule to remind future generations "to laugh at each other every now and then" and remember the importance of "just plain fun."

While the funds raised may not completely cover all snow removal costs, the project has delivered something equally valuable: proof that when communities face challenges together with humor and heart, everyone wins. The Outback Naked calendar stands as a testament to small-town ingenuity and the power of people willing to step outside their comfort zones for the greater good.