Project Mission - Monroe Clinic

AOMS - 2008 Project Mission Recipient

Through the phenomenal generosity of Monroe Clinic, Angel On My Shoulder was blessed to be named the recipient of their 2008 Project Mission.   

All the departments of Monroe Clinic graciously embraced this mission to help Angel On My Shoulder make things a little brighter and better for our Camp Angel and Camp Teen Angel campers.

The donations totaled 19 boxes (the size of computer boxes) and three large Rubbermaid bins overflowing with wonderful items for these young people who are experiencing (or have experienced) a not so good time in their young lives. The project concluded with a special Monroe Clinic Tea Ceremony (Mission and Values Week celebration). AOMS board member, Nancy Schuller, along with her daughter, Andrea Berg, who is a dedicated and long-time volunteer of AOMS (including camp counselor), attended to extend our heartfelt thanks on behalf of all our campers. They were also available to say a few words about Angel On My Shoulder and how fundraising efforts of this type fit in our mission. 

Jim Elsen, a truck driver for USF Help wanted to help with the Monore Clinic Mission Project and asked one of his sales representatives for assistance. A customer of USF (Spectrum Brand/Rayovac) was more than willing to donate batteries and flashlights for our camps.  They donated 2 pallets of flashlights, batteries and extra light bulbs. It weighed about 1,100 pounds and came to over 1000 flashlights – WOW – now that’s “giving” at its best!!      

It gets better and better… Jim and his wife, Pam, delivered these pallets and all the Monroe Clinic gifts directly to Lolly Rose at St. Germain, WI (the official home of Angel). Words cannot adequately express our gratitude for this very special delivery.     

“I can speak on behalf of my whole family that we have been so blessed to have been a part of your journey for these past 9 years.  We will keep Angel On My Shoulder (Camp Angel/Camp Teen Angel) in mind for any further projects.  Thanks for all you and your volunteers do”!!  Pam Elsen

How our Angel Connection with the Elsen Family began: 

“I found out about Camp Angel via a poster in the pediatric unit at UW Children’s Hospital. As a nurse, I’ve witnessed hope and despair of these special patients as well as the ripple effect it has on their families. Thank you for touching these people and making their world and lives brighter”.  Pam 

Nine years ago, Jim and Pam’s daugthers, Kristine and Melissa organized a school fundraiser to benefit Camp Angel.  Here’s the letter (in part) authored by Melissa proposing a Spare Change Collection at their school–St. Victor’s in Monroe, Wisconsin. 

“Hello!!  My name is Melissa Elsen.  I’m in 3rd grade.  My younger sister, Kristine, and I would like to make the world a brighter place for the children of Camp Angel. It is a camp for children who have a loved one with cancer.  This camp helps them by making them feel free, remembered and happy again. Since this camp has no cost it needs quite a lot of donations.  Kristine and I would like the school to raise at least $100 to send to Camp Angel for things they might need. We will do this by having a Spare Change Collection Contest. Each class will have a milk jug decorated by Kristine, 3rd grade classmates and myself.  The group with the most spare change wins the contest.  All the school money will be sent to Camp Angel from St. Victor’s School.  We hope you will support this fund raiser and hope it will be a great success”.  Melissa  

The rest is history – fundraising efforts initiated by Kristine and Melissa continued!! What a beautiful example of caring and giving.

THANK YOU again and again to Monroe Clinic and the Elsen Family!!