Dave Eliason Advocate of the year award

Dave Eliason, long time employee and Executive Director of Green Lake Lutheran Ministries, represented the ministry and the values of camp constantly. He had a talent for sneaking camp into every conversation, advocating for the well-being of camp and its community at all times, all with a cup of coffee in hand. We're so grateful for Dave's dedication to this place! ​In honor of him and his hard work to serve this ministry, the Dave Eliason Advocate of the Year Award was introduced in 2018 after his retirement. This award is given annually at the Annual Meeting in the spring. This award is given to a person of the highest quality and character that speaks the language of GLLM, representing its mission and work at all times and in all places. 

2020: Mary toufar

"You don't send kids to camp - you BRING kids to camp!"
We're so excited to share that Mary Toufar has been named the 2020 Dave Eliason Advocate of the Year! In her time as a youth director, Mary was adamant that all kids should experience summer camp and it was our duty as adults to make sure that happened. Whether that meant fundraising for camp scholarships, promoting registration at her church, or driving a van full of kids to camp during the summer and staying all week - Mary was all in! She served on our Board of Directors too and impacted GLLM in wonderful ways. 

2019: Marlys Larsen

In Green Lake Lutheran Ministries' over 80 years in existence, the organization has been blessed by the work of some of the most talented, compassionate, and faithful people that exist in our world. This legacy of servant minded people is amongst Green Lake Lutheran Ministries' greatest organizational strengths. Former staff person and current friend Marlys Larsen stands out within an impressive crowd! 

Beginning her career at camp as a staff member in the 1970s, and continuing on within many roles as spouse of the Executive Director Dean Larsen, she took pride in her involvement. And now after her more formal relationship with the camp, she is still a bold advocate for this place and its mission. We're so thankful for her support and this chance to say a sincere thank you!