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.
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.
2024: Jim Zollner
At the 2024 Green Lake Lutheran Ministries Annual Meeting, Jim Zollner was honored with the “Advocate of the Year” award. This award recognizes individuals who passionately and eloquently speak about GLLM, with the goal of engaging new audiences.
Jim Zollner’s proactive spirit and steadfast dedication have made him an indispensable part of our ministry. His journey with GLLM began years ago when we found ourselves short on firewood. In response, a call was made—and a man known then as “the Woodman” answered without hesitation. That man was Jim.
Since that pivotal moment, Jim has consistently stepped in to support our mission by blending common-sense strategies with a heartfelt commitment to ministry. Who else would bring along supplies to change the oil on the camp tractor during a family vacation at Medayto Lodge? Jim is known for taking care of the little details that keep our operations running smoothly.
Whether he’s rallying donors to secure a much-needed Polaris Ranger or inviting new volunteers to share in the mission, Jim’s contributions have enriched our community in countless ways.
This year, we are thrilled to share the award with Jim Zollner, whose decades of impactful service, practical wisdom, and commitment to connecting strategy with ministry truly embody the spirit of advocacy at GLLM. Please join us in celebrating his remarkable contributions.
Jim Zollner’s proactive spirit and steadfast dedication have made him an indispensable part of our ministry. His journey with GLLM began years ago when we found ourselves short on firewood. In response, a call was made—and a man known then as “the Woodman” answered without hesitation. That man was Jim.
Since that pivotal moment, Jim has consistently stepped in to support our mission by blending common-sense strategies with a heartfelt commitment to ministry. Who else would bring along supplies to change the oil on the camp tractor during a family vacation at Medayto Lodge? Jim is known for taking care of the little details that keep our operations running smoothly.
Whether he’s rallying donors to secure a much-needed Polaris Ranger or inviting new volunteers to share in the mission, Jim’s contributions have enriched our community in countless ways.
This year, we are thrilled to share the award with Jim Zollner, whose decades of impactful service, practical wisdom, and commitment to connecting strategy with ministry truly embody the spirit of advocacy at GLLM. Please join us in celebrating his remarkable contributions.
2023: Pr. Naomi Mahler
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At the 2023 Green Lake Lutheran Ministries Annual Meeting, Pr. Naomi Mahler was honored posthumously with the “Advocate of the Year” award.
Pr. Naomi, who passed away in October of 2023, had a long and impactful connection with GLLM. It started in college when she worked on summer staff, continued through her involvement as a parish pastor, and was lived out in her call as the Executive Director of GLLM before moving on to other ministries. |
Pr Naomi (right) with a former GLLM Summer Staff member
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Past her own involvement, her husband (Todd Lynum) and daughters (Grace and Sophia Lynum) also worked at camp in various roles. A hallmark of her work at camp was her laser focus on what was most important, the hospitality that she shared with old and new friends of the ministry, and her passion for unpacking the Gospel in vibrant ways.
“Camp takes these young, talented, ‘work in progress’ adults [camp counselors] - provides safe places for them to learn and grow. Allows them to unpack their questions, and then fosters exponential growth of faith and character” shared Pastor Naomi during a visit with Executive Director Travis Aufderheide.
“The world needs camp! And if something can be done with my death to inspire involvement, I want to do it!” shared Pr. Naomi. Thus, the Pr. Naomi Mahler Endowment fund was created with the purpose of funding the hiring of summer staff at Green Lake Lutheran Ministries. Gifts were made by the family as well as from 209 donors / families in her memory.
Pr. Naomi Mahler’s recognition as the “Advocate of the Year’’ serves as a testament to her profound dedication to GLLM’s mission of inviting all to experience the life changing love of Jesus in vibrant settings in community and creation. And that commitment continues to inspire our work.
“Camp takes these young, talented, ‘work in progress’ adults [camp counselors] - provides safe places for them to learn and grow. Allows them to unpack their questions, and then fosters exponential growth of faith and character” shared Pastor Naomi during a visit with Executive Director Travis Aufderheide.
“The world needs camp! And if something can be done with my death to inspire involvement, I want to do it!” shared Pr. Naomi. Thus, the Pr. Naomi Mahler Endowment fund was created with the purpose of funding the hiring of summer staff at Green Lake Lutheran Ministries. Gifts were made by the family as well as from 209 donors / families in her memory.
Pr. Naomi Mahler’s recognition as the “Advocate of the Year’’ serves as a testament to her profound dedication to GLLM’s mission of inviting all to experience the life changing love of Jesus in vibrant settings in community and creation. And that commitment continues to inspire our work.
2022: Phyllis Jacobson
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Phyllis Jacobson was named the 2022 Advocate of the Year in recognition of her decades of service and commitment to furthering the mission of GLLM.
Among Phyllis’ many attributes and achievements that decorate her time on the GLLM staff and as a volunteer is her ability to engage people about the things of which she cares about. She has an incredible knack to connect people’s passion with opportunity as has been seen in fundraising campaigns and events. It is also notable that Phyllis was the mastermind behind the GLLM quilt auction which now has raised over $1 million dollars! Phyllis truly is a rare treasure and we are so lucky to be connected with her! |
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2021: Don HEATH
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Don Heath was awarded the 2021 Advocate of the Year Award in recognition of his incredible efforts to support and lift up the mission of Green Lake Lutheran Ministries at our annual meeting in February. When he was asked to join the board of directors in 2006, he immediately began making an impact as he helped steer successful fundraising efforts for projects and our annual fund. A specific achievement of great merit was the impact he made during a particularly challenging time during the recession. Over just a couple years, he led a budget relief fundraising effort which raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in a short window of time. The impact of this effort cannot be overstated. Don truly is a person of great character, integrity, and passion. We are so blessed to be connected with him.
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Don & Judy Heath
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2020: Mary toufar
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"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. |
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2019: Marlys Larsen
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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! |
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