This is my gift to you. When I was little my "Monkey" meant the world to me. There was never a time I was without it. My Mommy would always make sure I had it.
On April 17, 2001 my Mommy and I were driving through Ames and we were in an accident on Highway 30 at the Duff Ave Highway 69 bridge. Another driver hit us head on. My Mommy died that day. I was saved because I was safely buckled in the backseat of the car.
I went to the hospital without my Monkey. I missed him. I was scared. My Daddy finally got to the hospital and he looked for my Monkey. It was not with me anywhere. He asked Officer Al Lavender, who rescued me from the car, if he had seen it. He had not. So, Officer Lavender went to look for Monkey in the wrecked car and the road ditch. He found my Monkey and he cleaned him up and brought him to me. I was so happy. I was still sad and scared without my Mommy, but being with my Daddy and Monkey felt better.
This is why I want you to have a Monkey too. I hope that whatever you are experiencing is better soon and you are comforted by this Monkey like I was by my Monkey. Don't be scared. There are lots of people helping you and Monkey is too. You are loved! I hope you feel better.
Me and my Mommy, Angi Lynn Hegg Bronemann.. Christmas 2000
Me with my MeMa Judy Hegg and Monkey. Mema made Monkey for me.
Here I am with Officer Al Lavender on one of the many visits through the years after that horrible day.
Me and Al several years later.
Al even taught me to shoot trap. I got really, really good.
Here is me and Office Lavender at my high school graduation party. He has been a great friend all these years.
More About The Michael's Monkeys Project
The "Michael's Monkeys Project" started as a gift to the Ames Police Department and all the first responders that responded to our worst day April 17, 2001. It has been 20 years now so we wanted to remember and honor Angi Lynn Hegg Bronemann as well as all of the first responders that did everything that they could that day to help. We just thought that sometimes the younger victims could use a little special help with scary times.
Special thanks to the special ladies that took a weekend and made the first 20 Monkeys with love. Each is unique, just like all the little people who will receive them on their worst day. God bless.
This project will continue as resources become available so that the young victims in other communities can benefit from some love and compassion in scary times. Stay tuned.
The "Michael's Monkeys Project" started as a gift to the Ames Police Department and all the first responders that responded to our worst day April 17, 2001. It has been 20 years now so we wanted to remember and honor Angi Lynn Hegg Bronemann as well as all of the first responders that did everything that they could that day to help. We just thought that sometimes the younger victims could use a little special help with scary times.
Special thanks to the special ladies that took a weekend and made the first 20 Monkeys with love. Each is unique, just like all the little people who will receive them on their worst day. God bless.
This project will continue as resources become available so that the young victims in other communities can benefit from some love and compassion in scary times. Stay tuned.
April 17, 2021 Ames Police Department receives the first batch of Michael's Monkeys to give to children in tough situations.
Pictured: (L to R) Michael Bronemann, Officer Tom Shelton, Jon Bronemann
Pictured: (L to R) Michael Bronemann, Officer Tom Shelton, Jon Bronemann
Would you like to be a part of the project:
You can help in so many ways bring comfort and bless kids in hard situations. We make it easy. We are currently looking for "Grandmas / Grandpas / any loving person" who wants to donate their time and talents to make Monkeys for kids.
This can be done in several ways:
1. Make a donation to Michael's Monkeys and we use all of that to buy materials for those with talents to make them. Cash or Check options are available. Venmo and Paypal options coming soon so stay tuned.
2. Make your own Monkey and his friends and send them to us and we will add the packaging and a card to Monkey and send him on his way to a first responder group in Iowa. We try to send appropriate amounts as demand is higher in larger populated areas.
3. Make your own Monkey(s) and send to your local first responders, but we ask that you let us know so we can send you a packet about what we did to streamline things and how we contacted first responders to arrange a time. They are busy, but are sooooo appreciative of this effort.
Fox River makes a kit that is so easy to use. Here is a link: Fox River Sock Monkey Kit
These ship directly to you. All orders over $35 should automatically qualify for free shipping. We have been given a 25% off code as their donation to this project. Please use this responsibly.
Sock Monkey Kit Discount Code: MICHAELSMONKEYS
4. If you would like to share your skill and are unable to purchase the kits let us know and we would be happy to send you kits to make Monkey and his friends for first responders in your area. Just reach out and let us know. We can send you information and cards to attach to Monkey and his friends and how to donate to the First Responders. We want you to be a part of this project in any way your can help.
Contact us: michaelsmonkeysproject@gmail.com
Click on the file below for a PDF file format card to attach to your Monkey and send out to your first responders group. When you print click your "Print Both Sides" option on your printer. Please include this card and Monkey in a 2-gallon size Ziploc bag and present to your local first responders group. The bag will help keep Monkey clean and ready for the first responders to share with the community. He will likely be riding in the back with their equipment.
Please feel free to take a picture and send it to us so we can continue to share the story and grow to impact other communities and get others involved in this effort. We should all feel good about giving back.
Iowa State Patrol - January 2022
Donated to the Iowa State Patrol - Cedar Falls Post by a retired nurse who has seen her share of trauma and sadness. Life experiences have shaped each of our volunteers who give of their time and skills to spread joy to others. Thank you!!!!!
Cedar Falls Public Safety - April 17, 2022
Seven Monkeys were gifted to our hometown of Cedar Falls, Iowa in honor of our Angi. It has been 21 years since that day. Michael and I didn't realize it was almost 21 years to the minute today that the accident happened as we were walking into the police station to donate these. The day was Easter Sunday that these were dropped off for deployment into our community.
We are reminded of this song from church:
You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There may be pain in the night
But joy comes in the morning
And when the oceans rage
I don't have to be afraid
Because I know that You love me
Your love never fails
We hope that these little guys can bring some joy to our local children when their oceans rage and they have pain in their lives.
We are reminded of this song from church:
You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There may be pain in the night
But joy comes in the morning
And when the oceans rage
I don't have to be afraid
Because I know that You love me
Your love never fails
We hope that these little guys can bring some joy to our local children when their oceans rage and they have pain in their lives.
| michaels_monkeys.pdf |