Vickie’s Angel Foundation provides a temporary financial bridge supporting men, women and the parents of children battling cancer. Our evaluation committee meets weekly to review new applications and review current recipients for continued support.
Our process is to pay vendors directly on their behalf. We do not give money to recipients.
What are the eligibility criteria?
All men, women and children in treatment for any form of cancer are eligible for support. There is no age limit. They must reside within our nine county service area of Pennsylvania - Cumberland, Dauphin , Perry, Lebanon, Adams, York, Lancaster, Schuylkill and Franklin counties.
When did the foundation start?
It all started with a charity walk on October 18, 2003 and every year since we have had a walk the second weekend in October. The walk is always held at the New Cumberland Borough Park in New Cumberland Pennsylvania. In 2019 we added the opportunity to walk remotely for those who may want to participate but the date or location don’t work for them. In 2022, we began a Dauphin County walk. Eventually we would like to see a walk in each of our nine counties.
What is the mission?
Vickie’s Angel Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit with a mission of helping families fighting cancer who cannot pay their bills because of going through cancer treatment. Our goal is to take away the financial stress from the family, providing a temporary bridge that allows them to focus entirely on their treatments and healing. We offer them hope.
We assist families (2,000,000 people) in nine counties in central Pennsylvania. They are Cumberland, Dauphin , Perry, Lebanon, Adams, York, Lancaster, Schuylkill and Franklin.
What is the focus?
Ultimately our goal is to help people avoid the toxic stress of mounting bills and focus on healing.
We directly pay for vital living needs such as rent, mortgage, utilities, car payment, etc... Our evaluation committee listens to the current needs of the individual and in some situations we have arranged for home repairs and filled oil tanks. In extreme situations we have seen people who were displaced due to an inability to work and therefore cover their rent/mortgage. In these situations we have secured housing.
How is money raised?
Through our annual walk, the annual SMT Turkey Trot at Thanksgiving and more than 30 other special events that occur throughout the year in addition to donations and grants
With our operating expenses covered by our Guardian Angels, we are pleased to say that Vickie’s Angel Foundation has always given, and continues to give, 100% of all donations to pay for the vital living needs of central PA residents battling cancer. This includes our annual Vickie’s Angel Walk, where 100% of all monies raised, go to those in need. Additionally, we are blessed to have the benefit of many individuals who plan events to benefit our mission. In these situations, we receive 100% of the net proceeds raised.
How much goes to families?
How much have you raised?
More than $4,500,000.
How do you pay operating expenses?
The answer is guardian angels! Through the gifts of GUARDIAN ANGELS we are able to pay expenses such as part time employees, office supplies, utilities, auditing, insurance and more. Their gifts allow us to continue to give 100% of net proceeds to our families. Please go to our website for more information on how to become a Guardian Angel.
How does someone apply for help?
Download the application from our website, secure the application from a social worker or call (717) 774-3800 and we will mail it.
The Vickie’s Angel Foundation Evaluation Committee meets every Tuesday and calls each family. Decisions are made that day on how we will help. We pay bills every Thursday.
Aid recipient bills are always paid directly to the vendor (landlord, bank, insurance company, etc…) never to the family. A copy of the payment is sent to the families for their records.
Do you conduct an audit?
Yes, an audit is done annually at a cost of more than $8,000.
How long does an applicant have to wait?
Typically one week after we receive the completed application, our evaluation committee will meet to review and call all current applicants. If approved for support, bills (rent, mortgage, car payment, insurance, etc…) are requested and if received in the same week, payments go out on Thursday of the same week.
Who was Vickie?
Vickie was the wife of Mickey Minnich, founder and CEO of Vickie’s Angel Foundation. Vickie became an angel on May 21, 2003, they had been married for 37 years.