APRIL 2016
From Our House to Yours
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF THE RED RIVER VALLEY NEWSLETTER
FAMILY STORY: HALVORSON FAMILY Ashley and Joey Halvorson’s lives were
13 oz. Shay Ann Halvorson was brought
It meant the world to my husband and me
turned upside down when, at 24 weeks
immediately to the NICU where she would
to have this safe haven…”
pregnant, Ashley went into labor. Ashley had
fight to stay alive.
been feeling sharp pains and decided to go
The Ronald McDonald House was a safe
to the doctor to get things checked out. As
Ashley and Joey wanted to stay by their
place in an unfamiliar town when stressors
her pains continued, it was confirmed that
new little miracle’s side as she fought for
were already high. When Joey had to go
she was in labor.
life.Three days after she was born it was
home to return to work, he was given
time for Ashley to check out of the Ashley was nervous, confused, and scared
hospital and they had no place
as she was sent by helicopter to Fargo. In
to go. Emotions were on over
Fargo, they were able to stop contractions
drive as there was no way that
for four days, but at 24 weeks and six days
they could drive 112 miles back
a beautiful baby girl was born at 1 lb and
and forth to and from Thief River Falls every day and they could not pay for a hotel. That is when the
“It meant the world to my husband and me to have this safe haven...”
Halvorson family heard about the Ronald McDonald House. Ashley said, “I am not from a very big town
comfort knowing that Ashley was in a safe
and driving in Fargo scared me. I was so
place with great people helping her every
blessed to have found the North Ronald
day.
McDonald House. I did not want to leave my baby’s side, and I was able to walk to the hospital and spend every day with her.
“I have no idea what I would have done if I
Continued on page two
Continued from page one
Ashley said that something that meant the most to her was the friends
would have had to pay for a hotel for the long road ahead of us. With
connected with other NICU families that were going through the same
they made. Because of the Ronald McDonald House, Ashley and Joey
being blessed to stay at the Ronald McDonald House I was able to focus all of my time and energy on the most important goal, and that was getting our little girl healthy and strong so she could come home!”
things and being able to talk to them helped in so many ways. The Ronald McDonald House not only offered a safe place to stay,
Ashley said.
but a support system through the other families, staff, and volunteers.
After 81 days, Ashley and Joey were able to bring their little girl home!
with a smile and being asked how their day was with Shay.
Getting through their long journey was made better by being greeted
Shay has leaped over every challenge she has been faced with and is now a happy and healthy 8 month old. Ashley said, “I will always hold the Ronald McDonald House close to my heart.”
A Note from Jill Christopher
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I consider us so lucky at the Ronald McDonald House to have such a fantastic group of volunteers!
Each year, we have over 1,000 people who take time out of their busy lives to help make our families feel
more at home by cooking a meal, fixing a leak, or helping answer the phone. I thought it would be fun to share
fun facts about few of our volunteers –
- We have 2 volunteers that have helped us out weekly for over 11 years putting in over 2000 hours! - We have a maintenance volunteer that also runs marathons – a hobby he started in retirement. - Our summer flowers are almost all planted and cared for by volunteers. What a green thumb they have! - We have 7 volunteers that come in every week to help with regular projects like prepping guest rooms, making welcome bags filled with toiletries, and more.
I could go on and on with interesting and amazing stories of the wonderful volunteers that we have. With our small team of employees, the volunteers we have are vital to ensuring the best experience for our guest families, and help us save over
$75,000 each year (based on data of the monetary value of a volunteer hour). On behalf of our whole team, we say thank you to our wonderful volunteers! You are an amazing bunch!!
The 27th Annual Sweetheart Ball PRESENTED BY MCDONALD’s OF THE RED RIVER VALLEY
It was a brisk evening as guests joined the
Melissa McCulley and Rial Stedman, longtime
Ronald McDonald House with warm hearts
Ronald McDonald House supporters, took the
to support the 27th Annual Sweetheart Ball.
stage to share the story of their time spent
Anticipation was in the air as attendees,
with their daughter in the hospital. They talked
dressed to the nines, perused a wide array
about the importance of having a place to
of silent auction items and tried out the new
stay and a comfortable bed and warm shower
mobile bidding system.
when you are going through such a heart wrenching time. They encouraged all attending
The program started off with past Ronald
to join with them in supporting the work the
McDonald House guests, the Hay Family,
Ronald McDonald House does, because
telling their RMHC story. The Hay family of
without RMHC parents would have to sleep in
Grand Forks, North Dakota, told about the
uncomfortable places and feel lost at a time
vital part the House played in their ability to
when all they need is hope.
stay close to their daughter, Talia, as she had surgery after they found blood on her brain.
The live auction, led by Don Anderson, was
They spoke about the importance of having a
a huge success thanks to our wonderful
place to go to rest your head, do your laundry,
donors Trever Hill Design, Fair Hills Resort,
and find a little normalcy in a scary time.
Disney World, Sheri and Jay Batesole, Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops and the RMHC Board of
The 2016 Sweetheart Ball was a wonderful evening raising over $83,000 to keep families close. The Ronald McDonald House would like to extend a huge thank you to all the businesses and individuals who helped make this year a success, especially our presenting sponsor, McDonald’s Restaurants of the Red River Valley.
Directors. Thanks to Tellwell, guests were able to get their pictures taken to remember this fun event as they began to dance the night away with the Second Chance Band.
A Special Thanks TO THE 2016 SWEETHEART BALL COMMITEE
ANN WERLINGER JACKIE SCHLUCHTER JO CARNEY LORI TIONGSON MARY ELLEN ROLFSON MEGAN RIEGEL Jack Sunday and Amy Iler of KFGO took the stage to welcome over 400 guests as they enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the Holiday Inn. After dinner, guests were encouraged to join in playing a heads or tails game with the chance to win a $400 West Acres gift card, thanks to West Acres Development.
RUTH HETLAND SHARON MILLER SHARON WILLIAMS SHERI BATESOLE SUE ZURN
2015 Volunteers
If you volunteered your time in 2015 and your name was omitted, misspelled, or listed incorrectly, please accept our sincere apology. We truly appreciate your committed to creating a home away from home.
7 Mindsets Group
Brad Kraft
Deanna Nordling
Heat Transfer Warehouse
Judy Greene
Aaron Tait
Brad Loween
Deb Loos
Heather Fritel
Judy Marik
Abbi Hesse
Brandon & Linette Dahl
Dede Vettleson
Heather Stanton
Justin LaGier
Abby & Rachel Conrad
Brandon Truhlicka
Demitrius Gray
Heidi Boehm
Justin Mahler
Adam Lunde
Brent Shannon
Dennis Britton
Heidi Ihry
Kaitlin VanWinkle
Adam Pardun
Brian Billings
Discovery Benefits
Heidi Schuer
Kaitlyn Omvig
Adam Way
Brittany Phillips
Donna Elliott
Hilton Garden Inn of Fargo
Kaly Peterson
Aimee Dorrheim
Busra Kohen
Donna Podratz
Holly Magnell
Karen Berntson
Alex Johnson
Cade Sawyer
Doris Skrove
Caila Jones
Dr. Ron and Kim Burd
Holy Cross Catholic Church West Fargo
Karen Burke
Alexcia Hagen Allie Uhlir
Caitlin Heller
Dr. Steve and Erika Briggs
Allison Dhuyvetter
Caitlyn McArthur
Eduardo Foundey
Allison Springer
Calvary United Methodist Church - Fargo
Edward Jones
Aly Fry
Amanda Brinkman Amanda Haliburton Amanda Kohls Amanda Nemmers
Andrea Coombs Household Andrea Loera Andrea Mayer Andrew Effertz Andy Corcoran Angela Liebl Angie Coppin Anika Grejtak Ann Werlinger Annetta Tweten
Annette Porter Household Appareo Systems Ardis Zimney Arlene Christopher Ashley Brown Ashley Groehring Ashley Simmons
Isaiah Nelson Jack Binfet Jackie Schluchter
Karen Hanson Karen Hintzman Karen Schmitz Kari Graber
Thank
Alyce & Kershann Erdman Alyssa Olson
Houston Engineering
Carla Buchholz Carly Masloski
Carol Holzworth Carolyn Knight
Carrie Nelson-Hartman Chance Stribling Charles Poynter Charles Rebsch
Charlie Henderson Chelsey Fenske
Chris Bachmeier Chris Ebling Chris Horne
Chris Koudela
Christian Pharmacist Fellowship International Christin Besette
Christine Simon Ciara Witzel
Beth Anderson Bethel EFC Church - Fargo
Emily Nielsen
Emily Von Hagen
Erica and Brian Peterson Erica Bahls Erik Kiesz
Erin Nodland
Faith Lutheran Church
Fargo Firefighters Significant Others
James Kelley
Jamie Blazek Jamie Smith
Janae Hardina Janelle Griggs
Janice Douville
Janna and Jake Curry Jason Davis Jason Huck Jay Haug
Jean Lamberson Jeff Renner
Jen and Mitch Wolden
Jennifer and Donny Weiker Jenny Johnson
Jerad & Casey Steichen Jeremy Anderson Jeremy Simpson Jerry Bents
Jessica Henrichs Jessica Miller
FM Busy Babies
Jessica Scheuer
Frances Pelkey
Jill Carlson
Frank Koltes
Jill Geiger
Gail Gillam
Jill Holmstrom
Gayle & Ron Guggisberg
Jim McCulley
Geni Corwin
Jo Carney
CoreCon
Girl Scout Troop #30959
Jodi Hammer
CoreLink Administrative Solutions
Girl Scouts of West Fargo
Joel and Brittany Neppl
Gladys Sanchez
John Michael Lynch
Gloria Sheldon
Jonathan O’Keefe
Grace Wilson
Jordann Hoernemann
Gregg and Laurie Thielman
Jorge Zayas
Gregg Matejka
Jorian Russiff
Gretchen and Kent Anderson
Joseph and Rebecca Moch
Hallie Sartwell
Joseph Johnson
Hands for Change Students
Josh Erickson
Hannah Hoeger
Joshua Russiff
Hannah Rollin
Joy Bang
Hatch Realty
Joy Mortensen
Heart of the Lakes Elementary
Judy Arzola
Cindy Markovic
Consolidated Communications
Beta Sigma Phi Sorority
Emilee Gourde
Jamee Miller
Flame of Faith Youth
Aubrey Zuger
Benjamin Asper
Elliot Kirschmann
Flame of Faith United Methodist Women - West Fargo
Colleen Lippincott
BellaDonna Marth
Ellie Rutten
Christine Baone
AtoS
Becky, Sydnee, & Danica Byrne
Elizabeth Schumacher
First Lutheran Church - Fargo
Cody Eilertson
Becky Fix
Elizabeth Louks
Christina Wolf
Ashly Arnold
Barbara Turnai
Elaine Ackerman
Christina Jacobson
Clint and Nancy Rossland and kids
Barbara Geeslan
Eileen Stubson
Fargo Public Schools Project Invest
Ashli Kottsick
Bailey Henke
Eide Bailly LLP
Courtney Werre Cynthia Sorkness Dan Conrad Danelle Klaman Dante Breeding Darren Huber Dave Solberg
Bethlehem Lutheran Youth Group
David and Crystal Dahl
Bjorn Berg
Dean & Gracie Atchison
Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND
Dean Rindy
Bobbi Penner
Deanna Balvitsch
David Suppes
Judy Erdmann
Kari Klingsporn Hitterdal Kari Lyter
Karin Schumacher Karly Bondy
Katelin Madsen Kathy Bishoff
Katie Harmelink
Katrina Turman Lang Kayla Boland
Kayla Peterson Kayla Toso
Kelly Boyer
Kelly Messerschmidt Kelsey Hartkopf Kelsi Glynn
Kelsi Mikkonen Kelsie Moch
Kendra Brosl
Kevin and Lora Elfstrum Kia Callahan
Kim and Aaron Birrenkott Kim Meyer Kim Myers
Kim Vannett
Kimberly Vosseteig Kirsten Jensen Kirstie Bosman Kraig and Amanda Nordick Kristi Engelstad Kristi Rotvold Kristi Stroud Kristin Bietz Kristin McDonald Kristin Pennie Krystal Gaetz Kyla Domingo Kylie Yineman Lane Pereboom Laura Ayers Laura Lindblad Laura McKay Leah Herman Leah Meinert
Lee Vetsch
Megan Biegler
NDSU Upward Bound
Ryan Schuster
Lenny and Carol Volk
Megan Boeddeker
Nicholas Hylla
Sadie Jo Lura
Lexstar Construction/Real Estate Services
Megan Riegel
Nick and Shauna Wimer
Megan Skadberg
Nick Carlson
Salem Evangelical Free Church of Fargo-Moorhead
Melissa Braseth
Nicole Kramer
Melissa Erdmann
Nicole Reak Turchin
Melissa Schmalenberger
Nicole St. Marie
Messiah Lutheran Youth
Nina & Jake Wright
Michael Hoffman
Nina Flippance
Michael Norris
Norma and James Swanson
Michele Berg
Olivet Lutheran Church Youth
Michelle Lunde
Olivet MOPS
Mickie Bosch
Pablo Solano
Microsoft
Pam and Mark Ekre
MidKota School
Pat Bjorklund
Mikaila Moyer
Patricia Moser
Mike and Kim Suppa
Paul and Jessica Osland
Mike Ferrie
Paul D. Johnson
Mike Noble
Linda Barr Linda Linquist Linda O’Halloran Linda Soderberg Lindsay Triplett Lindsay Warriner Lindsie Schoenack Lisa Braun Lisa Rudnick Living Waters Lutheran Church - Fargo Loren and Judy Thompson Loren and Robin Stahl
Samantha Beck Samuel Pulkrabek Sanford Children’s Southwest Clinic
STLF Forward Impact Program Students Today Leaders Forever Sue Mueller Sue Zurn Susan DiFiore Susan Duval
Sanford Marketing
Tammy Blake - Kath
Sara and Jon Hoffman
Tammy Enright
Sara Hoffman
Tanya Burckhard
Sara McGauvran
Tanya Strobel
Sara Penn
Tara Peters
Sara Watson
Tarin Lochowitzer
Sarah Hagler
Tatum Lindbo
Scott & Christine Gorder
Taylor Bjork
Scott & Robin Westall
Ted Milz
Scott and Robin Westall
Teresa Nelson
Paul Dickfeld
Scott Billingsley and Trina Reitz Billingsley
Tessa Tvedten
Miranda Letzring
Paul Hagen
Seth Wolf
Miriam Griffin
Pauline and Daniel Dunn
Shana Wilson
Molly Johnson
Pedigree Technologies
Shannon Bacon
MOMS Club of West Fargo
Peg Miller
Sharayah LaGier
Monica McConkey
Pepsi America
Shari Koenig
Moorhead Lions Club
Peter Melkus
Sharlene Nelson
Moorhead Mamas
Phillip Poradis
Sharon Miller
Morgan Binfet
Prairie Heights Community Church
Sharon Williams
k You Loretta Baasch Lori Tiongson
Lucinda Banks
MacKenzie & Trevor Odden Mackenzie Scraper Macy Barrett
Maggie Burlingame
Maggie Schoarzkopt Maggie Stickney
Mallory Brunsvold Marcie Vesey Marcus Myre
Maren Buhaug
Margot Peterson Marie Adamson
Mariom Carvajad
Marshall Paulsen Marti Nyman
Mary Anderson
Mary Ann Donnay Mary Dahl
Mary Ellen Rolfson Mary Fitzgerald
Mathias & Angela Hartman Matt and Alicia Larson Matt Dunton Matthew and Laurie DeVries Matthew Enriquez Matthew Johnson Mavis Frueh Max Kringen McDonalds of Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Meals on Heels
Morgan Reinke
Mortenson Construction Nadine Aljets
Nan and Chris Kennelly Nancy Holm
Nancy K. Johnson Nancy Larson
Rachael Warner Rachel Welder Rachelle Kern
Rachelle Rykowsky Randi Askegaard Randy Hansen
Shaun Thomasson Sheila Boyda
Shelby Waliser Sheri Batesole Sheri Miller
Sherry Dunn
RaNell Bang
Sheyenne High School FCCLA
Rebecca Guest
Sig Meier
Rebecca Radi
Sigrid Beckstrom
Rebecca Sitz
Silver Lake 4H
Rebekah Wilkie
Sojourn Church
Renee Brovold
Sonja DeYoung
Rhonda Lura
Stacee Pernin
Robin Perlenfein
Stacy Guthmiller
Roger and Pam Erlandsen
Stan Hanson
Roger Hagen
Steph Forbord
Ronny Albert
Stephan Welle
Rose Abraham
Stephanie & Greg Hammes
NDSU HDFS Club
Roxie Tetslaff
Stephanie Blair
NDSU Leadership in Organizations
Ruth Hetland
Stephanie Schroeder
Ryan Jensen
Steve & Gayle Dirksen
Ryan Petersen
Steve and Paul Danielson
Ryan Roshau
Steven Strack
Nancy VanLishoot Natalie Ganske
Natalie Thomas Nate Bergman
Nathan Lonneman Nathan McDonald NDSU
NDSU Alpha Gamma Delta NDSU Alpha Phi Omega NDSU Delta Tau Delta NDSU Department of Residence Life
NDSU Residence Hall Association
Tiffany Lawrence Tim Binfet Tim Deschenes Tim Payne Tim Sayler TMI Hospitality Tom Burns Tony Banger Tracy Lyson Travis and Rhonda Kitch Trina Michels Ulteig Engineers United States Navy US Bank - Fargo Valerie Schwantes Vanity, Inc. Verna Rasmussen Vickie Willprecht Vickie Wolden Victoria McCamy Victoria Tessin Wells Fargo Bank Wendy & Dick Hell West Fargo MOMS club William Barker Wyzata Community Church YMCA of Cass Clay YouthWorks Yulia Smirnova
SHOWING OUR STRIPES #FORRMHC
Giving Hearts Day 2016
Thank you so much for raising over $50,000 on Giving Hearts Day 2016!
Families are asked to contribute $15 a night toward their stay,
however no one is turned away for an inability to pay. Thank you for Sharing a Night with families with critically-ill children.
This year on Giving Heart’s Day we showed our stripes to keep
families close. Giving Hearts Day was on Thursday, February 11th, 2016, and contributions of $10 or more to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley were matched up to
$17,250 thanks to Dakota Medical Foundation, TMI Hospitality and the West Fargo Shakers.
A special thank you to Impact Foundation for putting on such
an inspirational day of giving. Thanks also to all our friends who helped by showing their red and white stripes #forRMHC.
Save the Date June 11, 2016
RMH RIDE In its 15th year, this year’s Ride will be the best yet! You won’t want
to miss the biggest motorcycle ride to benefit a Ronald McDonald
House! This fun weekend includes an awesome ride around scenic
country side, bands, burn out pit, silent & live auctions! A whole
weekend full of fun events begins Friday night with a concert by Hairball! More information at www.rmhride.com
July 18, 2016
17TH ANNUAL RMH GOLF TOURNAMENT PRESENTED BY MOORHEAD ASSOCIATES OF THRIVENT FINANCIAL It’s tee time! Dust off your clubs and golf fore the House! This
year’s golf tournament will be held Monday, July 18th, 2016, at the Meadows Golf Course in Moorhead. There will be a shotgun start of 1:00 pm. Tournament will be held rain or shine. Sponsorships
and team registration available now! Support RMHC and have a little fun at the same time. Check out www.rmhcfargo.org for more information or contact Kelly at 701-232-3980 or kelly@ rmhcfargo.org
Thrivent Choice Dollars Are you a Thrivent member? Learn more ways to support
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley
through Thrivent Choice Dollars. With Thrivent Choice you
can recommend where some of Thrivent Financial’s charitable outreach funds go. Contact your Thrivent representative for
instructions on how you can direct dollar to RMHC. The Ronald
McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley is an
approved charity to receive choice dollars. In fact, since the
Choice Dollars program has started, Thrivent members have directed almost $8,000 to RMHC!
2016 Spring Wishlist
*Non-scented garbage bags, kitchen size
*Lip balm
Dryer Sheets
Body wash (Regular size)
Pop Tarts
Magic Erasers
Women’s razors and shaving cream
Silverware sets
Scotch Brite shower scrubbers/refills
Men’s shaving kit, razors and deodorant
Laundry Detergent (Unscented)
Hand Lotions –Regular size/Travel size
CLEANING
PERSONAL CARE NEEDS
Kleenex packets
KITCHEN ITEMS Dishwasher tabs or powder detergent
Fruit Snacks Easy Mac Cereal (individual boxes) Canned meats (tuna, chicken) *Crockpot liners Can openers Cookie sheets Clorox Wipes *Individual containers –plastic or glass
An asterisk represents our most urgent needs.
1330 18TH AVENUE SOUTH FARGO, ND 58103