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from our house to yours Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley
our mission statement - providing home-like comfort, support and care for families with children receiving medical care in fargo-moorhead.
Family Spotlight
Kenadie Belle Longie
Kenadie Belle Longie was born 3 months early weighing 1 lb and 15 oz. Kenadie was rushed to the Grand Forks NICU where she spent about a week before being moved to Fargo to close the hole in her heart. Little Kenadie has been through a lot during her time in Fargo with two Patent Ductus Arteriousus (PDA) ligation surgeries, three surgeries on her throat and numerous balloon dilations on her throat.
The doctor told Kenadie’s parents one of her vocal cords wasn’t working properly and was making it hard for her to breath properly. Kenadie was diagnosed with partial paralysis on her left vocal cord and it would have to heal on its own.
in this issue Longie story cont.
message from the executive director
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sweetheart ball 3 2014 volunteers
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2014 sweetheart ball review
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heart warmer volunteers needed
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For more information visit: www.rmhcfargo.org
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Kenadie’s mom and dad, Sharlotte and Marshall, got the news that Kenadie would have to undergo a tracheostomy. They said it was the worst day of their life knowing that there was still such a long road ahead. About a week before the surgery, Sharlotte and Marshall, along with Sharlotte’s three yr old son, Ryleigh, came to the Ronald McDonald House. Coming from Fort Totten, ND, the Ronald McDonald House makes it possible for Sharlotte to be by her daughter’s side every day during her recovery. At first Sharlotte was worried about how it would go at the House having a spunky three year old sharing a home with other families. Sharlottte said,
“…it has been such an amazing place to be to meet great people from different places with their own stories.” The Ronald McDonald House not only lifts financial burdens, but offers a support system when a family’s support system is far away. Sharlotte and Marshall have loved getting to know other families and that they are not alone in this long journey to health. Kenadie is now 10 lbs. and her vocal cords are functioning properly. Sharlotte, Marshall, and big brother Ryleigh are looking forward to bringing her home soon. Sharlotte said about the Ronald McDonald House, “I feel this House is a great place to stay. It’s a home away from home…the hospitality and kindness was greatly appreciated!” It would not be impossible for Sharlotte and Marshall to be by their daughter’s side.
a note from the executive director
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ccommodation needs are a significant stressor for families of critically-ill children, particularly when they are traveling far distances. The Ronald McDonald House helps to alleviate some of this stress and we could not do it without our wonderful supporters like you. Recently, nine studies have been published regarding the impact that the Ronald McDonald House program has on the families we serve. While the findings are not surprising to those who see the impact each and every day, I invite you to visit our recently revamped website at: www.rmhcfargo.org and read more about the published studies.
I believe a big part of the impact findings are due to our donors and volunteers. We could not do what we do without you! In this issue we highlight our 2014 volunteers – over 1500 of them! These fine folks cook, clean, and so much more to ensure our families can have the least stressful experience possible. In addition, you will read about our success with Giving Hearts Day on February 12 and our Sweetheart Ball on February 14. We are so grateful for the nearly 700 people that participated in these two events and raised nearly $125,000 to continue our support of families with hospitalized children. We anticipate serving over 300 families this year and I know they are so grateful for this outpouring of support from people they may never meet. Jill R. Christopher Executive Director
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cc c The 26th Annual
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Sweetheart Ball
presented by McDonald's of the Red River Valley
uests were glowing with excitement as they entered the ballroom at the Holiday Inn on Saturday, February 14th, 2015 to spend their Valentine’s Day showering the Ronald McDonald House with their love. Anticipation was in the air as attendees, dressed to the nines, perused a wide array of silent auction items at the 26th Annual Sweetheart Ball.
Jack Sunday & Amy Iler of KFGO welcomed over 400 guests as they enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the Holiday Inn. The stage was turned over to Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley’s 2015 Board President, Mary Ellen Rolfson. Mary Ellen began the night’s program by thanking all the sponsors and donors and by sharing her story of her son, Brayden, who is the reason she got involved with the Ronald McDonald House. 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.
Past Ronald McDonald House guests, Matt and Kari Kramer had attendees laughing and crying as they told the story of their journey of becoming parents and of their three week stay at the Ronald McDonald House. The Kramer family talked about the vital part that the House played in their son Garrison’s recovery. The live auction, led by Don Anderson, was a huge success! New this year attendees were able to purchase a raffle ticket for a chance to win a beautiful heart necklace, thanks to Riddle’s Jewelry. After the jewelry raffle, the Second Chance Band packed the dance floor with music for the rest of the evening. Thanks to Onsharp, we were also able to have a photo booth to capture all the fun of the evening!
A special thank you to the 2015 Sweetheart Ball committee – your dedicated and hard work is truly appreciated! Catherine Wagner Cathy Hahn
The 2015 Sweetheart Ball was a big success raising over $95,000! 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.
Emily Keeling Jackie Schluter Jo Carney Kelly Messerschmidt Lori Tiongson Mary Ellen Rolfson Ruth Hetland Sharon Miller Sheri Batesole
contact information RMHC South House, Administrative Offices 1330 18th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103 Tel 701-232-3980 Fax 701-364-1954 rmh@rmhcfargo.org
RMHC North House 1234 N Broadway, Fargo, ND 58103 Tel 701-232-3980 Fax 701-234-9582 rmh@rmhcfargo.org
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thank you
Volunteers 2014
The Ronald McDonald House relies significantly on the hundreds of volunteers that walk through our doors. We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers. In 2014, volunteers gave over 4,135 hours of their time to help the Ronald McDonald House. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Advanced Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc. (AE2S) Allie Dhuybetter Amber Noonan Amy Berg Amy Kading Amy Lightfoot Amy Morrow Andrea Coombs Andria Ellingson Andy Mueller Anna and Emily Woinarowicz Anna Wurzer Anonymous Aubrey Gisselbeck Aubrey Zuger Aurora Elementary Becky Swoboda Belinda Ampofo Bethel EFC Church - Fargo Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND Brittany St. Bernard Cargill, Inc. - Fargo Carlie Brekke Carrie Schunk Cass County Government ND Catherine Wagner Chantel Frappier Charles Poynter Charlie Henderson Chelsey Fenske Christian Pharmacist Fellowship International Christin Besette Claire Wurzer Community Presbyterian Church West Fargo Concordia College CoreCon CoreLink Administrative Solutions Courtney Quist Cynthia Besette Daryl Kappenman Dave Solberg Dave, Shari and Victor Isaak David Hansen David Hatlen Denise Moran
thank you
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ank you
Diego Novã Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton High School Drew Lewandoski Duane and Linda Olschlager Eide Bailly LLP Elisa Hunt Emilee Gourde Emily Benson Emily Keeling Erika McDonough Faith Lutheran Church Fargo Davies High SchoolKey Club Fargo MEPS Fargo North High School Financial Business Systems, Inc (FBS) First Congregational United Church of Christ First Lutheran Church - Fargo First Lutheran Church MOPS- Fargo FM PM Rotary Fraser Limited Gabi Moran GAP Gary Lutheran Church Ginna Leither Girl Scout Troop #30002 Girl Scout Troop #30056 Girl Scout Troop #30095 Girl Scouts of Aurora Troop #30323 Grace Moser Grant Woodward Greg LaFrancois Gregg Matejka Greta Whelan Haili Hovland Halle Rygg Hands4Serving Hannah Hoeger Heart of the Lakes Elementary Hilton Garden Inn of Fargo Holy Cross Catholic Church - West Fargo Integreon Managed Solutions, Inc. Jackie Schluchter Jamie Smith Jancie Dauile Jane Cowger Janice Cooper
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Janice Douville Janna and Jake Curry Jared Oachs Jeff and Dana Sandene Jen Perkins Jena Rader Jessica Scheuer Jill Carlson Jillian Russell Jo Carney Joe and Deb Farrell Joe McGovern Josie Perhus Judy Ducraik Judy Greene Judy Tilton Julie Haugen Kari Graber Kari Lyter Karyn Bomstad Kate Whelan Kathleen Duppler Kathy Schneider Katie Bartels Katie Ehlis Keller Williams Roers’ Realty Kelly Messerschmidt Kelsey Graves Kendra and Matthew O’Brien Kevin Rinas Kim Burd Kimberly Hansen Kirsten Jensen Kjerstin MacGregor Kohl’s- Fargo Kristen Schimmel Krysta Ronning Kurt & Cathy Holland Laura McKay Legacy Children’s Foundation Lenny and Carol Volk Lesley McNeil Lightowler Johnson Associates, Inc Linda and Aaron Faiman Linda O’Halloran Lindsay Arneson Corwin Lisa Richter Livia Schonteich Helm
thank you
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For more information visit: www.rmhcfargo.org
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Living Waters Lutheran Church - Fargo Lori Tiongson Lynn Schmoll Makenna Schluter Maria Braun Mark Bibelheimer Mark Gemar Mary Ellen and Mikkal Rolfson Matt Cook McDonalds - FAF Inc. McDonald’s #10611- Main Ave. Fargo McDonald’s #1100 S. University-Fargo McDonald’s #1885- 8th St Moorhead McDonald’s #20918- 19th Ave N, Fargo Megan Meyer Melissa Rogne Michael Von Schenk Michaela Kukowski Michelle Noffzee Microsoft Midkota Public Schools Mikaela LaRoque Mike and Kim Suppa Mindy Ott Mojo Fitness Mollie Fearing Molly Angstman Monica Narvaez-Speldrich Moorhead High School Moorhead Lions Club Natalie McCleary Nativity Elementary 2nd Graders Nativity School NDSU NDSU Alpha Gamma Delta NDSU Chi Sigma Lota NDSU Human Development & Family Science Club NDSU Phi Lambda Sigma NDSU Rodeo Team Club NDSU Sigma Alpha Epsilon NDSU Sigma Nu NDSU Students of Allied Science NDSU Taw Kappa Epsilon NDSU Upward Bound NDSU Wellness Center New Life Lutheran Church Newfolden Elementary School Nick Gulmon Nick and Shauna Wimer Nicole Spainer Oak Grove Lutheran School Kindergarten
thank you
Oakes Cooking Club Olivet Lutheran Church Youth P.E.O. Chapter E Pat and Jim Bjorklund Paul and Sherri Fossum Paula Fass Paula Nilsen Pauline and Daniel Dunn Pedigree Technologies PM Rotary Club of Fargo Prairie Heights Community Church Quality Suites (Quality Inn) RDO Equipment Co. RealTruck Rena Stenseth Rene Wareham Rhonda Klieman Ruth Hetland Salem Evangelical Free Church of FargoMoorhead Samantha and Jeremy Bladaw Samantha Gust Sanford Health Sara and Steven Madsen Sarah Kenz Sarah Wherley Scott Brand and Courtney Jessiman Brand Shari Richardson Sharon Miller Sheila Boyda Sheri Batesole Sig Meier Sigrid Beckstrom Soroptimist International of Fargo
thank you
thank you
ank ou
St Joseph’s School Stephanie Adams Stephanie Ahlfeldt Stephanie Miller Stephanie Smith Steve and Erika Briggs Sue Mueller Swanson Health Products Tabitha Uselman Target Team, Fargo Target Team, Moorhead Teresa Nelson Tessa Evenson The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls ND/SD The Joy Project Tiffany Lawrence TMI Hospitality Tom Eide Travel Leaders Trisha and Tara Pinske Tristen Ross Ulteig Engineers Vickie Willprecht (Bittner) VOLT Workforce Solutions Xerox Business Service (RTS) Xi Alpha Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Zainab Ahmed
thank yo If you volunteered your time in 2014 and your name was omitted, misspelled, or listed incorrectly, please accept our sincere apology. We truly appreciate
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filling our house with your Love Giving Hearts Day 2015
Once again Dakota Medical Foundation and Impact Foundation
partnered to put on Giving Hearts Day. Giving Hearts day is a 24hour online fundraising event. This year, Giving Hearts Day took place on Thursday, February 12th online. Contributions of $10 or more were matched by Dakota Medical Foundation up to $4,000.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities keeps families close to their critically-ill children when they are in the hospital. We ask if families can to donate $15 but no one is turned away for an inability to pay. On Giving Hearts Day we put a heart balloon in our conference room for every $100 donated online to show how your contributions help fill our Ronald McDonald House with love.
With your love we can make sure that families stay close when it is needed most because healing happens together. Thanks to generous contributors RMHC raised just under $29,000 on Giving Hearts Day! Thank you to everyone who supports the Ronald McDonald House on this day and every day! A special thank you to Dakota Medical Foundation for making Giving Hearts Day possible!
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For more information visit: www.rmhcfargo.org
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save the date!
Charities
Fargo Marathon Charity Team – Team RMHC May 7-9, 2015 Are you running the Fargo Marathon this year? You can run for a reason. Run for Team RMHC to help the hundreds of families who are running a marathon of their own – fighting illness and injury and looking for hope. Go the distance to raise awareness and donations for RMHC. It’s easy to become a charity runner and you could earn cool prizes while helping out RMHC! Contact Erica for more information at 701-232-3980 or at Erica@rmhcfargo.org
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Lovin’ #forRMHC May 1-10 McDonald’s Give a little Lovin’ #forRMHC fundraiser will be held May 1-10, 2015. Customers can show their support of RMHC by purchasing a paper hand (for $1, $3, or $5) in the restaurants and drive-thrus. Give a little lovin’ for families who have critically ill children in the hospital.
RMH Ride Saturday June 13, 2015 You won’t want to miss this fun weekend to benefit the Ronald McDonald House! Grab your friends and head to New York Mills, MN to Ride for RMHC. A fun filled weekend of bands, live & silent auctions, burn out pits, and of course, a beautifully scenic ride around lake country. Enjoy great bands like Tripwire & Junk FM! Camping is available. Get it on your calendars now and keep up to date about the weekend festivities at www.rmhride.com. Registrations begins May 1st! 16th Annual Ronald McDonald House Golf Tournament tuesday july 14, 2015 It’s tee time! Dust off your clubs and golf fore the House! This year’s golf tournament will be Tuesday, July 14th, 2015, at Rose Creek Golf Course. All sessions will have a shotgun start of 1:00 pm. Tournament will be held rain or shine. A dinner will be held that evening. 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 Erica at 701-232-3980 or at Erica@rmhcfargo.org
Don’t forget to follow us online! Stay up to date with RMHC Instagram.com/RMHCFargo
Facebook.com/RMHCRRV Twitter.com/RMHCFargo
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We are looking for some heart warmer volunteers! Heart Warmers assist with family needs and also assist our day staff with gift bags, phones, mailings, house upkeep, and in a variety of other ways around the House. Heart Warmers should be volunteers who are willing to share 2-3 hours, once a week, or once every other week during the weekday.
Other Volunteer opportunities Baking and preparing a meal Assisting with mailings Light housekeeping Raking yard (seasonal) Decorating (limited-seasonal) Special events
For other ways to get involved or if you have a volunteering idea, please contact Kelly at 701-232-3980 or at Kelly@rmhcfargo.org
If you would like a Ronald McDonald House representative to visit your civic, church or other group, please contact Erica at 701-2323980 or at Erica@rmhcfargo.org<mailto:Erica@rmhcfargo.org
â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have been extremely blessed to be in such a caring environment during a hectic & stressful time.â&#x20AC;?