Heart
BEATS DECEMBER 2013
18th Annual
Cup O’ Cheer Homes Tour
The 18th Annual Cup O’ Cheer Homes Tour was held Friday, November 22, 2013. Mother Nature sent us a chill to put us in the holiday spirit. Nearly 1,800 guests were able to tour the beautiful homes, and the silent auction raised $13,873. Four lucky winners won a $250 Obelisk Home gift card; and the raffle raised $1,127!
This event would not have been possible without more than 200 volunteers who generously gave their time to serve during the festivities. Special thanks to ALL of our home coordinators, tour guides, shuttle drivers, shuttle stops, servers, greeters, cleaners, decorators AND everyone who offered a helping hand! Your role is vital in this amazing annual event!
Mark your calendars now for the 2014 Homes Tour, to be held Friday, November 21, 2014! Be sure to purchase your tickets early to ensure you receive a teacup and saucer. If you’d like to receive an email notification when tickets go on sale, please contact Kim Booth at Kim.Booth@RMHCozarks.org.
Presleys’ Country Jubilee Inside Fantastic Caverns
A sold-out crowd enjoyed the talented Presley Family in a concert held for the first time in half a century inside the landmark Fantastic Caverns! Fundraising proceeds are expected to exceed $10,000! Words cannot express our heartfelt thanks
to Kirk Hansen of Fantastic Caverns, the entire Presley family and crew, and the many volunteers who made the evening possible. Our families are able to find a “home away from home” because of donors and volunteers like you!
From The
Staff
Heart of the House HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
CoxHealth Young Professionals CoxHealth Young
Professionals recently toured the House near Cox South to learn more about the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities, but they didn’t come empty-handed! We appreciate your thoughtful gifts from our Wish List and look forward to working with you in the future!
Lori Aduddell Merideth Aduddell Miles Aduddell Scott Aduddell Karis Agnew Johnny Anderson Abby Baudendistel Oana Bozek Martha Brooks Ashton Canfield Jacinda Canfield Phillip Canfield Vivian Carissimo Evelyn Close Heather Cottle-Dillon Audrey Dlabach Jan Dooly Judy Duncan Bill Duplisse Nancy Duplisse Susan Englert Meg Erickson Judith Garson
Becky Gillham Sharon Gillham Shawn Gott Amanda Grassi Amy Grubaugh Tyler Hamilton Darren Harrelson Laura Harrelson Mackenzie Harrelson Cindy Harris Kathy Jenkins Paula Johns Clayton Keller Crosby Keller Betty Kniep Julia Kovacs Marion Kraemer Zachary Kram Wing Lam Debbie Lane Caroline Langley Betty Laytham Gene Laytham
Cheri Ledesma Sandra McNeive Eileen Meinsen Larry Meinsen Ashley Miller Sandy Morris Nathan Nelson Christian Nguyen Dani Peterson Kay Prost Linda Regan Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts Catherine Rucker George Schlick Joan Schroeder Anne Schubert Sue Sloan Debbie Slocum Randy Slocum T.J. Slocum Mary Smith Ashleigh Spalding
Kara Speights Kim Stagner Brianna Steiert Della Stewart Brandon Taylor Karen Taylor Kelsey Taylor Kristina Taylor Rich Taylor Katie Tohill Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell Yvonne Webb DeeLee Webster Abigail Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Sara Westbrooks Bill Whitworth Danielle Wolford
Kayley Barnes Michael Bohnert Angela Dearing Sandy Emberton Laurie Feick Debby Freiman Terry Greer Ann Griesemer Sarah Gutzke Chuck Guy Connie Guy
Michaela Harris Brenda Havens Kim Haynes Carri Hummer Jessi Hummer Karis Jaramillo Rosemary Jiang Mackenzie Kurth Angel Le Barbara McBride Larry McBride
Rebekah Mitts Megan Mize Jared Nave Pooja Patel Marc Propst Karla Reed Lauren Routh Chandler Saner Amanda Schudy Mikaela Smith Paul Spiker
Amy Sullinger Serenity Sullinger Amy Sutton Tammy Taylor Ashley Toten David Vong Debbie Williams Megan Wilson
HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
RMHC Staff Heart Beats is published monthly for volunteers of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Ozarks and The Tooth Truck, Inc. Editor: Staci Holland The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates: McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald House logo, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, RMHC. The Tooth Truck name and logo are owned by The Tooth Truck, Inc.
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President & CEO Bonnie Keller House Program Director Staci Holland Tooth Truck Program Director Mindy Muñoz Director of Events Chris Louzader Project Manager Amber Price Assistant to the President Debbie Kinser Development Assistant Kim Booth Communications Assistant Karen Doman
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH House Manager Megan Schussler Associate House Manager Brent Stock Assistant House Managers Jacinda Canfield Adrianne Forster Brittany Gamble Angela Hammond Morgan Jensen Sheridan Thurman Randi Villines
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL House Manager Alexis Rainwater Associate House Manager Brian Powers Assistant House Managers Amber Campbell Amy Crawford Hannah Major Jill Stout Danielle Walcher
Meet our new
House Manager and Associate House Manager Megan Schussler is no stranger to the mission of Ronald McDonald House. Her family found a “home away from home” at the House in Colorado when her brother had to travel from Missouri to undergo medical treatment. She graduated from Missouri State University in 2009 with a business degree in Entertainment Management. During her time at MSU, she was an active member of Alpha Delta Pi (Ronald McDonald House is the National Philanthropy of Alpha Delta Pi) and served on the Greek Life Executive Council. Since graduating, Megan has held operations management positions for special event venues, most recently serving as the Operations Manager for the Veridian and Sensory Integration. Megan and her husband Andrew have been married
since April 2012 and have two dogs they enjoy spoiling; Brutus and Napoleon. Megan also serves as the social enrichment advisor for Alpha Delta Pi. Brent Stock has been employed
that pass through our doors and saw an opportunity to further his commitment to the organization. His favorite things about working for the Ronald McDonald House are getting the opportunity to be a part of such a caring and supportive atmosphere and being able to make a difference in people’s lives. Brent graduated from Missouri State University in May 2013 with a degree in Conservation and Wildlife Management and a minor in Geospatial Sciences. He is originally from Independence, Missouri, and enjoys spending his time volunteering with the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks. Brent has fallen in love with the Ozarks and enjoys fishing, hunting and mountain biking in his spare time.
with Ronald McDonald House near Cox South since February 2012. He began his tenure with the organization serving as an Assistant Manager for nearly two years before being promoted to Associate House Manager. He says that he enjoyed interacting with all of the families and volunteers
December Birthdays December 1 Mikaela Smith Jill Stout December 2 Katie Tohill December 5 Connie McCarter December 6 Sandy Emberton Nathan Nelson December 7 Cliff Ricketts December 9 Ashley Ambrose Larry Meinsen December 16 Jacinda Canfield Cassie Pirrone Chandler Saner December 17 Donna Powers December 19 Tristen Uzzell December 20 Skyler Pacheco December 21 Joanna Weitzel December 23 Sarah Hansen
September Dinner Groups
December 25 Chris Louzader Mary Smith
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
December 27 Dr. Marla Floyd
Battlefield United Methodist Church Home Depot The Beuer Family Jennifer Jenkins Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Just Friends The Clotfelter Family Kickapoo FCCLA Crighton Olive & Dunn Surgical Group Knights of Columbus Drury Pre-Health Professionals Knights Templar Evergreen Baptist Church Kohl’s A Team Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano Moore & Holm Family Glendale Christian Church MSU Family & Consumer Sciences Greater Springfield Dental Hygiene Education The Harrelson Family MSU Student Nursing Organization Hillcrest Presbyterian Church Northside Church of Christ-Empty Nesters
The Powers Family Republic High School FCCLA Second Baptist Church Springfield Catholic Schools Springfield Community Church of the Nazarene Union Hill Church of Christ Walmart of Nixa
December 28 George Schlick
December Open Dinner Dates: 27 & 28
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Ash Grove United Methodist-Presbyterian Church Clever United Methodist Church The Clotfelter Family The Cramer Family The Donica Family Drury Student Volunteers Group The Eldred Family Fair Grove Elementary Faith Baptist Church Famous Dave’s
FedEx Ronald McDonald House Board Members Joy Sleep and Family Springfield Community Church of the Louise Morgan Nazarene Marshfield NHS Sunshine Church of Christ Mercy Corporate Health and Wellness Turning Point Church Mercy Imaging UMB Bank Mercy Marian Center – Addiction Recovery Union Hill Church of Christ Youth Aldersgate United Methodist- Mitchell’s Wellington Hills Friends Small Group December Open Dinner Dates: Mychelle Eckels 12, 21, & 26 The Ravadge/Patterson Family
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Fun RMHC Facts Did you know??? There are 329 Ronald McDonald Houses in 33 countries and regions around the world (175 in US).
Around the House
There are 192 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in 23 countries and regions around the world (106 in US). There are 50 Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles operating in 9 countries and regions.
Wish List HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL HE Laundry detergent Swiffer liquid Coffee filters Coffee & tea Magic Erasers Labels for food Drink mixes Hygiene products Gallon-size Ziploc bags Laundry baskets
HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
8-gallon trash bags Laundry baskets Individually wrapped breakfast items White king sheets (fitted and flat) White standard-size pillowcases White bath & hand towels White wash cloths Detergent Stamps 8 1/2 x 11 Paper
Jane Paul, owner of Interior Fashions, recently donated her time to decorate the Mercy Ronald McDonald House for Christmas! This is the second year that Jane has donated her talent
in preparing the House for the holiday season, and the look of wonder on the children’s faces has been priceless! Three lodge-style Christmas trees and a classical Santa greet guests as they enter the House—and that’s just the beginning! As you enter the living room, a 7.5-foot Christmas tree adorned with sparkly green, red, and gold decorations is the immediate focal point! A three-foot Santa also adds to the Christmas spirit as families are welcomed into the living room. Throughout the House, Jane continued the Christmas theme by adding miniature whimsical trees to each dining room table, garland and colorful bulbs on the buffet table, and stockings hanging from the shelves. Throughout the common areas you’ll also see simple touches that mirror the modern and inviting theme of the House, including small pine trees, angels, and vintage Santa characters. We welcome you to visit the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Children’s Hospital for a tour and a dose of Christmas spirit! We’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jane for, once again, ensuring our families experience the warmth the holidays bring while they are at the Ronald McDonald House—their “home away from home.”
YOU Can Help RMH Spread Holiday Cheer!
‘Tis the season to give! What better way to help spread cheer than to help make this holiday a little brighter for our families and children at the Houses! Our first holiday gifts arrived, and we can’t wait to put together holiday baskets for all our families! Special thanks to Margie Williams and Brenda Lee for your wonderful donation of items for kids and adults! Your gifts will help bring a smile to so many families.
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We are still in need of hats, gloves and scarves for moms and dads this year. Next time you’re out shopping, would you consider picking up an extra gift for a family member staying at our Ronald McDonald Houses? Donations can be delivered to the House near Cox South or the House at Mercy Children’s Hospital every day from 9 am - 9 pm.
Pictured from L to R: Carol Burton, Renae Beushausen, Betty Bench, Jim Bench, Bill Baldwin, Karen Baldwin
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Family Dinner Spotlight Turning Point Church When did you start providing meals for families at the Ronald McDonald House? January 2013
needed to prepare the meal, and the wonderful TPC family helps me cook and serve.
How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program? I (Renae Beushausen) came to visit for a school project and really wanted to use my gifts and culinary education for a good cause; to serve others! So, I signed up. I told my pastors at Turning Point Church about this opportunity and they wanted to be a part of it as well. They pay for the items
What is your favorite thing about participating in the Family Dinner Program? My favorite thing is to give a nice, sit down, 4-5 course meal to families who are going through a difficult or traumatic time. I love to serve these wonderful people in addition to being able to use my culinary degree in such a positive way. I feel like we get more out of it than we give.
Do you have any favorite memories? Just being able to sit down and talk with the families and hear their stories. What would you like to say to other groups who are considering volunteering with the Family Dinner Program? Do it!! It is very rewarding to be able to offer a small something in a time of difficulty.
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Volunteer Spotlight
Angel Le is a sophomore at Kickapoo High School in Springfield. She is involved at school in the Spanish Club, Pay It Forward and Key Club. Her future goals are to attend medical school and eventually become a doctor. Angel began volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Children’s Hospital in March 2013. She gladly donates her time at the House every
Friday evening—the most valuable night of the week for high school students! She learned about the Ronald McDonald House through her uncle and a friend who volunteer at the House near Cox South. Both said they loved volunteering with RMH. Angel’s favorite part about volunteering is meeting new people and getting to know families. She also loves interacting with Family Dinner Groups, other volunteers and Assistant Managers. When asked what she would like to share with others who are considering volunteering, Angel says, “It’s great to meet new people, and it’s a good experience to have!”
Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH STATS October 2013 Families Served........34 Nights................... 209 Families from Missouri..................23 Families from Other States............. 11 Year-to-Date Families Served................... 289 Program-to-Date Families Served... 8,442
HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL STATS When she is not volunteering at RMH, Angel enjoys watching movies with friends, riding her bike, “fan-girling” over Harry Potter and Michael Bublé, and shoe shopping with her mom. Her dog, Lucky, and two fish, Oakley and Bubbles, keep her busy as well. Please join us in giving Angel a big RMH welcome and thanking her for her commitment to serving the families and children at the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Children’s Hospital!
Volunteer Schedules
October 2013 Families Served........45 Nights................... 271 Day Use Visits.........14 Families from Missouri..................43 Families from Other States.............45 Year-to-Date Families Served................... 349 Program-to-Date Families Served...... 390
Please check in with the office staff at the Houses and on the Tooth Truck to discuss any schedule changes over the holidays and for volunteer shifts in 2014! We look forward to continuing our service to those in need, but we can only accomplish this with your help. Thank you for your generous gift of time! Happy Holidays to everyone who supports RMHC!
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Heart of the Truck Megan Blake Chelsea Carroll Juliette Dennis Sarah Hansen Brenda Havens Linda Heslin Taylor Klingenberg Kayla Maples Connie McCarter McKenzie Swan Clayton Schwinke Kelly Walters Gina Wyland
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Tooth Talk
Building Self-Esteem
One Smile At A Time. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, fondly known as the Tooth Truck, provides dental care for young individuals across our area of the Ozarks. With a focus on creating cavity-free smiles, the Tooth Truck also strives to build the self-esteem of each young patient. Personalized certificates are an earned memento for our special patients to show their friends and family following their final appointment on the Tooth Truck. The following young patients should be proud of their great attitudes and behavior during their appointments on the Tooth Truck. The Tooth Truck originally saw five-year-old Vernell, known to his friends as Junior, at Boyd Elementary in September 2013. Junior had a total of five cavities that were diagnosed during his initial cleaning appointment. Junior’s dental needs included five composite fillings and one sealant for a total treatment value of $1,034. During four restorative appointments on the Tooth Truck, Junior was a happy helper! Dr. Sarah presented Junior with a “You ROCK” certificate following his final appointment. Junior was able to leave with a remembrance of his brave attitude and enjoyable demeanor during his visits to
the Tooth Truck! Six-year-old Sabrina was originally seen on the Tooth Truck while at Campbell Elementary in September 2013. Sabrina was diagnosed with six cavities during her initial cleaning appointment on the Tooth Truck, and needed four restorative appointments “Dr. Sarah gave Junior a special “You Rock” certificate to complete for being a great patient on the Tooth Truck!” her treatment. Sabrina’s dental needs included five composite fillings, one Junior and Sabrina’s extraction of a baby tooth, dental needs as a result of and three sealants for a total their happy, cooperative treatment value of $1,563. behavior throughout their This brave first grader was appointments. The staff happy to come to the Tooth on the Tooth Truck wants Truck each time she had an each patient to be proud of appointment! During her their smiles and themselves! final appointment, RMHC Both Junior and Sabrina are board member, Terri Libel, students that will be fondly presented Sabrina with a remembered on the Tooth special certificate that read Truck due to their brave “WHOOO did a Great Job?” attitudes for such young Sabrina earned this certificate patients. The Tooth Truck because of her great attitude staff works hard to create and kind behavior throughout cavity-free smiles, provide her appointments! dental health education, and increase self-esteem with The Tooth Truck was every student that sits in the able to complete both patient chair.
Sabrina earned herself a special certificate to show how wonderful she did during multiple dental appointments on the Tooth Truck.
MRS. C’S RECIPES Cranberry Salad Mix together: 1 box cherry JELL-O 1 cup hot water Set aside in a bowl.
Enjoy wonderful recipes provided by Mrs. Vivian Carissimo, also known as Mrs. C.
Mix: 2 cups raw cranberries 1 cup sugar 1 cup crushed pineapple 1-2 chopped oranges 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks October 2013 Children Treated.... 163 Dental Appointments Provided............... 351 Year-to-Date Dental Appointments..... 2,737 Program-to-Date Dental Appointments.... 38,499 Program-to-Date Value of Treatments.....$8,923,006
Children Who Received Treatment: Clever Schools McGregor Elementary Weller Elementary Westport Elementary
Add all ingredients to JELL-O mixture and chill. You may add a diced apple if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tooth Truck Wish List Children’s DVDs Super Hero Themed Toys Toy Cars McDonald’s Toys
Small Stuffed Animals Small Footballs, Baseballs, etc. Coloring Books Hair Accessories
Program Director Mindy Muñoz General Dentist Dr. Sarah Cimino Temporary Dentists Dr. Bill Brell Pediatric Dentist Dr. Aaron Dannegger Dr. Tom Hoff President & CEO Bonnie Keller
FIT TIP OF THE MONTH The holidays are a time to celebrate, not to overindulge. It’s important to never hit a holiday party on an empty stomach, which will cause you to overeat. Once you’re at the party, pick one thing to indulge in that you only get to have during the holidays. And although it may be tempting to skip out on exercise during the busy holidays, it’s easy to adjust your workout to fit whatever time you have so you don’t put on that extra holiday weight.
STAFF
Office Manager Abby Newman Dental Assistants Megan Lambert Kim Otradovec Ms. Catherine Rucker
Part-Time Dental Assistant Kristi Terry
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Heart Beats
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
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Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Children’s Hospital
1st Year Anniversary November 30th marked the first anniversary of the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Children’s Hospital. It is with heartfelt gratitude that we thank Mercy Hospital Springfield and our many other generous donors and volunteers for making Springfield’s second Ronald McDonald House a reality. Since opening our doors, we have served 400 families through more than 3,000 nights; Family Dinner Groups have served 250 meals and 47 volunteers regularly provide their time and expertise for our families and program. Photos by: Gayle Babcock & RMH