Heart
BEATS December 2015
20th Annual
Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour Ronald McDonald House Charities® supporters gathered Friday, November 20th, to make the 20th annual Cup O’ Cheer Homes Tour a huge success! Homeowners, decorators, POP-UP MARKET vendors and hundreds of volunteers worked enthusiastically to ensure our guests had a wonderful time. A special thank you to the many volunteers that generously gave their time to help us prepare the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South before the tour, and the many volunteers who spent the day serving, greeting, working in homes, driving shuttles, decorating and more. This event would not be possible without the thousands of hours you all provide each year.
for our Cup O’ Cheer Homes Tour guests at Remington’s Event Center. We have received so many positive comments! We’re already looking forward to another great event next year, so mark your calendars now for the 2016 Homes Tour, to be held Friday, November 18, 2016! 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.
We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, including Leadership Sponsors, Obelisk Home and BKD Wealth Advisors; Supporting Sponsors, Murney Associates Realtors and Arvest Bank; and Contributing Sponsors, 417 Magazine, Hogan Land Title Company, Kukes Design and McCann Printing. This year we introduced the new RMHC POP-UP MARKET, and more than 50 vendors provided a holiday shopping experience We are also grateful to the following sponsors for providing generous contributions that will support our Ronald McDonald Houses and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile:
Heart of the House Staff House Near Cox South
From The Happy Anniversary 1 Year
Brittany Means, House near Cox South Miranda Nelson, Mercy House
Johnny Anderson Alaina Arner Haley Barnett Connie Benna John Blocker Maggie Bradley Tyler Brasfield Betty Breshears Tram Bui Paula Bunch Nadean Burnett Ashton Canfield Dave Canfield Phillip Canfield Vivian Carissimo Susan Carter Evelyn Close Camry Cowan Kathy Dennis Heather Cottle Dillon Audrey Dlabach Jan Dooly Judy Duncan Diana Edgington Kate Fletcher Lexie Gambino Autumn Garner Aden Gaulding
Avery Gaulding Heidi Gaulding Becky Gillham Sharon Gillham Shawn Gott Fabian Goyes Maria Goyes Amy Grubaugh Angela Hammond-Hill Darren Harrelson Laura Harrelson Mackenzie Harrelson Cindy Harris Liz Hayes Katie Herman Charity Hightree Link Hill Zoe Hill Gracie Holt Kathy Jenkins Paula Johns Clayton Keller Kennedy Keller Savannah Keller Randi Kerr Betty Kniep Julia Kovacs Victoria Kubitschek
House At Mercy Children’s Hospital Tyler Austin John Barron Josh Bell Allison Blacksher Michael Bohnert Allison Burkholder Jennie Crabbe Courtney Cramer Brooke Davis Audrey Dlabach Megan Dwyer Sandy Emberton Becky Farris
Terry Greer Ann Griesemer Brenda Havens Kaley Hawkinson Carri Hummer Jessi Hummer Jenni Jacka Lillian Jacka Tyler Jones MaKenzie Judy Courtney Krueger Katelin Krusz Bridget Laib
Becky Lang Caroline Langley Linda Lebow Shawn Lowery Misty Manes Adrienne McCoy Sandra McNeive Amber Marmon Brittany Means Eileen Meinsen Larry Meinsen Sandy Morris Jordan Myers Abby Neumann Christian Nguyen Ana Ortiz Karla Peck Dani Peterson Kay Prost Kennedy Randles Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts Evan Roberts George Schlick Joan Schroeder Anne Schubert Jen Singletary Debbie Slocum
Randy Slocum T.J. Slocum Dearicka Smith Mary Smith Rawn Spearman Noah Spigelman Kim Stagner Brianna Steiert Brandon Taylor Karen Taylor Kelsey Taylor Kristina Taylor Rich Taylor Lauren Teideman Linda Tenneson Ava Uzzell Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell Abigail Weitzel Lucy Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Travis Weitzel Sara Westbrooks Sara Wilken Arin Williams Megan Zengel
Angel Laukon Angel Le Taylor Lee Barbara McBride Larry McBride Elaina Mihalik Rebekah Mitts Alyssa Mondeaux Abby Monsees Miranda Nelson Erin Parsons Pooja Patel Jonathan Price
Karrington Prohaska Chandler Saner Taylor Schmidt Mikaela Smith Amy Sullinger Serenity Sullinger Katelyn Sullivan Kirstin Terris Debbie Williams Rebecca Won
Welcome, New Volunteers To Houses
Camry Cowan, Brooke Davis, Kaley Hawkinson, Courtney Krueger, Victoria Kubitschek, Karrington Prohaska, and Jen Singletary
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.
Page 2
RMHC Staff President & CEO Bonnie Keller House Program Director Staci Holland Tooth Truck Program Director Mindy Muñoz Project Manager Amber Price Assistant to the President Debbie Kinser Development Assistant Kim Booth Administrative Assistant Debbi Gafner
Ronald McDonald House near Cox South House Manager Megan Schussler Assistant House Managers Karis Agnew Jacinda Canfield Taylor Croy Crosby Keller Kayla Love Sara Wikoff
Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Children’s Hospital House Manager Brian Powers Assistant House Managers Bethany Bishop Amy Crawford Bailey Ghan Hannah Major Melanie Ward
Ronald McDonald house at mercy children’s hospital
Family Dinner
December Birthdays
Mercy House Kitchen
On November 30, 2015, we celebrated the third anniversary of opening the House at Mercy Children’s Hospital. In the last three years, we have welcomed more than 1,300 families to our “home away from home” and volunteers have served nearly 1,000 meals through our Family Dinner Program! We have seen the program grow from 75% of nights adopted in 2012 to more than 90% of nights adopted through 2015! Our goal is to ensure families receive a warm meal EVERY night of the week and we need YOU to help make this possible. If you know of someone who might be interested in participating in our Family Dinner Program, please share this awesome opportunity with them. Things you may not know about serving at the House at Mercy: 1. The House is located on the 6th floor of Mercy Hospital, just outside the East Elevators. 2. Dinner groups can unload food at the East Entrance (between the main entrance and Hammons Heart Institute) and then park in the Children’s Hospital parking lot. This allows for easier access to the House. 3. Dinner groups can utilize our rolling cart to bring food up to the House in one trip. 4. Our kitchen is well-stocked with most utensils needed for preparing and serving your meal. If you want to check about a specific item, just call the House at 820-0764. 5. The commercial dishwasher cleans dishes in less than 3 minutes! 6. Not being able to cook and serve the meal does not exclude you from participating. Simply dropping off pizza or catering still ensures that our families have a meal to enjoy at the end of a long day. Don’t let a lack of time prevent you from serving families in this special way!
December 1 Nadean Burnett Mikaela Smith December 5 Connie McCarter December 6 Sandy Emberton
2016 Family Dinner Dates Sign up now to adopt a meal in 2016 at one (or both) of the Ronald McDonald Houses! We would love your group to be part of this wonderful program and help us provide a meal for families every night of the year. For a complete list of open dates, check out our full calendar online at www.rmhcozarks.org/rmh/ family-dinners/. You can schedule a meal at the House near Cox South by contacting Megan Schussler at 417875-3501 or the House at Mercy by contacting Brian Powers at 417-820-0534. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
November Dinner Groups Ronald McDonald House near Cox South
Alpha Delta Pi Sorority- Gamma Mu April and Family Battlefield UMC Cerner Si3 Child Life Student Association at Missouri State University Church of JCLDS Cox L&D DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Springfield Drury Pre-Health Professionals Evergreen Baptist Glassman Family Glendale Christian Church
Good Family Greater Springfield Dental Hygienist Association Hillcrest Presbyterian Church Home Depot James River Life Group Just Friends Knights of Columbus Knights Templar Lakeland Little Caesars Melinda Fielder and Friends Oak Grove Assembly of God
Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Children’s Hospital Alpha Delta Pi Ash Grove UMPC Charlie & Sarah Wilson Family Courageous Church-iServe Small Group Drury Volunteer Corps East Sunshine Church of Christ Fair Grove NHS FedEx Girl Scout Troop #10017 Hannah Schumacker Julie Gray & Friends Louise Morgan Marshfield NHS
Mercy Corporate Health and Wellness Mercy Imaging Mercy Marian Center MSU ACES Mt. Vernon First UMC Youth Group Mychelle & Jen Rod Wilfong & Family SBU College of Nursing Second Baptist Church Small Group Springfield Catholic Take Charge Torch Club Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ
December 7 Adrienne McCoy Cliff Rickets December 9 Larry Meinsen December 13 Alex Krause December 15 Connie Benna December 16 Jacinda Canfield Sherri Murdaugh Chandler Saner December 17 Emma Davis December 18 Melinda Thurman December 19 Tristen Uzzell
Ozark Dialysis Republic First Christian Church Republic Rainbow Girls Rotaract of Springfield Second Baptist Church SRC Community Relations Committee The Girlfriends Union Hill Church of Christ Weitzel Family Open January Dinner Dates: January 4, 22, 24, 27, 28, 29 & 30
December 21 Joanna Weitzel December 22 Angel Laukon December 25 Mary Smith December 28 George Schlick
United Healthcare Wellington Hills Friends The Wilson Family The Wright Family Open December Dinner Dates: December 27 Open January Dinner Dates: January 1, 4, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 23 & 29
Page 3
Wish List Happy Wheels Wish List Small bottles of lotion Mini hand sanitizers Activity books (crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word finder) Small packs of crayons for the activity books Travel manicure sets Chapstick Individual packs of Kleenex Individually packaged snacks (Goldfish, granola bars, Teddy Grahams, gum, mints, Lifesavers, etc.) 12-ounce water bottles
Around the Houses Front Porch Renovations Thanks to the hard work and dedication of members with Alpha Delta Pi sorority, our porches at the House near Cox South recently received a much-needed facelift. Alpha Delta Pi raised over $15,000 to underwrite the renovations and add a porch swing (coming soon)! We also want to thank the following contributors who provided donations and discounts totaling over $3,000 for this project: Monticello Custom Homes & Remodeling, Meek’s Building Center, Spectrum Paint, Don Evans Painting, and E&H Guttering.
House near Cox South 8-gallon trash bags Individually wrapped breakfast items White queen deep pocket sheets (fitted and flat) White standard-size pillowcases White bath & hand towels White wash cloths Detergent Stamps 8 1/2 x 11 Paper K-cups Large Tupperware containers
Page 4
After
Mission Moment with the Krekelberg Family My name is Mary and my daughter Amy was first hospitalized on October 23, 2015, for contractions when she was at 32 weeks gestation. Amy was first admitted at Cox Hospital Branson for one day and then transported by ambulance to Cox South Hospital. Amy was hospitalized all week long with labor contractions occurring day and night. The doctors tried to stop them with a few medications, however nothing worked. After 23 very active hours of labor, Joseph “Joey” Christopher Krekelberg was born on October 31st at 11:48 AM by emergency C- section. Joey weighed 6 lbs. 12 oz., measured in at 19 1/2 inches and was admitted to the NICU immediately.
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 Aluminum foil
Before
The day before Joey was born, a very kind nurse at the hospital told us about the Ronald McDonald House. I had stayed at Amy’s bedside the entire week, helping her through stressful labor pains. What a relief to find out that we were accepted to stay at the Ronald McDonald House right across the street from the hospital! Amy suffered major complications from preeclampsia and, as a result, was hospitalized until November 12th. What a tremendous blessing for me to be able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House close to my daughter and grandson. I spent about 13 hours a day at the hospital, and knowing the House was across the street was such a relief. It would have been near impossible for Amy to see her son once she was released, but thanks to the Ronald McDonald House, she was able to be with Joey every day. I must mention that Megan and the entire staff at the Ronald McDonald House have been so kind and helpful! Baby Joey is doing well, and should come home early December and Amy is getting better day by day! Thank you for providing this avenue of blessing to our family! We are forever grateful. God bless you greatly for all you do in helping moms, children, grandmas and families! -- The Krekelberg Family
Ronald McDonald House near cox south
Volunteer Spotlight Abby Neumann Abby has been volunteering at the House near Cox South since September and enjoys helping out with all tasks around the House, including cleaning and restocking family bedrooms! Abby volunteers on Wednesday afternoons and enjoys providing Family Dinners when she can. Let’s learn a little more about her involvement with the House! How did you hear about the Ronald McDonald House? I heard about the Ronald McDonald House through several different experiences. My twin brother and I were born prematurely and my parents were able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City.
from our RMHC family
Before I began volunteering regularly, I helped serve a Family Dinner. What is your favorite part about volunteering? My favorite part about volunteering at the House is all of the different jobs I get to do. There is always something that needs attention. I also like seeing what a difference we make in the families’ lives. What would you like to share with others that are thinking about being an RMH volunteer? Volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House is so much fun, as well as rewarding. The staff is great to work with too!
Ronald McDonald Houses of the Ozarks House near Cox South stats What are your hobbies while you’re not volunteering for the Ronald McDonald House? When I am not volunteering, I stay pretty busy with my sorority, Gamma Alpha Lambda. I also enjoy being with friends, listening to music, riding horses and photography.
to yours!
Holiday Gifts for Ronald McDonald House Families
The holiday season is upon us, and that means Santa’s elves are hard at work preparing for the holidays at the Houses! During the week of Christmas 2014, we served 37 families with a total of 85 family members. We expect full Houses again this year, so we need your help! Our goal is to provide each family with a few gifts to celebrate the holidays and share the holiday spirit! Here are some ways you can help this year: • Donate Gift Cards: Gift cards can be used to purchase new clothes for families and help with any special request on the families’ wish list. • Donate Gifts: Select an item from our wish list below, choose from ideas on our Pinterest board or buy an item on our Amazon “RMHC of the Ozarks- Christmas in July Wish List”. Because we give these out as Christmas gifts, we do ask that all items are new.
Check out our Pinterest Board and Amazon list
Christmas Gift Wish List 1. Our #1 most requested item was clothing, so gift cards to Walmart, Target and Kohl’s would be great so we can customize gifts for families based on size and favorite color 2. Newborn baby items (bibs, bottles, pacifiers, teething toys, etc.) 3. Pampering items (lotions, foot scrubs, manicure sets, nail polish, etc.) 4. Electronics (headphones, mp3 players, digital camera, handheld gaming systems, etc.) 5. Picture frames
6. 7. 8. 9.
Scrapbook/craft supplies DVD movies – PG13 or younger Board Games – for all ages Cold weather accessories (scarves, gloves, earmuffs, etc.) 10. Sports equipment (Football, nurf toys, soccer balls, etc.) 11. Books (reading and activity) 12. Toys for ages 0 – 6 years old, including Legos 13. Tool sets 14. Gift cards to local restaurants or entertainment options 15. Jewelry and watches 16. Journals
October 2015 Families Served........40 Nights................... 216 Families from Missouri..................28 Families from Other States.............12 Year-To-Date Families Served...... 315 Program-to-Date Families Served... 9,195
House at Mercy Children’s Hospital stats October 2015 Families Served........49 Nights................... 267 Families from Missouri..................44 Families from Other States...............5 Year-To-Date Families Served...... 382 Program-to-Date Families Served... 1,353
Page 5
Heart of the Truck
Cassidy Bartolotta Megan Blake Samantha Bornaman Chelsea Carroll Allie Dunton Matt Freihofer Sophie Harrington Jessica Havener Alex Krause Connie McCarter Caleb Murray Terre Redmon Ashlee Robinson Zach Shaw Taylor Shireman Micayla Shrimpton Bryson Starkey Adam Stotts Melinda Thurman
Tooth Truck Wish List Markers and Colored Pencils Chapstick Matchbox Cars Headbands and Hair Accessories Keychains Superhero Themed Toys
Tooth Talk All I Want for Christmas is a Healthy Smile By: Emma Davis Recently the Tooth Truck had the pleasure of seeing a darling and sweet patient named Gavin. Gavin and her family were referred to the Tooth Truck by Gavin’s school nurse when she mentioned having a toothache at school one day. Gavin arrived for her first appointment on the Tooth Truck just a little bit nervous about what was going to happen. She had been told some tall tales about what happens when you visit the dentist that made her a little bit apprehensive to say the least. Once Gavin picked out her new toothbrush and saw the awesome x-ray images of her teeth, she quickly realized there was nothing to be scared of and had the most fun getting her teeth cleaned! Gavin visited the Tooth Truck a total of four more times to fix cavities and receive protective sealants. Each time she arrived more eager and excited than the last to watch her favorite movie, Frozen, and restore her smile to a healthy and beautiful state. Gavin’s mother was excited to
The Tooth Truck staff (Dental Assistant Kim Ortradovec, Dental Assistant Megan Lambert, Office Manager Emma Davis, and Dr. Sarah) encourage Gavin to continue practicing all the healthy habits she learned during her visits to the Tooth Truck.
inform the Tooth Truck staff that she “looks forward to the dentist now!” Gavin’s family was so appreciative and grateful for her newfound confidence they wanted to share their experience with everyone. They shared, “We are so extremely grateful for the Ronald McDonald House’s Tooth Truck! Not only was a huge financial burden lifted from our shoulders, but our little girl went from being too scared to open her mouth at the mere thought of a dentist to looking forward to her weekly
visits. This has been such an amazing gift in so many ways. Watching Gavin grow from a frightened little girl to a confident young lady in only a few short weeks has been unbelievable. Thank you ALL so much.” Gavin’s treatment was completed the week before Thanksgiving, allowing her to share her healthy, beautiful and cavity free smile with family and friends this holiday season. Her family’s Christmas wish this year came to fruition when their daughter’s life was forever changed for the better. The self confidence and strength a child gains from having a healthy smile is a gift that keeps on giving!
Left: Gavin now looks forward to her dental visits and no longer fears the dentist.
Page 6
Right: Gavin selects a large prize after her final appointment on the Tooth Truck.
Holiday Spirit The Tooth Truck is ready for the holidays! Our patients and other little helpers decked out the Tooth Truck in holiday decor to put everyone in the Christmas spirit! Here are just some of the many creations waiting to greet our patients when they step inside.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks October 2015 Children Treated............183 Dental Appointments Provided.......................371 Year-to-Date Dental Appointments.............2,925 Program-to-Date Dental Appointments............ 45,650 Program-to-Date Value of Treatments........... $10,888,837
Children Who Received Treatment: Boys & Girls Town Bowerman Elementary Sunshine Elementary Weaver Elementary Weller Elementary Wilder Elementary Williams Elementary
Mrs. C’s Recipes Grilled Marinated Steak 2 ½ - 3 pound lean steak, cut 1 ½” – 2” thick flank steak, top sirloin, top of round, or London Broil ½ cup soy sauce ½ cup cooking wine (red or white) 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon shredded fresh ginger ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons brown sugar or molasses
Enjoy wonderful recipes provided by Mrs. Vivian Carissimo, also known as Mrs. C.
Place steak in Ziploc bag. Mix marinade ingredients and pour into bag with steak. Marinate for 24 hours, turning several times. Drain and save marinade. Grill steak until desired doneness. Cut steak diagonally across the grain of the meat into thin slices. Optional Sauce: Add mushroom and/or sliced onions to marinade. Heat marinade to boiling in microwave or on top of stove. Dissolve cornstarch in cold water and stir into marinade. Taste and add water to desired strength. Continue cooking to desired consistency and strength. Stir often and add cornstarch dissolved in water as needed.
STAFF President & CEO Bonnie Keller Program Director Mindy Muñoz General Dentist Dr. Sarah Cimino Temporary Dentists Dr. Aaron Dannegger Dr. Brett Durbin Dr. Randi Green Healthy Smiles Academy Program Manager Tamara Maddox
Volunteer Tip Of The Month
Office Manager Emma Davis
The Secret is Sour Cream
Dental Assistants Megan Lambert Kim Otradovec
Many people want to know how to keep cake mixes moist longer. A great way to do this is to add 1/3 cup of sour cream to dry cake mixes! Sandy Morris, House volunteer, provides helpful tips for everyday needs. Enjoy this month’s Volunteer Tip!
Part-Time Dental Assistants Jackie Malik
Page 7
Heart Beats
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
by Adopting a Room for 2016! With two Ronald McDonald Houses in Springfield, RMHC of the Ozarks has provided a “home away from home” for more than 10,500 families of seriously ill and injured children as they experience one of life’s greatest challenges. Now more than ever, they need your support. By Adopting a Room at one (or both) of our Ronald McDonald Houses, your support means more to families than you can imagine. You are providing a safe haven, a place where sorrow and fear can be expressed without censure, a home to seek during these troubling times, and a retreat from the daunting feelings of their worst-case scenario. Adopt the Kitchen to provide a place for nourishment, the Living Room to allow for relaxation, or a Bedroom to bring rest. By Adopting a Room for 2016, you’re sending a message to our families that you are here when they need you the most. Find out more and donate today at HearttheHouses.org.