Heart
BEATS
Share A Heart
On Wednesday, January 24th, 64 McDonald’s Restaurants and various other locations in the Ozarks, will begin placing red, pink and gold “adopted” paper hearts on their walls and windows in support of our Ronald McDonald Houses and the 25th Annual “Share a Heart” Campaign. The campaign runs through February 28th, and we encourage you to visit your favorite McDonald’s and share hope, love and encouragement for our families by sharing your heart and adopting a $1, $5 or $20 paper heart. Hearts are also available at both Ronald McDonald Houses. PRESENTING SPONSOR
$
The 2018 Share a Heart Campaign is presented by McDonald’s of the Ozarks, and continues to thrive with support from Leadership Sponsor, Great Southern Bank; and Supporting Sponsors, Mid-Am Metal Forming, The Coca-Cola Company, McCann Printing and KY3. Visit ShareAHeart.org to view this year’s Family Profiles, Ronald McDonald House Facts & Figures, and see where our families come from on our Share a Heart Map.
LEADERSHIP SPONSORS
Jan/Feb 2018
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
1 $5
20
$
Every heart comes with an official entry to win a $1,000 gift card provided by
From The
Staff Happy
Anniversary 1 Year Ann Adams, House Near Cox South Clydene Freeman, House Near Cox South Briana Jenkins, House Near Cox South
5 Years Lucy Weitzel, House Near Cox South
10 Years True Kinser, House Near Cox South
Heart of the House House Near Cox South Ann Adams Johnny Anderson Tyler Austin Haley Barnett Maggie Bradley Zach Bailey Nadean Burnett Grace Cain Ashton Canfield Dave Canfield Philip Canfield Stephen Carr Jillian Carlile Susan Carter Nancy Clark Heather Cottle-Dillon Kathy Dennis Lynelle Dock Cheryl Douglas Blake Dowdy Judy Duncan Erica Elmer Wendy Elmer Clydene Freeman Calan Froula Madison Gibson
Becky Gillham Sharon Gillham Shawn Gott Ashley Grady Amy Grubaugh Darren Harrelson Laura Harrelson Mackenzie Harrelson Cindy Harris Samantha Hensel Cliff HIll Karen Hill Gracie Holt Briana Jenkins Derek Johns Clayton Keller Randi Kerr Trot Kinser True Kinser Betty Kniep Victoria Kubitschek Becky Lang Shawn Lowery Rachel Marsh Adrienne McCoy Sandra McNeive
Eileen Meinsen Larry Meinsen Madison Mickan Kelsie Mitchell Sandy Morris Mikalah Murrell Grant Musick Nolan Musick Jordan Myers Madison Noe Karla Peck LeRoy Peck Kay Prost Lexi Rawlings Beka Razor Lorinda Rehagen Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts Savanna Roberts Kendyl Rodman Joe Roushdi Anne Schubert Emily Shepherd Debbie Slocum Randy Slocum T.J. Slocum
House At Mercy Kids Carolina Andrade Andressa Alves Augusto Jane Bray Stephanie Bube Allison Burkholder Jennie Crabbe Kristin Custer Sandy Emberton Becky Farris Mason Gaspard Gabriel Green Terry Greer
Ann Griesemer Brenda Havens Kaley Hawkinson Emma Hilburn Nicole Hitchcock Jenni Jacka Lillian Jacka Leah Jackson Shelby Jones Hannah Le Jennifer Lewis Morgan Lewis Brady Marshall
Alyssa Smith Mary Smith Grace Stagner Kim Stagner Hannah Stash Madeleine Sullivan Brandon Taylor Karen Taylor Kelsey Taylor Kristina Taylor Rich Taylor Linda Tenneson Aly Thomas Lily Turner Violet Turner Ava Uzzell Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell Abigail Weitzel Lucy Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Travis Weitzel Sara Westbrooks James Winstead Meghan Zengel
Beth Mecca Kassie Medina Jianna Mills Kiera Mills Krista Mills Kersten Mitchell Rebekah Mitts Alyssa Mondeaux Abby Monsees Tracie Nicholson Kate Okland Grace O’Neal Brian Pesek
Jamie Phariss Sarah Polistico Karrington Prohaska Monica Quinn Gabby Riegal Kaylei Sadler Erin Spieth Kate Steingraber Vanessa Strathmann Gabby Wilson
Welcome, New Volunteers To Houses We are thrilled to welcome the following volunteers to our Ronald McDonald Houses: Andressa Alves Augusto, Allison Burkholder, Stephen Carr, Kristin Custer, Mason Gaspard, Ashley Grady, Kassie Medina, Mikalah Murrell, Jamie Phariss, Gabby Riegal, Emily Shepherd, Erin Spieth, Lily Turner
RMHC Staff Heart Beats is published monthly or bi-monthly for volunteers of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Ozarks and The Tooth Truck, Inc. ©2018 RMHC The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates and are used under license: Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, RMHC, Keeping Families Close. The Tooth Truck name and logo are owned by The Tooth Truck, Inc.
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President & CEO Bonnie Keller 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 Program Manager Laura Winstead Associate Program Manager Melanie Ward Assistant House Managers Karis Agnew Taylor Brower Jacinda Canfield Cassie Franklin Savannah Keller Chandler Saner Rebekkah Wall Sara Wilken
Ronald McDonald House at Mercy kids House Program Manager Ashley Burton Program Assistant Heather Jeude Assistant House Managers Amy Crawford Bailey Ghan Sydney Helms Kennedy Keller Savannah Keller Hannah Major Mandy Spurlock
Birthdays January 1 Jamie Phariss January 2 Amy Grubaugh Terri Libel January 3 Jim Hallam January 6 Lucy Weitzel January 15 Kim Stagner January 20 Becky Gillham January 23 Lynelle Dock Jean Grabeel January 25 Kim Booth Cheryl Douglas
Family Dinner Spotlight Vicki Parson
How long have you been serving dinners at the Ronald McDonald House? I’ve been serving dinner here since the Summer of 2016. How often do you serve dinner? About once a month. Do you have any special memories associated with serving dinner? They’re all special. Anytime you do something to help people it’s a special moment.
How did you hear about our Family Dinner Program? My son has some friends who stayed here. I had recently retired from teaching and he thought I would enjoy it. He told me, “Mom, you like to cook.” Any additional notes or information? It’s a wonderful way to get yourself and your family involved. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. It is just about committing yourself to doing something and following through with it.
January 27 TJ Slocum February 3 Rich Taylor February 10 Jordan Myers February 11 Scott Weitzel February 13 Lexi Rawlings February 14 Karen Taylor Laura Winstead February 19 Ann Griesemer February 22 Susan Carter
Dec. & Jan. Dinner Groups Ronald McDonald House near Cox South Cox House December and January Meal Groups Beth Blake Brookline Church of Christ Cerner Si3 Chase Bank Covenant Presbyterian Fordland Church of Christ
Fremont Elementary Girl Scout Troop #71367 Glendale Christian Church Just Friends Knights of Columbus Kristen Drennan and Family Oak Grove Assembly of God Ozark Dialysis Ozark High School FFA Parkcrest Baptist
Sarah Boyd Second Baptist South Gate Baptist Church Southside Church of Christ SRC Community Relations Stockton Middle School Cula Club Strafford High School FCCLA The Girlfriends The Glassman Family
The Good Family The Stallcup Family The Wise Crew Unity of Springfield Vicki Parson and Family
Mary Carlson Mercy Diagnostic X- Ray Department Mercy Ortho Peds Group Mike Zanie Molly Davis MSU PT Connor Pratt Mychelle and Jen Myrna and Shirley Nathan and Esther Zeigler North Park Village Patty Stinnett Rainbow Girls Steve Ornelas Family Stevie Keeth
Story Church Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ Wellington Farms Wellington Hills Friends Whitney Bradshaw Wilson Family
Open Dinner Dates:
January 19 February 4, 14, 16, 18, 21, 25, 28
Ronald McDonald House at Mercy kids Amanda Baker Amy Clotfelter Angie Shelangoski Ash Grove UM Presbyterian Battlefield UMC Beth Ponder Bill and Andi Wise Boys and Girls Club Torch Club Chelsea Wilson Christine Gorman Corbyn Bartels Donna Powers East Sunshine Church of Christ Fair Grove High School Gabby Wilson and Friends
The Goldens Hillcrest Presbyterian Houlihan’s Jennifer Highfill Jamie Davis Jordan Valley Figure Skating Joy Sleep JP Morgan Chase Card Bold Group Julie Gray and Friends Julie Pappenfort Lois and Jessica Louise Morgan Luke Spain Mandy Spigle
Open December Dates:
January 18, 24, 30 February 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 14,17
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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
House at Mercy Kids
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 Travel-Size Toothpaste Fabric Softener
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 White Bath Mats
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Around the Houses Save The Date For The
Snowflake Social January 23rd 2018
This year’s annual Snowflake Social will be held on Tuesday, January 23rd at 6:00PM. All House and Tooth Truck Volunteers are invited. Please join us for a fun-filled evening at the Keller family home. Be sure to RSVP to Melanie Ward at 417-875-3501 or Melanie.Ward@rmhcozarks.org.
Staff Stuff The Ronald McDonald House near Cox South welcomes Taylor Brower as an Assistant Manager. Taylor just completed an internship at the Ronald McDonald House near Cox and graduated from MSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development with a minor in American Sign Language. In addition to working at the Cox House, Taylor is also in pursuing her Master’s Degree in Child Life studies at MSU and works as a nanny. The photo of Taylor (below) is from her graduate practicum in which she spent a month working in a hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. She grew up on a farm in a small town outside of Kansas City and spent her summers growing up either babysitting, working on the farm or on the lake with her parents and brother. Taylor met her high school sweetheart when they were both 15-years-old and the two were married in 2016. In her downtime Taylor practices hot yoga daily, has a dog and cat to keep her busy, and shares KC Chiefs season tickets with her husband and father-in-law. Upon the completion of her Master’s Degree in Child Life, Taylor will be a certified Child Life Specialist and hopes to work in a children’s hospital where she will use play to help normalize the hospital environment for children and their families.
The Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids is excited to welcome Heather Jeude as Program Assistant. Heather recently graduated from University of Missouri, Columbia with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality with a Minor in Business. Aside from studying, Heather has enjoyed participating in her campus church and youth group at Mizzou. Heather is originally from the Saint Louis, MO area. She has relocated to Springfield with her fiancé Austin. Heather and Austin are engaged to be married in August of this year and are looking forward to settling into the Springfield community after his graduation in May. In her free time, Heather enjoys dancing, hiking, and baking at home.
Volunteer Spotlight Gabby Wilson
Gabby Wilson began volunteering for Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids in October of 2016. During this time, she has participated in several volunteer programs including Family Dinners, Happy Wheels, and donation requests. One of the things we enjoy the most about Gabby is her infectious smile, which she always brings to the House.
Ronald McDonald Houses of the Ozarks
Let’s learn a little bit more about Gabby… What is your favorite thing to do at the House? I love doing the Happy Wheels route through the hospital and meeting all of the families. It’s also exciting preparing and cleaning the rooms for families before they arrive at the house. It feels good to know they will have a comfortable place to stay. What do you enjoy in your free time? When I have free time, I love spending time with my friends and family. I especially enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, biking, and running. When I am indoors I like to watch movies. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and The Princess Bride are two of my favorites. How did you learn about the Ronald McDonald House? Before I began searching for a place to volunteer, I was familiar with the Ronald McDonald House and their mission, but I have learned so much since I became a volunteer. The level of involvement the organization has with families and hospital staff was a surprise
House Near Cox South Stats to me. I wish more people had the opportunity to volunteer and be a part of this special place. Do you have any favorite memories? I think the best memories I have of Ronald McDonald House have been around the holidays. Being able to help decorate the house and go to the annual Cup O’ Cheer Homes Tour have allowed me to create some very special memories. What do you enjoy most about volunteering with our organization? I love interacting with all of the people. Meeting the staff, volunteers and families in the House has been so much fun and I have made several meaningful connections.
Mission Moment
In Memory of Daniel We received a beautiful New Year’s card and generous gift from a Mom who stayed at the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South in 2009. Her son was struck by a drunk driver and bravely survived for a week. To all of you who offer such great care and empathy for our families, please know your kindness is always remembered.
December 2017 Families Served.............. 37 Nights.................................. 228 Families from Missouri................................ 24 Families from other states.........................13 Year to date....................376 Program to date....10,017
House At Mercy Kids Stats December 2017
“Sorry I haven’t made a contribution in awhile. This (gift) is in memory of Daniel, my beloved so n. Thank you all so much. Will neve r forget any of you. Then again, I ne ver have. God Bless & Happy New Ye ar. The heart remembers kind deeds and thoughtfulness. My heart remembers special people like all of YOU.
Families Served.............. 61 Nights..................................290 Families from Missouri................................ 52 Families from other states...........................9 Year to date.................... 553 Program to date......2,402
Thank you so much! Love, Toni”
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Heart Tooth Talk of the Truck Megan Blake Corey Deatherage Luke Ellickson Sophie Harrington Chandler Hall Logan Harrod Christopher Heye Hailee Hosiner Ben Hughes Briana Isakson Susan Lemmon Kalyn Martin Connie McCarter Caleb Murray Melinda Thurman
Happy Anniversary 1 Year Briana Isakson Chris Heye
Frozen Underground By: Emma Davis
People often ask, this time of year, “how do you keep your truck’s equipment from freezing when it gets this cold?” The brutal truth is that, sometimes, we can’t. Bitterly cold temperatures are never good for vehicles, much less sensitive dental equipment! Sometimes the cold front sneaks up on us, and the truck is subjected to very cold nights. Even though the truck is plugged in at its regular parking spot, and has electrical power running to it overnight, the equipment on the truck can sometimes freeze in the winter months. In an effort to avoid anything freezing on the truck, the generous people at the Springfield Underground allow the Tooth Truck to park there in the winter when temperatures reach all-time lows. The Springfield Underground is a climate-controlled underground cave system, and is kept at a perfect 62 degrees
year round. When the Tooth Truck parks down there we have nothing to fear in terms of damage to the truck, or equipment, caused by freezing cold temperatures. While learning to navigate the vast miles of underground caves can be a challenge, the Tooth Truck staff greatly appreciates getting to park in the Underground. Not only does the environment provide a great deal of protection for the truck itself, but as regular drivers of the Tooth Truck, the staff appreciates getting to start the engine and do each morning’s pre-trip inspection in the balmy 62-degree weather! We are eternally grateful for this local wonder, and could never thank the Springfield Underground enough for letting us park there. If it weren’t for their generosity the Tooth Truck might have several frozen days where it wasn’t able to operate due to frozen equipment.
Birthdays
January 30 Megan Blake February 2 Briana Isakson February 6 Dr. Blake Keaster February 8 Britton Jobe February 17 Dr. Raymond Burton February 22 Alison Nelson
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The Tooth Truck is nestled in its secure parking spot deep within The Underground.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks December 2017 Children Treated:...............166 Dental Appointments Provided:................................. 268 Year to Date Dental Appointments:.................3,186 Program to Date Dental Appointments:............. 52,789 Program to Date Value of Treatment:......$14,182,242
Children who received treatment:
Bingham Elementary Bissett Elementary Boyd Elementary Fremont Elementary Great Circle Mann Elementary Pipkin Middle School Wilson’s Creek Middle School
Sertoma Crossfit Challenge On January 6th, Crossfit teams across the Ozarks gathered at Crossfit RTB in Springfield to compete in the 4th Annual Sertoma Fitness Challenge benefitting the Tooth Truck. Thanks to the All-Star Smiles Sertoma Club, Zane Davidson for coordinating the event, the owners of Crossfit RTB for use of their facilities, the dedicated competitors, and many sponsors and volunteers, we were able to raise over $3,350 for daily operating expenses!
Tooth Truck Wish List Action figures Matchbox cars Hair accessories (clips, headbands)
Jewelry (necklaces, bracelets) Chapstick Handheld games DVDs for older children Outdoor toys
(bubbles, sidewalk chalk, Frisbees, sports balls) Walmart gift cards Beanie Babies Winter hats and gloves
STAFF
President & CEO Bonnie Keller Program Director Mindy MuĂąoz General Dentist Dr. Sarah Cimino Community Dentists Dr. Raymond Burton Dr. Aaron Dannegger Dr. Brett Durbin Dr. Blake Keaster Dr. Misty Shelton Office Manager Emma Davis Dental Assistants Abbie Dohmen Megan Lambert Part-Time Dental Assistants Kristi Terry On Call Dental Assistants Amy Baker Chelsea Murray Jackie Zuiderveld
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Heart Beats
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
McTJ Night Join us for “McTJ Night” at McDonald’s in Marshfield on Monday, February 5 from 4 pm – 8 pm. Twenty percent of all sales that evening will go towards longtime volunteer, TJ Slocum’s personal goal for the Share a Heart Campaign. TJ looks forward to meeting each of you while supporting the Ronald McDonald Houses.