Heart
BEATS
Volunteers Still Needed FOR 19 ANNUAL ROCK’N RIBS TH
APRIL 20TH & 21ST
We’d like to extend a special thank you to everyone who has already signed up to volunteer at the 19th Annual Rotary Rock’n Ribs BBQ Festival. This event would not be possible without the support of people like you! Rock’n Ribs will take place on April 20-21 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds and will include live music, kids’ play zone, and some amazing barbecue. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile (fondly known as the Tooth Truck) is one of the seven benefitting charities and we need YOUR volunteer help to ensure a successful event. The greatest volunteer needs are in the areas of housekeeping, Sunday breakdown and working the gates. Volunteers are no longer required to check IDs when working the gates, so we’d love YOUR help in securing these volunteer spots on behalf of Ronald McDonald House Charities. Can you or your small group help fill this need? Sign up today by contacting Melanie Ward at 417.875-3501 or Melanie.Ward@RMHCozarks.org or register online at https:// rocknribs.com/volunteer/.
APRIL 2018
All-Star Weekend
June 1st & 2nd It’s an ALL-STAR weekend June 1-2, 2018. The 17th Annual Sertoma GRIN IRON CLASSIC (all-star high school football game) and the 7th Annual Sertoma GRIN ACTION CLASSIC (all-star high school volleyball tournament) will take place at Parkview High School in Springfield. RMHC of the Ozarks, the SW MO Football Coaches Association, and the All-Star Smiles Sertoma Club are hosting this “All-Star Weekend” featuring Southwest Missouri’s allstars, all graduated seniors. And…it all benefits the Tooth Truck! Volunteers are needed for both events and we’d love for YOU to join us. Sign-up sheets are available at both Houses, on the Tooth Truck, or by contacting Heather Jeude at Heather.Jeude@RMHCozarks.org or at 417-820-0764.
From The
Staff Happy
Anniversary 1 YEAR Shelby Jones House at Mercy Kids Madison Mickan House near Cox South
Heart of the House House Near Cox South Ann Adams Johnny Anderson Tyler Austin Maggie Bradley Zach Bailey Megan Borgna Sheila Boswell Nadean Burnett Ashton Canfield Dave Canfield Philip Canfield Stephen Carr Jillian Carlile Susan Carter Nancy Clark Heather Cottle-Dillon Shannon Deakins Kathy Dennis Lynelle Dock Cheryl Douglas Blake Dowdy Judy Duncan Erica Elmer Wendy Elmer Clydene Freeman Amanda Fronzaglia Calan Froula Madison Gibson Becky Gillham
Sharon Gillham Lane Gott Shawn Gott Ashley Grady Amanda Greene Dottie Greene Garth Greene Huck Greene Parker Greene Amy Grubaugh Darren Harrelson Laura Harrelson Mackenzie Harrelson Cindy Harris Samantha Hensel Cliff HIll Karen Hill Gracie Holt Lisa James Briana Jenkins Derek Johns Clayton Keller Levi Kemp Randi Kerr Trot Kinser True Kinser Becky Lang Shawn Lowery Rachel Marsh
Adrienne McCoy Sandra McNeive Eileen Meinsen Larry Meinsen Mackenzie Meyers Madison Mickan Kelsie Mitchell Sandy Morris Mikalah Murrell Grant Musick Nolan Musick Jordan Myers Karla Peck LeRoy Peck Julie Prod Kay Prost Lexi Rawlings Beka Razor Lorinda Rehagen Rebecca Reser Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts Savanna Roberts Joe Roushdi Anne Schubert Emily Shepherd Debbie Slocum Randy Slocum T.J. Slocum
House At Mercy Kids Carolina Andrade Andressa Alves Augusto Stephanie Bube Allison Burkholder Jennie Crabbe Kristin Custer Sandy Emberton Mason Gaspard Terry Greer
Ann Griesemer Brenda Havens Kaley Hawkinson Jenni Jacka Lillian Jacka Leah Jackson Shelby Jones Danielle Kelly Hannah Le Brady Marshall
Beth Mecca Kassie Medina Jianna Mills Kiera Mills Krista Mills Kersten Mitchell Rebekah Mitts Tracie Nicholson Kate Okland Jamie Phariss
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 Violet Turner Ava Uzzell Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell Vincent Vandaveer Garret Volner Abigail Weitzel Lucy Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Travis Weitzel Sara Westbrooks James Winstead Meghan Zengel
Sarah Phillips Mariana Ribeiro Keely Richter Gabby Riegal Megan Siebert Erin Spieth Kate Steingraber Vanessa Strathmann Madeline Urhahn Gabby Wilson
Welcome, New Volunteers To Houses We are thrilled to welcome the following volunteers to our Ronald McDonald Houses: Megan Borgna, Sheila Boswell, Shannon Deakins, Amanda Fronzaglia, Amanda Greene, Dottie Greene, Garth Greene, Huck Greene, Parker Greene, Danielle Kelly, Mackenzie Meyers, Sarah Phillips, Julie Prod and Rebecca Reser.
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.
PAGE 2
President & CEO Bonnie Keller Tooth Truck Program Director Mindy Muñoz Project Manager Amber Price Assistant to the President/ Accounting Manager 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 Managers Karis Agnew Taylor Brower Jacinda Canfield Stephen Carr Savannah Keller Chandler Saner Rebekkah Wall Sara Wilken
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS House Program Manager Ashley Burton Program Assistant Heather Jeude Assistant Managers Amy Crawford Bailey Ghan Sydney Helms Kennedy Keller Savannah Keller Hannah Major
Birthdays April 1 Andressa Augusto April 8 Trot Kinser April 9 Darren Harrelson April 17 Shawn Lowery Kelsey Taylor April 23 Sarah Phillips
Family Dinner Spotlight Amy Clotfelter owns several of
Springfield’s Little Caesars Restaurants. Amy drops off pizzas at both the Mercy House and Cox House several times a year and helps out as an emergency dinner group.
What is your favorite thing about participating in the Family Dinner Program? I think my favorite thing about this program is providing a comfort food for both parents and siblings of children in the hospital. Who doesn’t love pizza when you are feeling stressed?
Do you have any favorite memories from your volunteer experience? The pizza is such a no fuss meal, I don’t really When did you start providing meals at the Ronald have to help serve, etc. But one perk of McDonald House? delivering the pizza each month is getting my Our family business (Little Caesars) has been kids, and sometimes their friends, involved in providing meals for a few years now at both delivering and setting up the food. I love giving Ronald McDonald Houses of the Ozarks. them opportunities to give back. How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program? I used to work as a social worker at Cox Hospital and saw the positive impact that the Ronald McDonald House has on the families who are away from home with a hospitalized child. It was a no brainer to me that one small thing we could do was provide pizza for these families.
What would you say to anyone considering volunteering for the Family Dinner Program? Don’t think twice about signing up as a business or individual family - Just Do It! You won’t regret the small amount of time you have to invest to make a family’s life easier for one meal and help a great program like the Ronald McDonald Houses of the Ozarks.
March Dinner Groups RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH Battlefield United Methodist Church Buffalo McDonalds Cerner Si3 Chesterfield Ward Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Covenant Presbyterian Church Emily Helton and Friends Fremont Elementary
Glendale Christian Church Hillcrest Presbyterian Just Friends Knights of Columbus Little Caesars Missouri State University Student Nursing Organization Oak Grove Assembly of God Pat Day and Friends Second Baptist church
Southwest Baptist University College of Nursing Staci Jensen and Family The Girlfriends The Good Family The Hamilton Family The Kerr Family The Knights Templar The Scott Family The Wade Family
Union Hill Church of Christ United Healthcare Unity of Springfield Venture Crew Women Warriors at the Venues Church
Mercy College of Nursing MSU ASPT MSU Child Life Student Association MSU Entertainment Management Mychelle & Jen Myrna Calhoun North Park Village
Pre-Med Society Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ Wellington Hills Friends Women Warriors
Open Dates: May- 7th, 9th, 13th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 27th, 29th, 30th
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS Ash Grove UM Presbyterian Chelsea Wilson Courageous Church Diamond Resorts East Sunshine Church of Christ Fair Grove High School Haynes Family Houlihan’s
Jordan Valley Figure Skating Club Julie Gray & Friends Lois Hirschler & Jessica Myers Louise Morgan Marshfield High School NHS McDonalds, Strafford MO Mercy Cafeteria
Open Dates: May- 5th, 11th, 14th, 23rd, 24th, 29th, 30th, 31st
PAGE 3
Wish List
Around the Houses
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
PAGE 4
Mission Moment:
The Steele Family Loren and Elizabeth Steele
were excited to welcome their third child, Otis, into their family. Elizabeth made plans with a local midwife to have her baby at home in Elk Creek, Missouri and was anticipating a birth in late March. As her pregnancy progressed, Elizabeth’s midwife had concerns and referred her for an ultrasound and further testing. Otis’s heart rate was dropping significantly and Elizabeth was rushed into early labor. Otis was born on January 8, 2018 weighing only 1 lb. 9 oz.
Loren, Elizabeth and their two children Clementine and Jacob have become a part of our RMH family. The children love playing in the playroom with their Mom and Dad. They are early to wake in the morning and cook breakfast together as a family. We enjoy sharing coffee with them before they go to the NICU to be with Otis. The Steele’s are used to farm life and miss their home very much, but they are very thankful for the Ronald McDonald House and the opportunity to stay close to Otis until he is released from Mercy Hospital.
Volunteer Spotlight Mason Gaspard
Mason Gaspard has been a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids since December 2017 and is a very dedicated volunteer; serving over 50 hours already. What is your favorite thing to do (or a couple things) at the House? I love getting to clean and restock guest rooms at the House. It feels like a great accomplishment when I get to make a room look as good as possible. I also enjoy helping with dinner and cleanup. The dinner groups are always so kind and selfless, and I get an opportunity to eat and talk with guests in the House. (The food is always good, too!) What do you enjoy in your free time? In my free time I like to go hiking and spend time in nature, see movies and musicals, travel around the U.S. and to other countries, play the piano, and attend special events/lectures on campus. I also love any chance I get to spend time with family and friends. Extra curricular activities? Most of my school-related activities are co-curricular: Vice President (soon-tobe President) of MSU Psychology Club; involvement with the MSU Introductory Psychology program; research assistant in a laboratory in the Psychology department. Like I mentioned above I also enjoy playing piano – I took lessons off and on for around 10 years before college – as well as traveling and exploring the outdoors.
Ronald McDonald Houses of the Ozarks How did you learn about the Ronald McDonald House? My best friend (who I volunteer with once a week at RMH) recommended I look into volunteering at the House because it is such a wholesome and welcoming place to spend time volunteering – she was right! Before becoming a volunteer, I had little knowledge of RMHC, but now I know just how much the charity does to help families. What do you enjoy most about volunteering with our organization? My favorite part about being a volunteer at RMH is my ability to be independent with the various tasks I complete. Ever since I learned the basics I have been able to take charge and do what is needed around the House without feeling like I am pressured or overmanaged. I also love the overall atmosphere of the House and the staff who help keep it running smoothly. Everyone is very friendly and genuine, and I have felt welcomed since my very first time volunteering.
House Near Cox South STATS February 2018 Families Served..............36 Nights.................................. 232 Families from Missouri................................ 23 Families from other states.........................13 Year to date....................... 77 Program to date....10,094
House At Mercy Kids STATS February 2018 Families Served..............43 Nights..................................260 Families from Missouri................................40 Families from other states...........................3 Year to date.......................93 Program to date......2,495
PAGE 5
Heart Tooth Talk of the Truck Megan Blake Tori Bridwell Corey Deatherage Luke Ellickson Sophie Harrington Chandler Hall Logan Harrod Olivia Horton Hailee Hosiner Briana Isakson Susan Lemmon Locke McAllister Connie McCarter Caleb Murray Melinda Thurman Chloe Williams
Birthdays
April 1 Dr. Aaron Dannegger April 4 Dr. Tom Stone April 18 Jackie Zuiderveld April 30 Amy Baker
Tooth Truck Wish List
Action figures Matchbox cars Hair accessories (clips, headbands) Chapstick Jewelry (necklaces, bracelets) Handheld games DVDs for older children Outdoor toys (bubbles, sidewalk chalk, Frisbees, sports balls) Walmart gift cards Beanie Babies
PAGE 6
A Spring Break Travel Story By Emma Davis
The most common question people ask about the Tooth Truck tends to be, “What do you guys do when there is no school?” To that I always reply, “Well…we find another school!” Spring Break recently took place for Springfield Public Schools, so the Tooth Truck made its annual spring break trip to several of Springfield’s outlying communities who were still in session! The outlying areas the Tooth Truck visits each year include: Willard, Republic, Walnut Grove, Billings, and Clever. For the first time ever, the Tooth Truck has also been seeing the students of Cassville School District! I really enjoy the time we spend in outlying communities because, unlike Springfield
Schools, we only have the opportunity to see the nurses, staff, teachers, and students of these communities once a year. It is so much fun to catch up with everyone and see how much the kids have grown since the last time we were there! During our trip to Republic this spring, the Tooth Truck was lucky to meet three new patients who captured our hearts with their kind spirits and generosity. Aiden, a seven-year-old from McCulloch Elementary, came to his second appointment on the Tooth Truck with a special gift. He excitedly exclaimed as he entered the Truck that morning, “Look! I got you guys a gift!” All the Truck staff turned to see what Aiden had brought and spontaneously erupted with laughter. Aiden had gotten a set of chattering teeth and decided the Tooth Truck absolutely needed to have it! The teeth were the perfect gift, and they will be put to excellent use in the future whenever there’s a nervous patient who simply needs to laugh. Aiden had eight cavities fixed during our stay in Republic and received a treatment total of $3,072! continued on next page
Aiden, along with Dental Assistant Megan Lambert and General Dentist Dr. Sarah, proudly display the chattering teeth he gifted to the Tooth Truck
continued from previous page
Hailey and Nicole, sisters from Price Elementary, also saw the Tooth Truck for dental treatment while we were in Republic. The girls were always so sweet, polite, thankful, and charismatic when they came to the Truck for their appointments. They each came a total of five times, had 18 total cavities repaired, and received a total of $7,314 in dental treatment! They were super excited to select their final prizes once they were both cavity free, but the Tooth Truck staff sure will miss seeing them every day! While some people enjoy white sandy beaches over spring break, and others escape to the slopes of the mountains, the Tooth Truck enjoys its travels as well. We always look forward to our spring break destinations and can’t wait for next year! Until then, have a great rest of the school year everyone! Sisters Hailey and Nicole select prizes after their final appointment on the Tooth Truck to celebrate their new, cavity-free smiles
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks February 2018 Children Treated:................131 Dental Appointments Provided:................................. 230 Year to Date Dental Appointments:.....................519 Program to Date Dental Appointments:............. 53,308 Program to Date Value of Treatment:... $14,466,961
Children who received treatment:
Volunteer Welcome
Republic Schools Sunshine Elementary Willard Schools Weller Elementary
The Tooth Truck would like to welcome two new volunteers to its volunteer program:
Locke McAllister
joins the Tooth Truck as an MSU pre-dental student whose desire to be a dentist stems from his own father’s dental practice in Joplin. Locke has already proven himself to be an asset to the volunteer team! He’s wonderful at making our young patients feel welcome, secure, and engaged! He takes the time to read a book to a patient whenever there are a few minutes in-between appointments, and he genuinely takes an interest in learning about each patient’s likes and dislikes (making them feel like the star of the day)! Thank you, Locke for all your attention to detail! Welcome to the Tooth Truck family!
Tori Bridwell recently finished her bachelor’s
degree at MSU and is currently awaiting news from UMKC regarding dental school in the fall! Meanwhile, she stays busy with her husband, two dogs, and job in a local dental office. Tori’s dental knowledge is a great asset when it comes to preparing young patients for their first Tooth Truck experience. In her free time Tori enjoys being outdoors, playing with her puppies, and enjoying life before dental school begins. She is a fantastic addition to the Tooth Truck volunteer roster, and we are so happy to have her on board! Welcome Tori!
STAFF
President & CEO Bonnie Keller Program Director Mindy Muñoz 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
PAGE 7
Heart Beats
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Price Cutter Charity Championship The Web.com Tour’s Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper has new dates this year! The 29th annual event will be held July 26th – 29th at Highland Springs Country Club. The Ronald McDonald House has been a beneficiary since the inception of this event in 1990, providing over $1,200,000 in support to our organization alone. More than half of the annual funding we receive through this event is from TLC Properties’ CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES TICKETS. The program features 500 prizes valued at $25 each, giving each Sweepstakes ticketholder a 1 in 16 chance to win a prize. In addition, every ticketholder also has a 1 in 8,000 chance to win a 2018 Ford F150
Pickup Truck or $10,000 cash prize. Sweepstakes tickets are available NOW for $25 each. One-hundred-percent of your purchase will benefit the children and families of our two Ronald McDonald Houses if you designate the Houses as your preferred charity. The Sweepstakes Ticket also serves as a grounds season pass for the tournament, July 26th – 29th. Buy your tickets TODAY and help spread the word! They will make fantastic GIFTS! You can purchase tickets by contacting Kim Booth at 417-875-3505 or kim.booth@ RMHCozarks.org. For your convenience, we have included a flyer for ticket purchases in this newsletter.
CHIP IN FOR CHARITY!!
Raise Additional Dollars for Charities...Here Is How! THE TLC PROPERTIES CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES
Charity Sweepstakes $25 Per Ticket (Only 8,000 Available)
•
• •
Ticket includes 4 day grounds pass to the tournament July 26-29, 2018 Includes a 1 in 16 chance to win a $25 daily prize Includes a one in 8,000 chance to win a 2018 Ford F 150 or $10,000 Cash
2018 Ford F 150
2018 Sweepstakes Ticket (Will be mailed to the address listed below) Name (and/or Spouse)_________________________________________________________________________________________ Authorized Representative Bonnie Keller, RMHC President & CEO Address______________________________________________________City______________________State________Zip_______ Daytime Phone___________________________
Cash_________ Check_________ Credit Card_________
Credit Card No._________________________________________ Expiration Date_________ 3 Digit Secrity Code ______________ Name on Card__________________________________________ Zip Code Associated with Card____________________________ Number of Tickets purchased______________________________ Amount Paid___________________________________________
_________________________
I wish for 100 % of my contribution to benefit my favorite tournament charity: Make Checks Payable to: Price Cutter Charity Championship or PCCC
You, Your Spouse or an Authorized Representative Must Be Present to Win the Grand Prizes