Heart
BEATS
September 2017
is coming to Springfield on September 15! The Kansas City Chiefs’ “Red Friday” is officially coming to Springfield and the Ozarks on Friday, September 15. This day-long celebration is designed to capture the excitement of the start of the NFL season by bringing the Chiefs, the Kansas City community and communities throughout Chiefs Kingdom together to kick off the year. In addition to being a rallying point for Chiefs fans, Red Friday is a chance for the community to make a difference in the lives of local children and families. Starting at 6:00 am on Friday, September 15, fifty-eight McDonald’s locations in Springfield and the Ozarks will sell special collector’s edition “Chiefs Kingdom” flags for a minimum donation of $5 each, while supplies
last. The flags will ONLY be available on Red Friday and supplies are very limited. Proceeds benefit our two Ronald McDonald Houses! Red Friday is a 26-year tradition started by Chiefs Founder Lamar Hunt and a group of dedicated volunteers, the Red Coaters. This year marks the third year where Red Friday has spread to markets outside Kansas City, with Springfield joining Wichita (2016) and Omaha (2015) in bringing Red Friday to their communities and raising funds for local efforts. Part of the tradition is for fans, businesses and organizations to “paint the town red” with lighting, fountains and more. Look for red lights on the buildings at Cox South and Mercy! On Red Friday fans are encouraged to wear red, fly the flag that helps children and families, and get ready to get loud on Sunday for the Chiefs home opener against the Eagles. For more information, visit chiefs.com/redfriday Volunteers are supporting Red Friday by waving Chiefs Kingdom flags outside participating McDonald’s to draw attention to the event. Contact Melanie Ward for more information at 417-8753501 or melanie.ward@rmhcozarks.org.
Thank You, Volunteers 28th Annual Price Cutter Charity Championship Presented by Dr Pepper August 10-13, 2017 Thank you to all the volunteers who contributed their time on behalf of our Ronald McDonald Houses to the Price Cutter Charity Championship. We are proud to be one of the over 40 local charities that benefit from this event each year. We couldn’t have done it without you! Ann Adams Jairus Burpo Susan Carter Celeste Cramer Corey Deatherage Clydene Freeman Jeff Goodwin Shawn Gott Briana Jenkins Derek Johns Clayton Keller Reed Kirby Becky Lang Kelsey Taylor Kristina Taylor Angel Wannathantri Debbie Williams
From The
Staff Happy
Anniversary 1 Year Joe Roushdi, House Near Cox South
September Birthdays September 5 Kristi Terry
September 6 Carol Andrade
September 9 Haley Barnett
September 10
Cassandra Schwab
September 11 Becky Lang
September 12 Ava Uzzell
September 15 Melanie Ward
September 20 Kay Prost
September 21 Terry Greer Ben Hughes
September 22 Anne Schubert
September 26
Heart of the House House Near Cox South Ann Adams Johnny Anderson Anthony Ashcraft Stephanie Ashcraft Haley Barnett Maggie Bradley Zach Bailey Taylor Brower Nadean Burnett Grace Cain Ashton Canfield Dave Canfield Philip Canfield Jillian Carlile Susan Carter Joseph Choi Alexis Christopher Nancy Clark Heather Cottle-Dillon Caroline D’Andrea Mikel Dashtipour Kathy Dennis Lynelle Dock Cheryl Douglas Blake Dowdy Judy Duncan Erica Elmer
Wendy Elmer Clydene Freeman Calan Froula Becky Gillham Sharon Gillham Shawn Gott Amy Grubaugh Amber Guilliams Darren Harrelson Laura Harrelson Mackenzie Harrelson Cindy Harris John Hashagen Cliff HIll Karen Hill Gracie Holt Briana Jenkins Derek Johns Clayton Keller Randi Kerr Claire Kidwell Trot Kinser True Kinser Betty Kniep Victoria Kubitschek Becky Lang Kayla Love
Shawn Lowery Adrienne McCoy Sandra McNeive Eileen Meinsen Larry Meinsen Madison Mickan Kelsie Mitchell Sandy Morris Grant Musick Nolan Musick Jordan Myers Allie Nash Karla Peck LeRoy Peck Kay Prost Lexi Rawlings Lorinda Rehagen Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts Kendyl Rodman Joe Roushdi George Schlick Joan Schroeder Anne Schubert Debbie Slocum Randy Slocum T.J. Slocum
House At Mercy Kids Carolina Andrade Tyler Austin Stephanie Boscatto Jane Bray Stephanie Bube Andrew Cheray Kim Clift Lizzie Collum Jennie Crabbe Brooke Davis Sandy Emberton Rachel Farmer Becky Farris Patti Garretson Gabriel Green
Terry Greer Ann Griesemer Leslie Hatch Brenda Havens Kaley Hawkinson Emma Hilburn Nicole Hitchcock Carri Hummer Jessi Hummer Jenni Jacka Lillian Jacka Shelby Jones Josie Kennedy Jennifer Lewis Morgan Lewis
Alyssa Smith Dearicka Smith Mary Smith Grace Stagner Kim Stagner Brandon Taylor Karen Taylor Kelsey Taylor Kristina Taylor Rich Taylor Linda Tenneson Aly Thomas Ava Uzzell Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell Garrett Volner Abigail Weitzel Lucy Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Travis Weitzel Sara Westbrooks Meghan Zengel
Ashlee Luko Brady Marshall Beth Mecca Jianna Mills Kiera Mills Krista Mills Kersten Mitchell Rebekah Mitts Alyssa Mondeaux Abby Monsees Tracie Nicholson Kate Okland Alyson O’Connor Grace O’Neal Brian Pesek
Sarah Polistico Karrington Prohaska Monica Quinn Kaylei Sadler Cassandra Schwab Abby Shifflet Erin Spieth Vanessa Strathmann Debbie Williams John Williams Gabby Wilson
Welcome, New Volunteers To Houses
Taylor Brower, Grace Cain, Derek Johns, Jennifer Lewis, Morgan Lewis, Madison Mickan and Aly Thomas
Maggie Bradley
Heart Beats is published monthly for volunteers of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Ozarks and The Tooth Truck, Inc. Editor: Debbie Kinser 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
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RMHC Staff 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 Jacinda Canfield Cassie Franklin Savannah Keller Abby Neumann Chandler Saner Sara Wilken
Ronald McDonald House at Mercy kids House Program Manager Susan Green Assistant House Managers Amy Crawford Julia Epps Bailey Ghan Sydney Helms Kennedy Keller Savannah Keller Hannah Major Mandy Spurlock
Family Dinner Spotlight
Second Quarter Hourly Awards
Mercy House Life Point Church When did you start providing meals at the Ronald McDonald House? We started providing meals for the families in July of this year. How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program? We got started in the Family Dinner Program after staying at RMH, ourselves, when our daughter Gabrielle was born prematurely; we really wanted to give back. Our pastor asked me if I wanted to lead a service project, and I thought of the Ronald McDonald House first thing and how this would be a great start in giving back. What is your favorite thing about participating in the Family Dinner Program? Our favorite part is knowing we are helping to take a little of the stress of thinking of what to do for dinner off a family’s mind.
Do you have any favorite memories from your volunteer experience? I did run into one of my former students who was staying at the RMH recently while their child was in the NICU. It is always nice to share your experience with other families who are going through similar struggles and give them hope. What would you say to anyone considering volunteering for the Family Dinner Program? Definitely do it! Don’t be nervous or question if it makes a difference, because it does make an impact. Other comments? We are so happy we have been able to join the Family Dinner Group, making a difference even if it seems small, we know it helps.
Recipe for Dr Pepper Pulled Pork 2 pork picnic roasts Salt (to taste) Pepper (to taste) 1-24 oz. bottle of barbeque sauce 1 can of Dr. Pepper
Put the picnic pork roasts in the crockpot. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 6-8 hours on low. Take meat out, remove the netting, and shred the meat using forks or kitchen shears. Pour the barbeque sauce on, as much or as little as you like. Pour in one can of Dr. Pepper. Stir to mix. Serve on hamburger buns or rolls if desired.
Congratulations to our House volunteers who earned an award during the second quarter! If you have not already received your awards, they will be presented on your next shift. If you are not currently volunteering on a regular shift, please stop by the office so we can present your gift to you. We appreciate your continued service and hard work to provide a “home away from home” for more than 800 families each year!
25-Hour Pin
Andrew Cheray Caroline D’Andrea Erica Elmer Lisa Jones Shelby Jones Kersten Mitchell Sarah Palistico Cassandra Schwab Alyssa Smith
50-Hour Mug
Ann Adams Cheryl Douglas Wendy Elmer Gabrielle Green Briana Jenkins Kiera Mills Kelsie Mitchell Kate Okland Kirby Reed Kendyl Rodman Kaylei Sadler Grace Stagner
100-Hour Pin Lynelle Dock Karen Hill Leroy Peck Joe Roushdi
August Dinner Groups Ronald McDonald House near Cox South Ashley Gregory and Friends Bambinos Cerner Si3 Courtyard by Marriot Covenant Presbyterian Church Cox Health Dietitians Cox NAO Cox South Respiratory Department
Downtown Rotary Club Fremont Elementary Girl Scout Troop #71600 Glassman Family Glendale Christian Church Good Family Just Friends Knights of Columbus Knights Templar
250-Hour Pin Ladies of Corinth Baptist Church Oak Grove Assembly of God OTC ASN Nursing Program Ozark Dialysis Parkcrest Baptist Second Baptist Southside Church of Christ SRC Community Relations The Girlfriends
Union Hill Church of Christ United Healthcare Unity of Springfield Vicki Parsons and Family Wise Crew
Maggie Bradley Jennie Crabbe Lucy Weitzel
Open Dinner Dates: September: 13
750-Hour Pin
Hercules Church Hillcrest Presbyterian Church Houlihan’s Infused Catering Journey Church Julie Gray and Friends Kastning Family Lifepoint Church Mercy Cafeteria
Mercy Neuro Mercy Nurses 6B Mercy ROI Mills Family Louise Morgan MSU ACPT Mychelle and Jen Ozarks Jeep Thing The Golden’s
Abigail Weitzel Mary Smith Sondra Uzzell
1,250-Hour Pin
Ronald McDonald House at Mercy kids Adobe’s Café Arvest Bank Ash Grove United Methodist Church Battlefield United Methodist Church Buffalo McDonald’s East Sunshine Church of Christ Gecko Hospitality
500-Hour Pin
Turning Point Church Union Hill Wellington Hills Friends Chelsea Wilson Bill and Andi Wise Open Dinner Dates: September: 6, 8, 22, 23 and 29
Sandy Morris
2,000-Hour Pin Amy Grubaugh Larry Meinsen
2,750-Hour Gift Sandy Emberton
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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
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presented by McDonald’s® of the Ozarks
Saturday, September 16 at 6:00pm White River Conference Center Put on your favorite red shoes and get ready for an evening to remember with dinner, dancing, complimentary beer and wine, and festive fun like the “Shoebox Surprise.” We are proud to welcome back musical guest, OWN Network Star & Recording Artist Jake Simpson to provide another unforgettable performance during the Third Annual Red Shoe Gala on September 16, 2017. 100% of the proceeds from the Red Shoe Gala benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks, helping children and families through Springfield’s two Ronald McDonald Houses and the Tooth Truck (our Ronald McDonald Care Mobile). For more information, visit PutYourRedShoesOn.org or call 417.875.3505.
Mission Moment The Drumright family stayed at both of our Ronald McDonald Houses in 2016 after the birth of Jamison. They were so appreciative of their time with the Houses that they wanted to give back. Audrey, Jamison’s Mom, reached out to find what items were on our Wish List and they made a special delivery of cleaning supplies and other goodies! Audrey made burp clothes to sell to raise the money to buy the Wish List items and Jamison made a card with a painted handprint. Inside were the signatures of everyone who bought an item. We are thankful for the Drumright family for visiting and giving back to our mission!
Volunteer Spotlight Cox House Eileen Meinsen Eileen Meinsen has been a volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House since April of 2006. Eileen says she does the background work and is not often in the Spotlight. This month, we decided she needed to be center stage for once. Let’s learn more about Eileen.
I also hang out with Larry (Eileen’s Husband and current RMH Volunteer). Extracurricular activities? I enjoy water aerobics and working at my church, Northside Christian Church.
What is your favorite thing to do (or a couple things) at the House? I do office work, work in the kitchen, and keep up with laundry. It’s not very exciting but it is what I do.
Do you volunteer anywhere else in the Springfield community? If yes, where? I volunteer with my church. I take care of the Baptismal Robes, the kitchen laundry and the communion. Sometimes we go to Ozark Food Harvest with the church and pack backpacks.
What do you enjoy in your free time? I like reading. My favorite book is the Bible. However, I love the book Sophie’s Heart by Lori Wick. It is excellent!
How did you learn about the Ronald House? I was in water aerobics with Betty Laytham, a longtime volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House. We (Eileen
and Larry, her husband) told her we were interested in volunteering somewhere and she told us to come to the Ronald McDonald House. We have been here ever since. Do you have any favorite memories? Time spent with Staci, Donnetta and Megan. I just enjoy being here. What do you enjoy most about volunteering with our organization? I enjoy helping people. Other comments? I love bragging about my kids and grandkids. I have four sons, 13 grandchildren, one great grandchild and another great grand that will be here any day!
Welcome New Staff to the House near Cox South
Melanie Ward joined our team in July as the Associate Program Manager at the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South. Prior to this position, she served as an Assistant Manager at the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids for three years. In May of 2017, Melanie graduated with Cum Laude honors from Evangel University with a degree in Psychology, where she was also the Public Relations Officer for Evangel’s International Honor Society in Psychology. Through her experiences, she has developed a passion for working with families and volunteers. While in college, she interned with Crosslines and Ambassadors for Children, two local charities dedicated to caring for families in crisis. Melanie has also served as the Kids Commons Director at the Commons Community Church for four years. She developed and launched the program in 2014 and has ensured its continued prosperity to this day. Melanie has plans to marry her fiancé, Austin Ball in the fall of 2018. They have been dating since 2016. They love to hammock, read, and play with their one-year-old Tabby cat named Hubert.
Welcome New Staff to the House at Mercy Kids Amanda Spurlock, who prefers to be called Mandy, joined our team at the House at Mercy Kids in August. Amanda is originally from St. Louis and graduated from Missouri State University with a degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Administration. Recently, Mandy moved back to Springfield after feeling led to take part in a coffee house ministry called “The Potter’s House”. During her spare time she enjoys CrossFit, cooking, visiting local coffee shops and restaurants and would call herself a health nut. Mandy loves meeting new people and learning their stories, and staying busy between friends, church, work and family!
Ronald McDonald Houses of the Ozarks House Near Cox South Stats July 2017 Families Served.............59 Nights..................................359 Families from Missouri................................ 42 Families from other states.........................17 Year to date....................238 Program to date..... 9,879
House At Mercy Kids Stats July 2017 Families Served..............63 Nights..................................295 Families from Missouri................................ 57 Families from other states...........................6 Year to date................... 315 Program to date...... 2,164
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Heart Tooth Talk of the Truck Megan Blake Jairus Burpo Garrett Craigmiles Corey Deatherage LukeEllickson Matt Freihofer Sophie Harrington Christopher Heye Olivia Horton Ben Hughes Briana Isakson Connie McCarter Caleb Murray Kirsten O’Brien Melinda Thurman
Volunteering with the Tooth Truck (This month’s article comes from Samantha Bornaman, former Tooth Truck volunteer. She has just entered her first year of dental school at UMKC and wanted to share her experience as a volunteer with the program. She is a wonderful individual, committed volunteer, and we know she will be a rock star dentist!) The Tooth Truck has been one of the most impactful experiences of my college career. My name is Samantha Bornaman and I began volunteering with the Tooth Truck my sophomore year of college, while attending MSU. I did not realize on my first day how much I would miss it once I left Springfield to begin dental school. The staff became family to me since I moved away from mine when I went off to college. I was able to look to them for guidance, whether it involved dentistry or not. They are compassionate people who see difficult situations and handle them professionally with a loving hand.
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
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They are always ready to help patients and volunteers. From what I saw during my shifts, being a pediatric dentist is a tough job. Dr. Sarah is excellent at it! I loved hearing how Dental Assistants Chelsea and Megan talked to the patients while taking x-rays. They made it a fun experience! Emma does a wonderful job in the Office Manager position preparing for each day (there’s a lot that goes into it). Program Director Mindy does the behind the scenes tasks that are vital to the Truck. They come together well synchronized to make great dental experiences for kids!
One of my favorite parts of being a volunteer on the Truck was the opportunity I had to hear about the patient’s day at school. I loved getting to talk to them as we went to and from their classrooms. It always brought a smile to my face! Kids are so different and it is fun to hear about their lives. Many patients are nervous to visit the Tooth Truck at first because they hear negative things about the dentist but after their time on the Truck, they realize that seeing the dentist can be fun and exciting. I am so honored that I was able to spend three years volunteering with the Tooth Truck. It has allowed me to become more aware of the needs in my community. I hope I will be able to show the same compassion I see on the Tooth Truck when I start my life as a dentist. Thank you Tooth Truck for all that you do!
Samantha has supported the Tooth Truck program in a variety of ways. From boosting self-esteem among patients, making phone calls to schedule future appointments, and participating at special events, she has helped further the success of the Tooth Truck during each volunteer shift.
Welcome, Abbie Dohmen! The Tooth Truck is thrilled to welcome Abbie Dohmen to its team as a full-time dental assistant. Abbie is a Willard High School graduate and received her dental assisting certification in 2009 in Vista, CA. Abbie has lots of previous experience working with children in both a dental office and surgical center setting. She loves being a friendly face in the dental office so kids will know going to the dentist doesn’t have to be scary. She wants to show children how important it is to visit the dentist regularly. In her free time, Abbie enjoys spending time with her husband Will and daughter Emma, reading, traveling, and watching movies.
Congratulations, Emma! The Tooth Truck family has grown! Congratulations to Emma and Chad Davis and big sister Piper on the arrival of baby Palmer. This sweet boy was born on August 19th weighing 7 lbs 9 oz and 21 inches long. We are delighted to finally meet you!
Congratulations and Best Wishes to Chelsea! Congratulations to Chelsea and Sam Murray on the birth of their son, Colton. Little Colton was born on August 28th, weighing in at 6 lbs 15 oz and 19 inches long. We also send his mother our very best wishes as she starts a new dental career in dental hygiene. We will miss working alongside you each day but are excited to watch you pursue this dream!
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks July 2017 Children Treated............49 Dental Appointments provided............................... 75 Year to date dental Appointments................1,731 Program to date dental Appointments........... 51,334 Program to date value of treatment...... $13,500,366 Children who received treatment:
Bowerman Elementary, Boys & Girls Clubs, Boys & Girls Town, Hickory Hills School, Truman Elementary, Wilder Elementary
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 Healthy Smiles Academy Program Manager Tamara Maddox Office Manager Emma Davis Dental Assistants Abbie Dohmen Megan Lambert Part-Time Dental Assistants Kristi Terry On Call Dental Assistants Amy Baker Chelsea Murray
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Heart Beats
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
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Holiday Homes Holiday Tickets Tour, Market Available& Tea Homes Oct. 4 Tour
The 22nd Annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour will be held Friday, November 17, 2017 and highlight some of the area’s most beautiful and unique homes decorated for the holidays. After touring the homes, you are invited to join us at Springfield’s Diamond Room for our annual Holiday Tea and desserts, provided by Simply Delicious Catering, and Cup O’Cheer Market, featuring gifts and beautiful home decor from specialty merchants around the Ozarks. Both Ronald McDonald Houses, as well as the Tooth Truck, will be available for tours during the event.
Coming this November!
Save the Date
Friday, November 17 The Diamond Room 2340 W. Grand 10am – 8pm
The first 1,000 guests to purchase a ticket will receive a commemorative Cup O’Cheer china teacup and saucer designed by the team at BridgeBlue Sourcing Partners and Obelisk Home, which may be picked up at The Diamond Room on the day of the event. Tickets go on sale October 4th, and are $30 in advance or $35 the day of the event. Proceeds from the event benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks. We’d love for you to join the hundreds of volunteers who make Cup O’Cheer possible! If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Melanie Ward at 417-8753501 or at melanie.ward@RMHCozarks.org.