Heart
BEATS
October/November 2017
22nd Annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour Friday, November 17 The Diamond Room, 2340 W. Grand 10:00am – 8:00pm
The 22nd Annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour will be held Friday, November 17, 2017 and will highlight five of the area’s most beautiful and unique homes decorated for the holidays. After touring the homes, guests are invited to join us at The Diamond Room for our annual Holiday Tea, desserts and savory treats, provided by Simply Delicious Catering. The 2017 Cup O’Cheer Market, also held at The Diamond Room, will feature gifts and beautiful home decor from local specialty merchants, a Silent Auction, and wine and specialty drinks available for purchase. Although the Ronald McDonald House® near Cox South is no longer an official stop on the Tour, both of our Ronald McDonald Houses will be available for tours, as well as the Tooth Truck. 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 are on sale now for $30 in advance or $35 the day of the event. Proceeds from the event benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Ozarks.
Hundreds of volunteers are needed to ensure the success of this event. If you’re interested in helping, contact Melanie Ward at 417-875-3501 or Melanie.Ward@RMHCozarks.org.
Albert & Alia Lee Midtown Springfield Holiday Décor by Kofron-Page Designs
Alan & Camille Lockhart Diamond Woods Estates, Holiday Décor by Camille Lockhart and Ron Johnson, The Thicket
Pat & Karie Bauer Cobblestone Creek
Holiday Décor by Pat & Karie Bauer and Nathan Taylor, Obelisk Home
Mike & Erin Burlew East Springfield We are grateful to the following sponsors that have provided generous contributions to support our Ronald McDonald Houses and the Tooth Truck (our Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®). Distinguished Sponsor:
Supporting Sponsors:
Leadership Sponsor:
Holiday Décor by The Burlew Family
Foundation Sponsor
Contributing Sponsors:
Joe & Linda Bex Tuscany Hills - Nixa Holiday Décor by Joe & Linda Bex
From The
Staff Happy
Anniversary 1 Year Carol Andrade, House at Mercy Kids Anthony Ashcraft, House near Cox South Stephanie Ashcraft, House near Cox South Jillian Carlile, House near Cox South Lynelle Dock, House near Cox South Grace O’Neal, House at Mercy Kids Leroy Peck, House near Cox South Kendyl Rodman, House near Cox South Kaylei Sadler, House at Mercy Kids
3 Year Alyssa Mondeaux, House at Mercy Kids
Heart of the House House Near Cox South Ann Adams Johnny Anderson Anthony Ashcraft Stephanie Ashcraft Tyler Austin Haley Barnett Maggie Bradley Zach Bailey Taylor Brower Nadean Burnett Grace Cain Ashton Canfield Dave Canfield Philip Canfield Jillian Carlile Susan Carter 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 Madison Gibson Becky Gillham Sharon Gillham Shawn Gott Amy Grubaugh Amber Guilliams Darren Harrelson Laura Harrelson Mackenzie Harrelson Cindy Harris John Hashagen 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 Kayla Love Shawn Lowery
Adrienne McCoy Sandra McNeive Eileen Meinsen Larry Meinsen Madison Mickan Kelsie Mitchell Sandy Morris Grant Musick Nolan Musick Jordan Myers Karla Peck LeRoy Peck Kay Prost Lexi Rawlings Beka Razor Lorinda Rehagen Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts Savanna Roberts Kendyl Rodman Joe Roushdi George Schlick Joan Schroeder Anne Schubert Debbie Slocum Randy Slocum T.J. Slocum Alyssa Smith
House At Mercy Kids
Terry Greer, House at Mercy Kids Brenda Havens, House at Mercy Kids Reed Kirby, House at Mercy Kids
Carolina Andrade Jane Bray Stephanie Bube Andrew Cheray Jennie Crabbe Sandy Emberton Becky Farris Gabriel Green Terry Greer Ann Griesemer Brenda Havens
20 Years
Welcome, New Volunteers To Houses
5 Year
Judy Duncan, House near Cox South
Kaley Hawkinson Emma Hilburn Nicole Hitchcock Jenni Jacka Lillian Jacka Shelby Jones Hannah Le Jennifer Lewis Morgan Lewis Brady Marshall Beth Mecca
Dearicka 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 Garrett Volner Abigail Weitzel Lucy Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Travis Weitzel Sara Westbrooks James Winstead Meghan Zengel
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 Erin Spieth Kate Steingraber Vanessa Strathmann Gabby Wilson
We are thrilled to welcome 8 new volunteers to our Ronald McDonald Houses. Be sure to say hello next time you see Madison Gibson, Samantha Hensel, Hannah Le, Savanna Roberts, Hannah Stash, Violet Turner, Kate Steingraber and James Winstead.
RMHC Staff Heart Beats is published monthly for volunteers of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks and The Tooth Truck, Inc. Editor: Debbie Kinser ©RMHC 2017. 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 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 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 House Managers Karis Agnew Jacinda Canfield Cassie Franklin Savannah Keller Abby Neumann Chandler Saner Rebekkah Wall Sara Wilken
Ronald McDonald House at Mercy kids House Program Manager Ashley Burton Interim Program Assistant Julia Epps Assistant House Managers Amy Crawford Bailey Ghan Sydney Helms Kennedy Keller Savannah Keller Hannah Major Mandy Spurlock
Oct/Nov Birthdays
Family Dinner Spotlight Cox SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) Sheridan Thurman When did you start providing meals at the Ronald McDonald House? The Cox ER group has been providing dinners for two years now. We are a brand-new subgroup within the ER called SANE, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program? I used to be an Assistant Manager at the Cox House. I always thought it was such a positive experience. Everyone wants to help out tired parents. Cooking is a great way to help and it’s a team building experience. What is your favorite thing about participating in the Family Dinner Program? I like making the food and interacting with the families is great.
October 3 Kersten Mitchell October 10 Wendy Elmer Mark Brueggemann October 13 Micca Looney
Do you have any favorite memories from your volunteer experience? The last time I served we made Mexican and we had a lot of fun. It was such a positive experience. It made our group closer. Also, when I was an Assistant Manager I got to move furniture with Staci Jensen before the Cup of Cheer.
October 15 Debbie Slocum
What would you say to anyone considering volunteering for the Family Dinner Program? Just do it, it is even more fun than you think.
October 22 Jordan Looney
Other comments? Make the meal at the Ronald McDonald House. When I was an Assistant Manager my favorite groups were the ones who cooked at the House. They always took their time and had a lot of fun with it. It is a great team building experience. I also love that you can bring your kids with you to serve. It really makes a difference in who all comes.
Frito Corn Salad Recipe Battlefield United Methodist Church 3 cans of corn, drained 1 can of Rotel with chilies ½ cup of green peppers, chopped flakes of onion (fresh or dry) 2 cups of shredded cheddar 1 cup of mayonnaise
1. Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl 2. Before serving crush a bag of chili flavored Fritos and mix into the salad 3. Enjoy!
Sept/Oct Dinner Groups Ronald McDonald House near Cox South Alpha Phi Alpha Sigma Theta Chapter Battlefield United Methodist Church Cassidy United Methodist Cerner Si3 Chesterfield Ward Church of Jesus Christ Ladder Day Saints Commons Church Small Group Covenant Presbyterian Church Cox SANE Evergreen Baptist
Fordland Church of Christ Girls Fremont Elementary Girl Scout Troop #71313 Glassman Family Glendale Christian Church Glendale High School Interact Club Aubree Good Hill City Church Youth Group Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Jessica Bodine and Family Joe Rosner and Friends Julie Gray & Friends Kasthing Family Lifepoint Church Maples Health & Rehabilitation Mercy Catering Mercy College of Nursing Mercy Diagnostic Mercy ROI Mike Keeney Family Louise Morgan
October 19 Savannah Keller Kennedy Keller
October 24 Judy Duncan October 26 Sharon Gillham October 30 Leroy Peck November 2 Karen Hill Brandon Taylor November 5 Betty Kniep November 6 John Blocker November 7 Lorinda Rehagen November 8 Eileen Meinsen November 11 Logan Harrod Jan Ricketts November 13 Patricia Garretson November 14 Jane Bray
Just Friends Knights Templar Lakeland Behavioral Health Little Caesars Messiah Lutheran Church Mothers of Preschoolers MSU Student Nursing Organization MSU Student Society for Cell & Molecular Biology Oak Grove Assembly of God Parkcrest Baptist
Second Baptist The Girlfriends Union Hill Church of Christ Unity of Springfield Vicki Parsons and Family Weitzel Family
November 15 Rebekkah Wall
Open Dinner Dates:
November 18 Alexis Christopher
Mizzou Med MSU ASPT Musgrave Boys & Girls Club Jr. Council Mychelle & Jen Ozarks Christian Education Parkview FCCLA Club SBU Department of Education The Girlfriends The Goldens
Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ Wellington Hills Friends Wilson Family Chelsea Wilson Bill and Andi Wise
November: 17, 22, 24, 30 December: 4, 7,11, 17, 20, 23, 24, 27, 29, 31
Ronald McDonald House at Mercy kids Abacus CPA Ash Grove UMPC Buffalo McDonald’s Diane Cope East Sunshine Church of Christ Jessica Ensminger Hillcrest Presbyterian Church Houlihan’s Jordan Valley Figure Skating Club Journey Church
October 17 Cliff Hill Joseph Choi Eddie Marmouget
Open Dinner Dates:
November: 10, 13, 23 December: 1, 2, 13, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 31
November 16 Joan Schroeder Meghan Zengel
November 19 Kendyl Rodman November 23 Karis Agnew November 27 Abigail Weitzel November 30 Clayton Keller
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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
Mission Moment At 21 weeks pregnant with twin boys, Jessica Edens was admitted to the hospital due to placenta previa during pregnancy. After spending 3 weeks in the hospital, Jessica delivered the twins at a mere 24 weeks via emergency c-section; and Jessica and Jeffrey Folsom tragically lost one of their twins 30 hours after his birth. Jessica and Jeffrey have had to grieve the loss of one son while fighting for the survival of another. Their surviving son, Aaron Gabriel Edens, has been in a very fragile state and only weighed 1 lb. 11 oz. at birth on August 16th. At six-weeks-old, he weighed 2 lbs. 13 oz., and has recovered from emphysema, a hole in his heart, and renal failure
since birth. He is improving greatly every day and is weaning off most of his medications. The Edens show up on time for dinner every night—they say this is because one of the most helpful parts of staying in the Ronald McDonald House is talking with other families here. The Edens say another family with a similarly premature baby girl is able to give them insights and “forecasts” about what to expect and these conversations help to “humanize” what they’re going through. Before they
start their day spending precious hours in the NICU with baby Aaron, the Edens wake up early and drink coffee together to collect their thoughts and have time alone. They say these few moments together each morning allows them to pray and stay calm in the face of baby Aaron’s condition— moments they most identify feeling “at home.”
Adopt a Room and Heart the Houses Our 4th Heart the Houses effort kicked off in October with a special mailing created by ADsmith Marketing & Advertising, printed by McCann Printing and assembled by Ronald McDonald House volunteers. “Heart the Houses” encourages the community to Adopt a Room at one (or both) of our Ronald McDonald Houses for a month, quarter or year. With two Ronald McDonald Houses in Springfield, RMHC of the Ozarks has provided a “home away from home” for over 12,100 families of seriously ill and injured children as they experience one of life’s greatest challenges. Heart the Houses contributors are providing our families with a safe haven, a place where sorrow and fear can be expressed without censure, and a retreat from the daunting fears of a worst-case scenario. We encourage friends of Ronald McDonald House Charities to consider Adopting a Room during the upcoming giving season. If you would like additional Heart the Houses packets to share with family and friends, please let us know! Visit HeartTheHouses.org for more information.
Volunteer Spotlight Brian Pesek House at Mercy Kids Brian has been volunteering at the Mercy House for about three months now and is the father of 2 children ages 26 and 24. He has been painting in all the guest bathrooms at the and is doing such a wonderful job! Let’s learn a little bit more about Brian. What is your favorite thing to do (or couple of things) at the House? Painting rooms/bathrooms and knowing the gratification is going to an incredible cause. What do you enjoy in your free time? Watch hockey!
Extra curricular activities? Fly fishing, backpacking, hiking and anything outdoors! Do you volunteer anywhere else in the Springfield community? Yes, off Ice official for Springfield Express Hockey. How did you learn about Ronald McDonald House? From church- Julie Pappenfort, another volunteer that helps out here told me about it. Do you have favorite memories? I’m pretty new still, but I am looking forward to making some!
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with our organization? To be part of something that provides such a wonderful service to people and families in need. Super rewarding and very gratifying! Other comments? My daughter Bailey is graduating in December and will be starting at Mercy as a NICU nurse, so she will be taking care of the babies of the families that stay here at RMHC!
Welcome New Staff Rebekkah Wall / House Near Cox South
Please welcome new Cox House Assistant Manager, Rebekkah Wall. Rebekkah is a current student of Psychology and American Sign Language at Missouri State University. She plans on using what she continues to learn towards a future career in Mental Health Recreational Therapy. Her love of being outside in nature helps form a solid foundation for her belief in what Wilderness Therapy can do for certain individuals. She believes in the strong impact that the support of family has on individuals and hopes to set a good example for all of the families that are welcomed into the Ronald McDonald House making a lasting impression.
Ashley Burton / House at Mercy Kids
The Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids welcomed a new Program Manager on October 16. Ashley Burton spent the last 4½ years with Great Circle; first as a Youth Care Specialist at the Ozarks Family Resource Center and since February 2014, a Parent Educator at Great Circle’s Parenting Life Skills Center. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Drury University, where she received the Departmental Distinction in Education Award at graduation. Ashley is currently a student with the University of Missouri, working towards her Master’s degree in Social Work. Ashley and her husband, Ryan live in Springfield with their three daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family and creating through stained glass art.
Ronald McDonald Houses House Near Cox South Stats August 2017 Families Served.............45 Nights...................................341 Families from Missouri................................28 Families from other states.........................17 Year to date....................267 Program to date.....9,908
House At Mercy Kids Stats August 2017 Families Served.............. 61 Nights..................................289 Families from Missouri................................56 Families from other states...........................5 Year to date................... 358 Program to date...... 2,207
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Heart Tooth Talk of the Truck Megan Blake Corey Deatherage Luke Ellickson Sophie Harrington Christopher Heye Hailee Hosiner Ben Hughes Briana Isakson Susan Lemmon Connie McCarter Caleb Murray Melinda Thurman
Happy Anniversary 1 Year Ben Hughes Corey Deatherage
November Birthdays November 7 Dr. Howard Shayne November 24 Dr. Misty Shelton
Volunteering with the Tooth Truck Tooth Truck volunteer Corey Deatherage shares her experience volunteering with the Healthy Smiles Academy in this month’s article. Corey is a pre-dental student at MSU who is gaining relevant knowledge to apply to her future career. She has a sweet demeanor and reassuring approach with each patient and brushing participant encounter.
to visit and guide them through brushing and, at the end of year, they receive Healthy Smiles Academy Certificates! The ultimate goal for this program is to educate children on oral care, and to make that education a fun, exciting experience so they will take that knowledge home and continue the proper care on their own.
My name is Corey Deatherage, and I’ve been with the Healthy Smiles Academy for a little less than a year now. I was first informed about the program through the Pre-Dental Society at Missouri State University. Being Pre-Dental, I immediately took interest and once I learned more about what it had to offer, that interest dramatically increased. Through this program, we visit Title I schools to teach young children the importance of oral hygiene. During the initial visit, Program Manager Tamara reads to the kids and demonstrates how to properly brush and care for their teeth using our special guest dragon, DecayAway. The children then receive a box with their name on it, which contains a toothbrush to keep in the classroom. Throughout the school year we continue
My experience with this program has been one of the best in my college education and has done nothing but reassure me that I have chosen the right career. Interacting with kids is always a fun experience, but being able to influence and guide them through something I’m very passionate about is priceless. The kids have impacted my life in a way that not many get to experience. They are always so excited and happy when Tamara and I, as well as the other volunteers, arrive. Being able to see their expressions and hear their stories as we brush creates a relationship that all healthcare workers strive for. The Healthy Smiles Academy has done and will continue to do amazing things with the kids and I’m very proud to be a volunteer!
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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Corey has been involved in all aspects of the program. Not only has she worked one-onone with brushing participants, she has helped with behind-the-scenes work to prepare for launches. Corey also serves as a volunteer on the Tooth Truck, impacting the selfesteem of each patient she meets.
Volunteer Welcomes The Healthy Smiles Academy is excited to welcome two new volunteers to its program!
Susan Lemmon
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks August 2017
Susan Lemmon is a retired elementary school teacher from the Ozark School District and stays active as a substitute teacher in Ozark. Her experience with kids is a tremendous asset to helping them on a journey to a healthy smile! We are thrilled to have Susan as a volunteer!
Dental Appointments provided............................ 166
Hailee Hosiner
Year to date dental Appointments.............. 1,897
Hailee Hosiner is a sophomore at MSU where she is a pre-dental student. She is excited to dive in as a volunteer and has already shown she is a natural when it comes to connecting with kids. Hailee believes in the mission of the Tooth Truck and is excited to have this opportunity to serve the community.
Farewell to Tamara We want to wish Dacoda and Tamara Maddox the very best as they begin the next chapter of their lives in Columbia, MO. Tamara has served as the Program Manager of the Healthy Smiles Academy for two years and has made a tremendous impact on the program in that time. Thank you for sharing your talents and enthusiasm for oral health with our program, Tamara. We will miss seeing your bright smile each day!
Southern Living® Cookbooks on Sale Now! Dillard’s at the Battlefield Mall in Springfield is joining stores across the country in offering a special edition of the Southern Living Christmas Cookbook to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities through their annual holiday fundraiser. Since 1994, Dillard’s has supported RMHC® with a fundraiser benefiting the Ronald McDonald House program. This exclusive, 288-page hardbound cookbook is filled with more than 200 recipes and dozens of decoration ideas for Christmas plus seasonal gatherings. This “must have” cookbook is available for only $10 and is available now in all Dillard’s stores nationwide, as well as online at www.dillards.com. You may also purchase your book at the Cup O’Cheer Holiday Tea & Market on November 17th at the Diamond Room. Proceeds from the local sale of the cookbooks will benefit Springfield’s two Ronald McDonald Houses.
Children Treated..........110
Program to date dental Appointments.......... 51,500 Program to date value of treatment....... $13,574,867 Children who received treatment: Boys & Girls Town Holland Elementary Mark Twain Elementary McGregor Elementary Wanda Gray Elementary Weller Elementary
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 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
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
presented by McDonald’s® of the Ozarks
On September 16, friends of Ronald McDonald House Charities put on their Red Shoes and gathered at the White River Conference Center for a lively evening of dinner and dancing as musical guest, Jake Simpson returned to “wow” us with an incredible night of entertainment for the third year in a row! The night’s fun included a number of activities including the Youngblood Red Shoe Cam, “Shoebox Surprise,” three great raffle prizes and the Red Shoe Contest. Thanks to our many sponsors, contributors and supporters, we were able to exceed proceeds from last year’s Red Shoe Gala to
benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks, helping children and families through Springfield’s two Ronald McDonald Houses and the Tooth Truck. Also, a special thank you to our emcee, former RMHC Board Member, Rob Rector; our official greeter, TJ Slocum; and event photographer, Tooth Truck General Dentist, Dr. Sarah Cimino for helping make the night so special. View RMHC of the Ozarks’ Facebook album for pictures from the event, and visit PutYourRedShoesOn.org for upcoming information about the 4th Annual Red Shoe Gala in 2018.
Our First Red Friday – a HUGE Success! On Friday, September 15, the Kansas City Chiefs “Red Friday” was introduced to Springfield, all to benefit our two Ronald McDonald Houses. 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. The sale of limited-edition Chiefs Kingdom flags started at 6:00 am at 58 McDonald’s Restaurants in the Ozarks. Most of the flags were sold well before noon! Volunteers were a significant part of Red Friday’s success and we can’t thank all of you enough for your efforts, waving flags at the stores and coordinating inventory. We look forward to our second annual Red Friday in 2018!