Heart
BEATS JANUARY 2014
Introducing
Happy Wheels We are thrilled to announce a brand new program our Ronald McDonald Houses will roll out this month…“Happy Wheels”! Created as an additional resource for potential Ronald McDonald House families, our Happy Wheels wagon will bring special deliveries to families and children at Cox South Hospital and Mercy Children’s Hospital who could benefit from our services. Our staff and volunteers will deliver care bags for the parents and kids along with information about how they can benefit from our “home away from home” as day use guests or for overnight stays.
ADsmith Marketing and Advertising created an activity book for kids to teach them about Ronald McDonald House through the poem “The House that Love Built®.” You can contribute to this new program by donating items listed below that will be provided in the care bags. For more information, please contact Staci Holland, Ronald McDonald Houses Program Director, at 417.875.3521 or Staci.Holland@ RMHCozarks.org.
Celebration of Sharing On December 2, 2013, Ronald McDonald House Charities staff enjoyed the Celebration of Sharing for the Price Cutter Charity Championship. Our Ronald McDonald House program received a $45,971 check, representing our portion of the proceeds from the 2013 PCCC. Of that total amount, we received $23,750 in earnings from the Sweepstakes Ticket sales. RMHC sold 950 of the 6,000 available Marlin Charitable Fund Sweepstakes tickets. We can’t say thank you enough for supporting the organization in this special way, and we look forward to the 25th anniversary event in 2014!
Snowflake Social Save the Date • Small bottles of lotion • Mini hand sanitizer • Activity books (crossword puzzles, sudoko, etc.) • Travel manicure sets • Chapstick • Individual packs of Kleenex • Travel-size toothpastes & toothbrushes (adult & children)
• Individually packaged snacks (Goldfish, granola bars, Teddy Grahams, gum, mints, Lifesavers, etc.) • Small packs of crayons for the activity books • 12 ounce water bottles (or smaller) • Small, plain gift bags
Mark your calendars for the Annual Snowflake Social on January 30, 2014 at 6 PM. Our RMHC and Tooth Truck volunteers, staff and special friends are invited to this winter gathering at the Keller family home. Be sure to look for your invitation soon and be sure to RSVP with Brent Stock at 417.875.3501 or email your RSVP to Brent.Stock@RMHCozarks.org.
From The
Staff
Welcome, New Volunteers to Houses Dana Ausburn Pfifer Duerkop Jordan McMunn Jacob Smith
Happy Anniversary
New to Heart Beats this year, we want to recognize those volunteers who are celebrating milestones with the organization. Each month, we will recognize those volunteers who have served with RMHC for one year, five years, ten years and every five years thereafter. Without you, our Houses and Tooth Truck would not be possible. Thank you for all you do for our patients and families! 1 YEAR Paula Johns House near Cox South Ashley Miller House near Cox South George Schlick House near Cox South Clayton Swinke Tooth Truck 25 YEARS Betty Laytham Gene Laytham Joan Schroeder 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.
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Heart of the House HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH Lori Aduddell Merideth Aduddell Miles Aduddell Scott Aduddell Karis Agnew Ashley Ambrose Johnny Anderson Abby Baudendistel Oana Bozek Martha Brooks Ashton Canfield Phillip Canfield Vivian Carissimo Evelyn Close Heather Cottle-Dillon Kathy Dennis Audrey Dlabach Jan Dooly Judy Duncan Bill Duplisse Nancy Duplisse
Becky Gillham Sharon Gillham Shawn Gott Amy Grubaugh Darren Harrelson Laura Harrelson Mackenzie Harrelson Cindy Harris Kathy Jenkins Paula Johns Clayton Keller Crosby Keller Betty Kniep Marion Kraemer Zachary Kram Caroline Langley Betty Laytham Gene Laytham Kayla Love Sandra McNeive Eileen Meinsen
Larry Meinsen Ashley Miller Sandy Morris Nathan Nelson Christian Nguyen Dani Peterson Kay Prost Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts Catherine Rucker George Schlick Joan Schroeder Anne Schubert Sue Sloan Debbie Slocum Randy Slocum T.J. Slocum Mary Smith Ashleigh Spalding Kara Speights Kim Stagner
Brianna Steiert Della Stewart Brandon Taylor Karen Taylor Kelsey Taylor Kristina Taylor Rich Taylor Becky Tilton Katie Tohill Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell DeeLee Webster Abigail Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Sara Westbrooks Danielle Wolford
HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Dana Ausburn Kayley Barnes Michael Bohnert Angela Dearing Pfifer Duerkop Sandy Emberton Laurie Feick Debby Freiman Terry Greer Ann Griesemer Sarah Gutzke Chuck Guy
Connie Guy Michaela Harris Brenda Havens Kim Haynes Carri Hummer Jessi Hummer Karis Jaramillo Rosemary Jiang Mackenzie Kurth Angel Le Barbara McBride Larry McBride
Jordan McMunn Rebekah Mitts Megan Mize Jared Nave Pooja Patel Marc Propst Karla Reed Lauren Routh Chandler Saner Amanda Schudy Jacob Smith Mikaela Smith
Paul Spiker Amy Sullinger Serenity Sullinger Amy Sutton Tammy Taylor Ashley Toten David Vong Debbie Williams Megan Wilson
RMHC Staff President & CEO Bonnie Keller House Program Director Staci Holland Tooth Truck Program Director Mindy Muñoz Director of Events Chris Louzader Project Manager Amber Price Assistant to the President Debbie Kinser Development Assistant Kim Booth Communications Assistant Karen Doman
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH House Manager Megan Schussler Associate House Manager Brent Stock Assistant House Managers Jacinda Canfield Adrianne Forster Brittany Gamble Angela Hammond Morgan Jensen Sheridan Thurman Randi Villines
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL House Manager Alexis Rainwater Associate House Manager Brian Powers Assistant House Managers Amber Campbell Amy Crawford Hannah Major Jill Stout Danielle Walcher
Family Dinner Spotlight The Cramer Family When did you start providing meals for families at the Ronald McDonald House? We began serving meals in 2008. How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program? I (Celeste) worked for Ronald McDonald House as an Assistant Manager and saw the need for groups to provide dinner. I wanted families to be able to spend as much time with loved ones as possible.
January Birthdays January 2 Amy Grubaugh Terri Libel January 7 Bill Duplisse January 10 Scott Aduddell January 12 Barbara McBride January 13 Merideth Aduddell January 15 Kim Stagner January 19 Marc Propst January 20 Becky Gillham
Mary, Elle, Luke, and Reese
What is your favorite thing about participating in the Family Dinner Program? As a family, our favorite thing about participating is the knowledge that 100% of the food we prepare goes directly to the families. We also love knowing that, by preparing
a meal for them, families get to spend more time with their children who are in the hospital.
What would you like to say to other groups who are considering volunteering with the Family Dinner Program? Try to come up with meals that are not seasonal. Also, prepare food for both kids and adults.
Do you have any favorite memories? The best thing is seeing the joy families have when their child is discharged from the hospital.
January 22 Brian Powers January 27 TJ Slocum January 29 Angela Dearing January 30 Lori Aduddell
September Dinner Groups RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH Cox House December Meal Groups Amy Oestreich Amy Clotfelter & Little Caesars Aubree Good and Family The Brown Family CODA Culture Crighton Olive & Dunn Surg. Group Covenant Presbyterian Enactus-OTC First Christian Church Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano
The Girlfriends Glendale Christian Church Gronniger Family Hillcrest Presbyterian Home Depot Just Friends Halle Kirk Jennifer Kirk Knights of Columbus Knights Templar Northside Christian Church Second Baptist Church
Simmons First National Bank Sorrell Family Springfield Remanufacturing Company Union Hill Church of Christ Vest Family Walmart of Nixa Wood Family January Open Dinner Dates: January 3, 5, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL 509th Route Clearance Company The Anthony Family Ash Grove United Methodist-Presbyterian Church Battlefield United Methodist Church The Cantu Family Sarah Carder & Family The Cramer Family Mychelle Eckels The Eldred Family
Eugene Field Elementary Cub Scouts Troop #214 Famous Dave’s First Baptist Church of Ozark The Gegg Family The Golden’s Hawthorn Chapter IAAP Julie Pappenfort Louise Morgan Mercy Corporate Health and Wellness Mercy Imaging
Nixa General Baptist Church The Moore/Holm Family Sunshine Church of Christ Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ Youth Wellington Hills Friends January Open Dinner Dates: 1, 2, 3, 4, 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 28, 30, 31
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Fun RMHC Facts Did you know??? There are 329 Ronald McDonald Houses in 33 countries and regions around the world (175 in US).
Around the House
There are 192 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in 23 countries and regions around the world (106 in US). There are 50 Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles operating in 9 countries and regions.
Wish List 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
HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
8-gallon trash bags Laundry baskets Individually wrapped breakfast items White king sheets (fitted and flat) White standard-size pillowcases White bath & hand towels White wash cloths Detergent Stamps 8 1/2 x 11 Paper
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Bears & Babies Bed & Breakfast When Kathy and Russ Beberniss started a project to benefit families with ill children, they had no idea how quickly it would become a community project. Bears & Babies Bed & Breakfast was created in the spirit of generosity to bring a smile to children’s faces and has grown beyond belief. Here is what Kathy had to say about this remarkable mission: We realized the impact of serious health situations on children in a family more than 24 years ago when Russ, my husband, was hospitalized for more than two months due to complications after a kidney/ pancreas transplant. We had two small children at the time, and life was everything but normal. So when the Ozark Methodist Church started planning a mission trip to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, we created a doll bunk bed to assist in fundraising for the trip. With Russ’s compromised immune
system, we were unable to join the group. We said we would approach the local St. Jude Affiliate Clinic about doing something for the local division, but the regulations and guidelines for toys and gifts children could receive did not allow us to do that. Not to be deterred from our mission, we called Staci at the Ronald McDonald House. Our first thoughts were to bring a few pieces of furniture for both playrooms and extra pieces for birthdays and special occasions (any time a child seemed to need something special). Her answer was immediately and enthusiastically “YES!” to the project. So the project was on, and now we had to fund it. If we could sell the furniture slightly higher than the cost of materials, each piece sold would generate enough money to make four pieces for the project. The Ozark Utopia Craft Fair generates a large crowd every year, so we
applied for a booth. When organizer Linda Inman heard about the project, she waived the fee for our booth. We then approached Staci about sharing the booth to serve a dual purpose of generating revenue and getting the word out about both Houses and how people could get involved with the charity. Amidst cold and rainy weather, we had a great turnout at the craft fair! Now that we had generated enough funds to start production, we delivered a table, two chairs and dishes to the Cox House playroom, along with the first bunk bed and two dolls for the staff to give away. About that same time, the Heritage Church in Springfield made a substantial contribution to the project, which allowed an expansion to the goal for furniture, dolls and bears for all children staying at both Houses during Christmas week. The kids absolutely love their new gifts and we are thrilled it all worked out!
Bears & Babies Bed & Breakfast (continued) We would like to recognize several people and groups who have been involved in making this project a reality. • Five Pound Apparel donated 11 new 18” dolls. • Connie & Charlie Powell of Ozark donated two new dolls as well as a “Collectable American Girl Doll.” • Debbie Rumpf sewed doll clothes, bear clothes and blankets for the project. • Andra Adams sewed small quilts for all of the beds. • Ozark High School Woodworking Class agreed
to make 10 tables and 20 chairs. Then they surprised us all with those items PLUS 10 bunk beds. The teachers and staff at the Ozark High School contributed the funds for those bunk beds as well as paint for all the pieces they created. • Ozark High School Honor Society collected two big bags of bears & dolls. • Ozark United Methodist Church Youth Group, along with more than 10 church members, primed 10 single beds, one table, four chairs and a bunk bed.
• Boy Scout Pack 75 Nighthawk Patrol painted the pieces Ozark United Methodist Church primed. They were joined by four congregation members who also created six Angels for parents at the Houses. • Heritage church congregation also got involved by painting two additional bunk beds. Special thanks to Russ & Kathy Beberniss who have coordinated the project from beginning to finish and made 10 single beds, as well as bedding for the entire project.
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Volunteer Spotlight Kayley Barnes has been volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Children’s Hospital since August 2013. Kayley is one of the most committed volunteers at the House; she is here nearly every Thursday, whether it be Thanksgiving Day or blizzard conditions outside! Kayley first heard about Ronald McDonald House online. She learned more about the organization by talking to her aunt who had stayed in a Ronald McDonald House
in the past. Kayley’s favorite part about volunteering at the House is the good feeling she gets from helping others. From her volunteer experience with RMH, she has this advice for people considering volunteering with the organization: “It’s a great environment, and it’s very rewarding for yourself as well.” Kayley attends Ozark High School and participates in online classes. She regularly attends church and has volunteered for nearly three years with the Lebanon
Family Church. When she is not volunteering at RMH, Kayley enjoys making bracelets, reading and surfing the internet. All of our staff and families greatly appreciate Kayley’s dedicated service at the House. Thanks, Kayley!
Staff Stuff
We can’t believe how fast 2013 has come and gone! As we embark on another year ahead, we are reminded of the generosity and love shown by so many that make it possible for Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks to serve children, families and patients who need us the most. Our donors, volunteers and supporters are true Angels who made it possible for us to provide a “home away from home” to more than 700 families and provide dental care for more than 1,600 children this past year.
Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH STATS November 2013 Families Served........35 Nights................... 216 Families from Missouri..................24 Families from Other States............. 11 Year-to-Date Families Served................... 320 Program-to-Date Families Served... 8,473
HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL STATS November 2013 Families Served........48 Nights................... 280 Day Use Visits.........14 Families from Missouri..................44 Families from Other States...............4 Year-to-Date Families Served................... 369 Program-to-Date Families Served...... 410
Thank you for all your continued efforts and for choosing to support the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks. We appreciate you more than words can express! Pictured front row: Staci Holland, Chris Louzader, Kim Booth, Mindy Munoz Middle row: Megan Schussler, Alexis Rainwater, Debbie Kinser, Karen Doman Back row: Bonnie Keller, Brian Powers, Brent Stock, Amber Price
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Heart of the Truck Whitney Bingle Megan Blake Chelsea Carroll Juliette Dennis Sarah Hansen Brenda Havens Linda Heslin Taylor Klingenberg Kayla Maples Connie McCarter McKenzie Swan Clayton Schwinke Kelly Walters Gina Wyland
Tooth Talk
Top pictures showing Jasmine’s teeth before treatment and some of the restored teeth are pictured underneath.
Ready for
School Pictures! We all remember the excitement of school picture day - picking out the perfect outfit, making sure your hair looked nice, and eagerly waiting for them to come back so you could trade them with your friends. Now imagine that you were so embarrassed of your smile that you opted out of picture day with the hopes that your teeth might look better for the retake day later in the year. While in Clever this fall, we met a beautiful, young six-year-old named Jasmine who was hoping that her bad teeth would either fall out or be fixed so that she could have a “pretty smile” for the spring school pictures.
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Jasmine came to us with 13 cavities, including several on her front teeth that presented as black areas in between each front tooth. Her Mom
explained that the family had Medicaid for Jasmine several years ago and got a few cavities fixed, but then circumstances caused them to not qualify for Medicaid before all of the other cavities could be repaired. During her cleaning and diagnosis appointment, Jasmine asked several times about fixing her front teeth, so we decided that we would start our treatment with that area. After the visit to fix her front teeth, Jasmine left the Tooth Truck overjoyed with the results and couldn’t wait to show her teacher or for the end of the day so that she could show her Mom. The next day, Jasmine and her Mom came to the Tooth Truck for an after-school appointment, and her mother teared up as she thanked the staff for giving her daughter back a “pretty smile.” It was then that she explained that
Jasmine hadn’t wanted to have school pictures taken that fall as a result of her black front teeth, and that she was hoping that she could find a way to get Jasmine’s teeth fixed in time for the Spring retakes. In all, Jasmine’s treatment on the Tooth Truck consisted of eight composite fillings, three pulpotomies and crowns on severely decayed primary (baby) molars, and two extractions of primary molars that were decayed beyond the point of being repaired. Her treatment took five appointments to complete for a treatment total of $3,744. At the end of each appointment, Jasmine would request to look in a mirror so she could see her new “pretty teeth.” Come spring picture retakes, Jasmine will be ready to let her new, cavity-free smile shine!
Welcome to the Truck,
Whitney Bingle The Tooth Truck is pleased to welcome a new member to its dental team. Whitney Bingle will serve as an oncall Dental Assistant while completing her studies in Dental Hygiene. She loves working in the dental field
and looks forward to helping people improve their smiles on a daily basis! Whitney is so excited to work with the young patients on the Tooth Truck to help empower them to care for their teeth. She says it will be an amazing experience
to help children who would otherwise not receive the dental attention they so greatly need. Whitney’s enthusiasm and sweet spirit will be a positive impact on each patient she encounters. Welcome, Whitney!
MRS. C’S RECIPES Snicker Pie 2 cups frozen vanilla yogurt or low-fat ice cream, slightly softened 2 tablespoons reduced-fat peanut butter or Peter Pan Whipped Peanut Butter 1 small box (4-serving) sugar-free chocolate pudding mix 8 oz. fat-free whipped topping, thawed
Enjoy wonderful recipes provided by Mrs. Vivian Carissimo, also known as Mrs. C.
In large bowl, mix peanut butter into ice cream. Add pudding and stir until combined. Add whipped topping and stir until well blended. Pour into 9” pie pan and freeze.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks November 2013 Children Treated.... 139 Dental Appointments Provided............... 269 Year-to-Date Dental Appointments..... 3,006 Program-to-Date Dental Appointments.... 38,768 Program-to-Date Value of Treatments.....$9,002,353
Children Who Received Treatment: Pittman Elementary Sherwood Elementary Watkins Elementary Weaver Elementary Westport School
Makes 8 servings.
Tooth Truck Wish List Children’s DVDs Super Hero Themed Toys Toy Cars McDonald’s Toys
Small Stuffed Animals Small Footballs, Baseballs, etc. Coloring Books Hair Accessories
FIT TIP OF THE MONTH People think the start of a new year is the time to make a resolution, but you can choose to start any day. If you want to make a lifelong change, it’s not going to happen overnight. If you do have goals for yourself, it’s important to remember to set realistic ones. Also, you need to make them specific, don’t just say “I want to lose weight.” Set up a plan of what you want to accomplish and how to do it. Another thing to remember is to be accountable to yourself and to establish a support network so you can stay on track to become the new you.
STAFF Program Director Mindy Muñoz General Dentist Dr. Sarah Cimino Temporary Dentists Dr. Bill Brell Pediatric Dentist Dr. Aaron Dannegger Dr. Tom Hoff President & CEO Bonnie Keller Office Manager Abby Newman
Ms. Catherine Rucker
Dental Assistants Megan Lambert Kim Otradovec Part-Time Dental Assistant Kristi Terry
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Heart Beats
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
2014 SHARE A HEART CAMPAIGN The 21st Annual Share a Heart Campaign, presented by Youngblood Auto Group and McDonald’s® of the Ozarks, will take place January 24th through February 28th. For 36 days, customers can purchase red, pink and gold paper hearts for $1, $5 and $20 at one of 63 McDonald’s® Restaurants in Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. Thank you volunteers, McDonald’s and all of our sponsors for your support in this, our largest fundraiser of the year! Be sure to come out and support the families and children we serve by purchasing your hearts! Stay tuned to our Facebook page for the date of McTJ Night at the McDonald’s in Marshfield! Twenty-percent of all sales go towards TJ Slocum’s goal for the Share a Heart Fundraiser, which benefits the Ronald McDonald House. Last year he raised $11,202!
Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 3rd, 2014 for our 5th Annual Taste of Adventure at Remington’s Event Center. Stay tuned for much more information in the coming months!