Heart
BEATS
JULY / AUGUST 2014
2014 All-Star Weekend Mother Nature cooperated for a beautiful evening with a SUPER exciting game of the EAST team defeating the WEST team 48 to 27 at the 13th Annual Sertoma GRIN IRON CLASSIC on June 6th! The next day, the Springfield Team REIGNED supreme at the 3rd Annual Sertoma GRIN ACTION CLASSIC. This All-Star Weekend was presented by Heart of the Ozarks Sertoma Club and Delta Dental of Missouri, and hosted by RMHC of the Ozarks and the All-Star Smiles Sertoma Club to benefit the Tooth Truck! We had fantastic support from O’Reilly Auto Parts, Great Southern Bank and Patterson Dental, along with in-kind support from McDonald’s, Mercy Sports Medicine, Price Cutter, The Team, McCann Printing, Mediacom, Mid-West Family Broadcast Group and KOLR10/KOZL. Of course, the off-field and off-court ALL STARS were every single volunteer who made the events possible. Thank you for volunteering! All-Star Smile Sertomans Brittany Balloun Tyler Brasfield Mark Brueggemann Debbie Brueggemann Marissa Buechel Phillip Canfield
Sam Clifford Heather Cottle-Dillon Scott Crise Audrey Dlabach Breanna Hutton Amy Grubaugh Paula Johns
Kennedy Keller Marion Kraemer Shawn Gott Sandy McNeive Larry Meinsen Nick Moore Sandy Morris
Taylor Shireman Randy Slocum TJ Slocum Kelsey Taylor Kristina Taylor Rich Taylor Kevin Wallace & Family
It’s never too earlier to put next year’s ALL-STAR Weekend in your calendar … June 5th & 6th, 2015!
PCCC Community Weekend at Ashley Furniture HomeStore This year marks the silver anniversary of the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper at Highland Springs Country Club, August 1st through August 11th! The Ronald McDonald House has been a beneficiary since the inception of the event. More than half of the annual funding we receive through this event is from The Marlin Network Charitable Fund CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES. This program features a 1 in 20 chance to win a prize, like a 2014 Ford Mustang, $10,000 in cash or one of (500) $25 gift certificates. The 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. Buy your $25 sweepstakes tickets during Ashley Furniture HomeStore’s Community Weekend Friday, August 1st, through Sunday, August 3rd, and Ashley Furniture will BUY YOU AN ADDITIONAL TICKET! PLUS, you can enjoy 20% off any Ashley HomeStore purchase you make in-store. Visit Ashley Furniture HomeStore Friday, August 1 from 10 am-10 pm, Saturday, August 2 from 10 am-9 pm and Sunday, August 3 from 12 pm-6 pm!
Heart of the House Staff House Near Cox South
From The Happy Anniversary 1 Year
Danielle Wolford, House near Cox South Angela Dearing, House at Mercy Amy Sullinger, House at Mercy Serenity Sullinger, House at Mercy Rebekah Mitts, House at Mercy Kayley Barnes, House at Mercy Tammy Taylor, House at Mercy Lauren Routh, House at Mercy
5 Years
Brianna Steiert, House near Cox South
10 Years
Kathy Jenkins, House near Cox South
25 Years
Sandy Emberton, House near Cox South and House at Mercy
Lori Aduddell Merideth Aduddell Miles Aduddell Scott Aduddell Lauryn Allison Hannah Anderson Johnny Anderson Oana Bozek Tyler Brasfield Martha Brooks Ashton Canfield Dave Canfield Phillip Canfield Vivian Carissimo Evelyn Close Heather Cottle-Dillon Kathy Dennis Audrey Dlabach Jan Dooly Judy Duncan Bill Duplisse Nancy Duplisse
Aden Gaulding Avery Gaulding Heidi Gaulding Becky Gillham Sharon Gillham Shawn Gott Amy Grubaugh Darren Harrelson Laura Harrelson Mackenzie Harrelson Cindy Harris Kathy Jenkins Paula Johns Clayton Keller Crosby Keller Kennedy Keller Mary Kline Betty Kniep Marion Kraemer Zachary Kram Caroline Langley Sandra McNeive
Eileen Meinsen Larry Meinsen Sandy Morris Nathan Nelson Christian Nguyen Angela Patrick Dani Peterson Kay Prost Kathy Purvis Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts Shannon Ryan George Schlick Rachel Schmeling Joan Schroeder Anne Schubert Marli Sims Sue Sloan Debbie Slocum Randy Slocum T.J. Slocum Mary Smith
House At Mercy Children’s Hospital Kayley Barnes John Barron Josh Bell Michael Bohnert Tynisha Brown Courtney Cramer Angela Dearing Megan Dwyer Pfifer Duerkop Sandy Emberton Laurie Feick Brittany Figaro
Debby Freiman Terry Greer Ann Griesemer Sarah Gutzke Chuck Guy Michaela Harris Brenda Havens Carri Hummer Jessi Hummer MaKenzie Judy Katelin Krusz Angel Le
Barbara McBride Larry McBride Elaina Mihalik Rebekah Mitts Jared Nave Pooja Patel Kelly Perkins Austin Plute Marc Propst Karla Reed Lauren Routh Chandler Saner
Ashleigh Spalding Kara Speights Kim Stagner Alexis Stethem Tina Stethem Brianna Steiert Brandon Taylor Karen Taylor Kelsey Taylor Kristina Taylor Rich Taylor Becky Tilton Ava Uzzell Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell Abigail Weitzel Lucy Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Sara Westbrooks Danielle Wolford Megan Zengel
Kelli Showers Jacob Smith Mikaela Smith Paul Spiker Amy Sullinger Serenity Sullinger Katelyn Sullivan Tammy Taylor Ashlee Tennis Debbie Williams
Welcome, New Volunteers To Houses Aden & Avery Gaulding, Elaina Mihalik and Kelly Perkins We have several volunteers who will be at the Houses this summer. A BIG thank you to some of our new summer volunteers: Alicia Buster; Linda, Patrick and Conner Heslin; Linh Luu and Garrett Romines!
RMHC Staff 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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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 Karis Agnew Jacinda Canfield Adrianne Forster Brittany Gamble Morgan Jensen Kayla Love Sheridan Thurman
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 Danielle Walcher Melanie Ward
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Family Dinner Spotlight
Mercy Corporate Health and Wellness When did you start providing meals for families at the Ronald McDonald House? Our group began providing monthly meals in September 2013. How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program? We saw an article in Mercy’s In Touch newspaper highlighting another Mercy department that sponsors a dinner night. Most of us weren’t aware of this opportunity until seeing the article, but we quickly formed a group and got signed up! What is your favorite thing about participating in the Family Dinner Program? Seeing the appreciation from families. You can tell they are tired and stressed out, and many of them seem to look forward to the dinner. They always express appreciation. It feels good to provide them with a stressfree, cost-free meal. The time we spend together in the kitchen cooking and prepping for the meal is also fun. We work together every day but we don’t often get to socialize outside of work. We share recipes, cooking tips and lots of stories. It’s been fun getting to know each other better. Do you have any favorite memories? A family shared pictures of their twins and a bit of their story with us one evening. Obviously, they were going through a very emotional time with babies in the hospital, but it was so cute to see how proud they were of their new babies. It was also nice that they felt comfortable enough with us to share.
What would you like to say to other groups who are considering volunteering with the Family Dinner Program? It is a worthwhile cause – get on board! We only cover dinner one night per month, and we have seen the same families from one month to the next on more than one occasion. It’s hard for most of us to imagine staying with a loved one in the hospital for months at a time. The physical and emotional toll would be very taxing, not to mention the enormous financial burden the families are likely facing. The Ronald McDonald Houses provide families with a beautiful “home away from home” and it’s a privilege to contribute to the needs of the families.
Pictured from L to R: Carmen Losurdo, Brittany Sutton, Tracey Agent
May Dinner Groups RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH Aubree Good & Family Battlefield United Methodist Church Cantina Laredo Church of Jesus Christ LDS Covenant Presbyterian Church Cox Labor & Delivery Crighton, Olive, and Dunn Surgical Group Eastside General Baptist First Christian Youth Group First United Methodist Church Youth Group Glendale Christian Church
Home Depot Just Friends Knights of Columbus Kohl’s Associates in Action Little Caesars Loehr Chiropractic & Acupuncture Nancy Littrell New Life Christian Church Nixa Nazarene Ladies Nixa Venture Crew 205 Oak Grove Assembly of God Rachel Young
Republic Walmart Sandy McNeive & Friends Second Baptist Church Springfield Seventh-Day Adventist The Girlfriends The Knights Templar Union Hill Church of Christ Walmart of Nixa Open Dinner Dates: August: 1, 5, 7, 9, 20, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30, 31
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL The Allen Family Ash Grove United MethodistPresbyterian Church Clever United Methodist Church The Clotfelter Family and Little Caesar’s Courageous Church – iServe Small Group The Cramer Family East Sunshine Church of Christ Faith Baptist Church Famous Dave’s First Baptist Church of Ozark FSBC Young Adults Sunday School Class
The Golden’s GROW – Coon Creek Baptist Church Hillcrest Presbyterian Church Jim Hallam Louise Morgan Mercy Corporate Health and Wellness Mercy Imaging Mercy Marian Center Mychelle Eckels Sarah Carder and Kerissa Paige Springfield Catholic Turning Point Church
Union Hill Church of Christ Wellington Hills Friends Open Dinner Dates: July: 26 August: 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 11, 20, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31
July & August Birthdays July 1 Danielle Wolford David Hamm July 2 MaKenzie Judy July 3 Tynisha Brown Megan Lambert July 6 Mindy Munoz July 9 Micah Scott July 10 Morgan Jensen Dr. Sarah Cimino July 11 Shawn Gott July 12 Scott Crise Rebekah Mitts July 18 Kathy Jenkins July 27 Carri Hummer July 28 Sue Sloan July 29 Zachary Kram July 31 Whitney Bingle August 1 Brittany Figaro August 2 Austin Plute August 9 Megan Dwyer August 13 Sondra Uzzell August 14 Audrey Dlabach Kathy Dennis August 17 Miles Aduddell August 19 Jared Nave August 20 Amber Campbell Megan Schussler Jacob Smith August 21 Cindy Harris August 22 Johnny Anderson August 25 Tim Roth August 26 Dr. Randi Green August 27 John Barron Kayla Maples August 28 Lauren Routh August 31 Kristina Taylor
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Wish List
Around the House
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 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 Aluminum foil
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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Christmas in July Do you remember the excitement you felt as a child waking up on Christmas morning wanting to know immediately what Santa left just for you? You barely slept because you were just too excited! Now, imagine you have to spend Christmas away from your home in an unfamiliar city, and you barely slept because you were going through one of the most difficult times of your life—with a hospitalized child. The mission of Ronald McDonald House is to provide a “home away from home” for families experiencing a medical crisis, and it is especially important during the holidays. Each year, we serve on average more than 30 families during the week of Christmas at both Houses. These families have to face the stress of having a child with a serious illness or injury in addition to being away from home for the holidays. Our staff and volunteers strive to ensure families receive a warm, homemade meal each night, and are surrounded by uplifting holiday cheer and decorations to get them in the holiday spirit. In addition, each family is provided with gifts that they can look forward to opening on Christmas morning. Serving an average of more than 30 families each holiday season means preparing presents for more than 100 people to help make their holidays a little brighter. With TWO Houses, we have an even bigger need for gifts and decorations, so this year we are having our own version of Christmas in July! With the help of the community, we are hoping to begin inspiring people to get in the holiday spirit now by providing gifts for families, donating holiday decorations, and signing up to participate in our Family Dinner Program for the holidays. HOW CAN YOU HELP? We have created a special Wish List with ideas for great Christmas gifts for families and to help us decorate for the holidays. With more than 100 people to shop for, especially moms and dads, we can certainly use a variety of gifts for all ages and styles. For additional ideas, we have started an Amazon wish list titled “RMHC of the Ozarks- Christmas in July Wish List.” Just go to Amazon.com and click on the “Wish List” option. Search for “RMHC of the Ozarks” to find the complete list, or use this URL http://amzn.com/w/2KLV5WS5PPGX0. You can check out our Pinterest page to see other gift ideas: pinterest.com/rmhcozarks/christmas-in-july-for-2-ronald-mcdonald-houses/.
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
Volunteer Spotlight Meghan Zengel
How did you learn about the Ronald McDonald House? I learned about the House from my friend who works at a McDonald’s®. She told me it was a great organization, so I decided to check it out. What is your favorite thing to do at the House? One of my favorite things to do at the House is check out the keys because I like the way they Jangle! Haha! I really like to vacuum because I feel like it makes a big difference throughout the House.
Do you have any favorite memories from the House? One time I was cleaning in the playroom and a little girl, maybe three or four, walked in and said, “I’m going to help you clean.” She ripped off a few paper towels, folded them into neat little squares, and began wiping off the doll table. It was so adorable!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love to read! I also really enjoy playing the piano.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with our organization? I really enjoy spending time with all of the staff and volunteers. They make volunteering a really fun experience!
Do you participate in any extra curricular activities outside of school and volunteering with the House? I play tennis for Kickapoo High School and I play at Cooper Tennis Complex in the offseason.
Staff Stuff Best Wishes, Chris Louzader
Frozen Fruit Cups (Makes 10 servings) 1 6oz. can of frozen orange juice concentrate 1 20oz. can of crushed pineapple 1 15oz. can of apricots drained and chopped
¾ cup of water
May 2014 Families Served........39 Nights................... 266 Families from Missouri..................27 Families from Other States.............12 Year-To-Date Families Served...... 165 Program-to-Date Families Served... 8,675
May 2014
MRS. C’S RECIPES
3 bananas sliced into ¼’’ slices
HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH STATS
HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL STATS
Our entire RMHC family would like to wish Chris Louzader, former Director of Events & Sponsorship Development, all the best as she pursues her passion of working in media production. Chris’ last day with Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks was June 26th, and she began her new journey with Opfer Productions in July. We wish her the very best in her future endeavors. Congratulations, Chris!
16oz. of sliced strawberries (fresh or frozen without sugar)
Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks
Enjoy wonderful recipes provided by Mrs. Vivian Carissimo, also known as Mrs. C.
Families Served........54 Nights................... 285 Families from Missouri..................49 Families from Other States...............5 Year-To-Date Families Served...... 248 Program-to-Date Families Served...... 701
1 tablespoon of lemon juice Combine ingredients. Freeze in ten 8oz. containers or twenty cupcake liners. Thaw for 15-20 minutes before serving.
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Heart of the Truck Megan Blake Marissa Buechel Chelsea Carroll Sarah Hansen Elizabeth Herrion Linda Heslin Kayla Maples Connie McCarter Nick Moore Ashley Robinson Taylor Shireman McKenzie Swan Clayton Schwinke Gina Wyland
Tooth Talk School’s Out for Summer By: Emma Davis The 2013-2014 school year may have ended, but the Tooth Truck is still on the road connecting with patients in need of dental care. Over the course of the school year, the Tooth Truck visited a total of 36 schools in Springfield and the surrounding areas. Now as children are off enjoying their summer vacations, the Tooth Truck turns its focus on summer programs throughout the area to address dental needs. The Tooth Truck started off the summer by traveling to three different summer school sites. Summer is also a time when we focus on scheduling children whose dental treatments were not completed during the school year for various reasons. We have had some great parents/ guardians who have transported children to us no matter our location. An important relationship
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McGregor Summer School nurse, Laura, watches as Daisy demonstrates how to brush her teeth using the tooth model.
of the Tooth Truck is the one with Great Circle (Boys & Girls Town) and serving children in their foster system. Their staff is committed to connecting each child to us, so all dental issues can be addressed while they are in the care of Great Circle. The Tooth Truck staff loves the opportunity to connect with these special patients and focus on self-esteem building, along with ensuring they have cavity-free smiles. In the first few weeks of summer, the Tooth Truck has served 72 children, repairing 224 cavities, for a dollar value of more than $73,000. The Tooth Truck staff has thoroughly enjoyed working with our patients over the summer, and getting to know their families. We look forward to a successful second half of summer break, and continuing our quest of providing healthy smiles to local children before they return to school in the fall of 2014!
Tooth Truck staff member, Kimberly Otradovec, and Weaver Summer School patient, Kaylee, share a goofy smile moment as Kaylee completes her treatment.
The Tooth Truck Welcomes
Three New Volunteers, The Tooth Truck volunteer program is growing and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome three young adults to our volunteer team!
Marissa Buechel completed her first volunteer shift at the GRIN IRON CLASSIC, working in the parking lot alongside the Tooth Truck staff. She was all smiles as she welcomed guests to this incredible event! Marissa is a pre-dental student at MSU who aspires to be a pediatric orthodontist. She also volunteers her time to Big Brothers Big Sisters as a mealtime buddy. We are excited to work alongside her during her regular volunteer shifts.
Taylor Shireman is also a pre-dental student at MSU. Taylor is pursuing a career as a pediatric dentist and does an amazing job connecting with our young patients. She always has a smile on her face while reading with them or playing with the toy they selected from our prize box. She looks forward to continuing her time on the Tooth Truck so she can work with children on improving their brushing skills.
prepares to enter the dental field. She enjoys working closely with children and has already had the opportunity to connect with several families in an effort to schedule dental appointments. She has a sweet demeanor, which helps put our little patients at ease. We are delighted to have her on board. Welcome to our volunteer team Marissa, Taylor and Elizabeth!
Elizabeth Herrion first learned about the Tooth Truck program through the American Dental Association and was immediately interested in getting involved as she
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks May 2014 Children Treated.... 167 Dental Appointments Provided............... 290 Year-to-Date Dental Appointments..... 1,564 Program-to-Date Dental Appointments.... 40,553 Program-to-Date Value of Treatments... $9,470,623
Children Who Received Treatment: Boys & Girls Town Campbell School McGregor School Pipkin School Portland School Robberson School Weaver School
STAFF New volunteers Taylor Shireman and Marissa Buechel enjoyed volunteering with the Tooth Truck staff at the 13th annual GRIN IRON CLASSIC. Pictured left to right: General Dentist Dr. Sarah Cimino, Program Director Mindy Muñoz, Office Manager Emma Davis, Dental Assistant Kim Otradovec, volunteer Taylor Shireman, Dental Assistant Megan Lambert, and volunteer Marissa Buechel
Tooth Truck Wish List Children’s DVDs Super Hero Themed Toys Toy Cars
McDonald’s Toys Small Stuffed Animals Coloring Books
Small Footballs, Baseballs, and similar items Hair Accessories
VOLUNTEER TIP OF THE MONTH Need to remove super glue drips? Soak a cotton ball in acetone nail polish remover and let it sit for a few seconds on the super glue drips to remove the stain. Warning! Acetone may scar or discolor some materials. If possible, test acetone on an unseen area of the object before attempting to remove the glue.
Program Director Mindy Muñoz General Dentist Dr. Sarah Cimino Temporary Dentists Dr. Bill Brell Pediatric Dentist Dr. Aaron Dannegger Dr. Randi Green President & CEO Bonnie Keller Office Manager Emma Davis Dental Assistants Megan Lambert Kim Otradovec Part-Time Dental Assistant Whitney Bingle Kristi Terry
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Heart Beats
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Happy Moments with
Happy Wheels
The Happy Wheels program rolled out over six months ago, and through each visit we have seen the countless smiles on the faces of children and families we meet while sharing information about the Ronald McDonald Houses. We have distributed more than 900 care bags to families and children, and they feel blessed to have the opportunity for our staff and volunteers to visit with them in the hospitals. The care bags are prepared each week by House volunteer, Sandy McNeive, and loaded on the wagons to be delivered. We often say we are spreading a little “happy” when we make deliveries, and we want to share one of our “Happy Moments” with you. One of my favorite memories comes from a recent visit to the St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Mercy Children’s Hospital. I’ve always said you can’t have a bad day when you make Happy Wheels deliveries, and I especially believe that to be true after visiting the St. Jude Clinic. I recently visited the clinic with Amber Campbell, Ronald McDonald House Assistant Manager, who helped me distribute care bags and information to families and kids. We were immediately greeted by PJ who informed us there were “lots” of kids in the clinic eager to see us! Upon entering, we were greeted by cheering nurses and the sounds of kids playing. Immediately, I saw a patient named Timmy who looked nervous as he was waiting for his vitals to be taken. I asked if he would like a Happy Wheels bag, and he shook his head slightly. Timmy managed a slight smile when he saw the Hot Wheels car awaiting him; however, that smile was brief as the nurse returned to complete his vitals. His chin quivered slightly—but also inside his bag was a small coloring book with the Hulk on it. I looked at Timmy and encouraged him to be strong like Hulk! He smiled his small smile again and said a very soft thank you! Before leaving the clinic, we met five other kids- three girls and two other boys- all eager to see what was in the Happy Wheels wagon! After sharing information with the parents and encouraging them to visit the House during their weekly visits to the clinic, we said our goodbyes and rolled out into the hallway…still touched by the bright smiles and hoping that for a brief moment, the kids felt like kids again! Written by: Alexis Rainwater, House Manager
Save the Date for the 19th Annual
Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour
The 19th Annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour is Friday, NOVEMBER 21, 2014, from 10 AM – 7:30 PM! Event-goers will tour beautiful and unique homes decorated for the holidays and enjoy delicious tea, elegant desserts, a raffle and silent auction at the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South. The first 1,200 guests to purchase a ticket will receive a commemorative Cup O’Cheer china teacup and saucer designed by the team at BridgeBlue Sourcing Partners. Proceeds from the event benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks. We’ll keep you up to date on a vast amount of volunteer opportunities and the date tickets go on sale for the event! Mark your calendars now for this wonderful annual tradition!