Heart
BEATS
Presleys’ Country Jubilee
Onstage in Fantastic Caverns Sunday, November 17, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. Branson’s First Family of Entertainment, the Presleys, will return to a venue where they performed half a century ago when they present Presleys’ Country Jubilee Onstage in Fantastic Caverns at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, November 17. The show will take place in Fantastic Caverns’ Auditorium Room, a natural underground theater that over the years has hosted events ranging from country music shows to live opera and symphony performances. Guests will enjoy a signature Presleys’ evening of family fun with a blend of country, gospel and bluegrass music and
comedy with a talented cast of 18 entertainers, seven of whom are members of the Presley family. The event will be televised on the national cable/satellite networks RFD-TV and Family Net. All proceeds - 100 percent - will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Ozarks. Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for children age 2-12, and are on sale now at 800-335-4874. Visit www.presleys.com for more information.
NOVEMBER 2013
Ronald McDonald House At Mercy Children’s Hospital
1
Turns
On November 30, 2013, we will celebrate the anniversary of the opening of our second Ronald McDonald House inside Mercy Children’s Hospital. In 2013, we have been able to provide a “home away from home” for nearly 600 families experiencing unimaginable hardship at both of our Houses. This is only possible because of the committed donors and supporters who believe in the mission, and we are so grateful we have the opportunity to be the stewards of your generosity. Be sure to follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/RMHC.Ozarks) to learn more about our plans to celebrate this wonderful milestone!
From The
Staff
Best Wishes, Donnetta
As many of you may know, we recently said goodbye to longtime staff member and House Manager, Donnetta Ghys. After nearly six years with Ronald McDonald House®, Donnetta has now decided to stay home with her family. She served as a member of our management team at the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South during her tenure and made significant contributions to the organization and our mission. Donnetta, you will be greatly missed by those who have come to know you, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
Heart of the House HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH Lori Aduddell Merideth Aduddell Miles Aduddell Scott Aduddell Karis Agnew Johnny Anderson Abby Baudendistel Oana Bozek Martha Brooks Ashton Canfield Jacinda Canfield Phillip Canfield Vivian Carissimo Evelyn Close Heather Cottle-Dillon Audrey Dlabach Jan Dooly Judy Duncan Bill Duplisse Nancy Duplisse Susan Englert Meg Erickson Judith Garson
Becky Gillham Sharon Gillham Shawn Gott Amanda Grassi Amy Grubaugh Tyler Hamilton Darren Harrelson Laura Harrelson Mackenzie Harrelson Cindy Harris Kathy Jenkins Paula Johns Clayton Keller Crosby Keller Betty Kniep Julia Kovacs Marion Kraemer Zachary Kram Wing Lam Debbie Lane Caroline Langley Betty Laytham Gene Laytham
Cheri Ledesma Sandra McNeive Eileen Meinsen Larry Meinsen Ashley Miller Sandy Morris Nathan Nelson Christian Nguyen Dani Peterson Kay Prost Linda Regan 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 Katie Tohill Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell Yvonne Webb DeeLee Webster Abigail Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Sara Westbrooks Bill Whitworth Danielle Wolford
HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Donnetta is shown with William and Kennedy Vaught (former family and current Family Dinner Program volunteers) at the Press Conference for Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Children’s Hospital.
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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Kayley Barnes Sister Richard Mary Burke Angela Dearing 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 Rebekah Mitts Megan Mize Pooja Patel Marc Propst Karla Reed Lauren Routh Chandler Saner
Amanda Schudy Lydia Smith Mikaela Smith Amy Sullinger Serenity Sullinger Amy Sutton Tammy Taylor David Vong Debbie Williams
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
Administrative Assistant Adrianne Forster RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH Interim House Manager Brent Stock Assistant House Managers Brittany Gamble Morgan Jensen Angela Hammond Brent Stock 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
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Family Dinner Spotlight
November Birthdays November 1 Sarah Gutzke
Mercy Marian Center When did you start providing meals for families at the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Children’s Hospital? September 2013 How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program? Our supervisor Gail Cyr read about the opportunity to volunteer with the Ronald McDonald House Family Dinner Program in an email she received. Gail decided
to assemble a group of employees who were interested in providing dinner, and the rest is history!
Pictured from L to R: Jason Link, Sherry Jones, Gail Cyr, and Beth Ponder Not pictured: Janet Link
What is your favorite thing about participating in the Family Dinner Program? The opportunity to get to know the families staying at the House and the opportunity to volunteer together outside of work. We enjoy serving the community and showing our Mercy spirit!
What would you like to say to other groups who are considering volunteering with the Family Dinner Program? It’s a great service for families and children, and if that isn’t enough, groups will LOVE the commercial dishwasher as much as we do!
November 08 Eileen Meinsen November 11 Jan Ricketts November 14 Nancy Duplisse November 15 Brianna Steiert November 16 Joan Schroeder Amanda Schudy November 21 Sister Richard Mary Burke
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Volunteer Spotlight David Vong is a graduate of Drury University with Biology and Chemistry degrees; he is applying to medical school and dreams of being an emergency room physician. David recently began volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Children’s Hospital after hearing his coworkers in the Mercy ER discussing the new House. David can be found volunteering every Tuesday night and explains that his favorite part about volunteering is getting to see the families
November 02 Rosemary Jiang Brandon Taylor
November 22 Becky Tilton November 23 Karis Agnew
and interact with them. David also enjoys interacting with the Assistant Managers and the Family Dinner Group volunteers—the delicious food definitely helps too!
November 27 Abigail Weitzel jump in and meet new people and the families while having fun volunteering.”
While not volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, David enjoys riding his bike and his motorcycle…and anything else with two wheels! When asked what he would like to share with others who are considering volunteering, David says, “Don’t hesitate, just do it! You get to
We’d like to welcome David to our RMHC family of volunteers and express our thanks for giving his time to the families and children at the House inside Mercy Children’s Hospital!
September Dinner Groups RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH Amy Clotfelter & Family with Little Caesars Aubrey Good & Family Brandi Smith & Family Crighton Olive Dunn Surgical Group Covenant Presbyterian Cox Labor and Delivery Crew Drury Summit Drury University Pre-Health Professions Club Expedia First Christian Church, Ash Grove Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano
Greater Springfield Dental Hygiene Association Hillcrest Presbyterian Home Depot Just Friends Kohl’s A-Team Knights of Columbus, Ozark Knights Templar Second Baptist Church SNO-MSU Springfield Catholic SRC
SRC Logistics Sue Keller & Family The Girlfriends Union Hill Church of Christ Walmart of Nixa Weismann Life Group Willard McIrwain Available November Dinner Dates 9 & 23
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Ash Grove United Methodist Presbyterian Church Battlefield United Methodist Church Clotfelter Family with Little Caesars Mychelle Eckles The Eldred Family Faith Baptist Church Famous Dave’s Girl Scout Troop # 70403
The Goldens Hejduk Family King Family Louise Morgan Mercy Corporate Health and Wellness Mercy Imaging Department Mercy Marian Center Nellie’s Catwalk for Kids New Life Church Small Group
Parkview High School FCCLA Reed and Dearing Families Sunshine Church of Christ Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ-Youth Wellington Hills Friends November Open Dinner Dates: 1, 2, & 30
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Fun RMHC Facts Did you know??? There are 329 Ronald McDonald Houses in 32 countries and regions around the world (175 in US). There are 192 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in 22 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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Around the House Thanksgiving Blessings As we embark on the changing seasons, welcome cooler weather and near closer to Thanksgiving, we are reminded of all the blessings that surround us. Our two Houses and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, fondly known as the Tooth Truck, are supported by caring volunteers, generous donors and faithful supporters who serve an important role in fulfilling the mission of RMHC®. We see children overcome unimaginable obstacles and join their families who have waited anxiously for their recovery; we celebrate with patients who have learned healthy oral habits on the Tooth Truck and we have the privilege to share in the joys of all those we serve at Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks. Because of you, we can make life’s hardships a little more bearable for thousands of families and children. Thank you to all of you who make the Ronald McDonald Houses a “home away from home” and create a fun, positive environment on the Tooth Truck for so many children.
MRS. C’S RECIPES Banana Chocolate Chip Mini-Muffins 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt ½ cup skim milk ½ cup uncooked quick oats ½ tsp. vanilla 1 egg, beaten (or 3 tbsp. egg substitute) 1 (6oz) banana ½ cup packed brown sugar 1 ¼ cup flour ½ tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. salt ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Enjoy wonderful recipes provided by Mrs. Vivian Carissimo, also known as Mrs. C.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine yogurt, milk, oats, vanilla, egg & banana. Let set 5 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, baking soda, baking powder & salt. Stir flour mixture into yogurt mixture. Add chocolate chips. Spoon a heaping tsp. into mini-muffin tins. Bake 12-14 minutes. (Makes 36 mini muffins.)
Meet the Newest of our RMHC Staff!
Members
Director of Events & Sponsorhip Development
Chris Louzader was named Director of Events and Sponsorship Development in October 2013. After graduating from Missouri State University (formerly SMSU) with an emphasis on Radio and TV Production and Film Studies, Chris spent many years on the airwave circuit. In her new role, Chris will be responsible for the leadership, planning and execution of all fundraising events, as well as securing event sponsors and obtaining additional donations of cash and in-kind gifts for each event. She brings to us an excitement for life and enthusiasm for taking the events and sponsorships for Ronald McDonald House Charities to a whole new level! Chris is an Ambassador for the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and a member of both the Missouri Film Alliance and Broadcast Film Critics Association. She and her husband, Don, have been married for 15 years and spend their free time enjoying Chris’s ultimate passion…movies! In fact, she can be found every Thursday morning voicing her opinion on the Box Office Buzz on KOLR 10.
Project Manager Amber Price joined our team in October 2013 in the new role of Project Manager for Ronald McDonald House Charities. With an extensive background in marketing and consulting, she has a knack for organizing and managing multiple projects at a time. Amber’s role will include the planning and execution of various projects throughout the Ronald McDonald Houses and The Tooth Truck. She earned her degree in Marketing Management from the University of Arkansas in 2004, and has since spent her time in the Advertising Agency and Foodservice Consulting worlds. Amber is a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, a member of the Ozark Mountain Parrothead Club, a co-founder of the Northwest Arkansas Parrothead Club, and organizes the “Taste of the Ozarks” Food Challenge for Big Brothers Big Sisters every year. She and her husband, Marshall, have been married for nine years and enjoy spending their time with their dog, Copper, and cat, Smokey. Her goal in life is to do at least one thing every day to make someone else smile, because she knows that smiles are contagious.
Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Children’s Hospital Associate House Manager Brian Powers joined our team in October 2013; serving as the Associate House Manager for Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Children’s Hospital. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Pittsburg State University in 2010 and a Master’s degree in Security Studies from Kansas State University in 2012. During his time in college, Brian had the opportunity to participate in humanitarian work in several different countries. These mission trips helped cultivate in Brian a lasting desire to reach out and care for those who are in need. Since graduating from college, he has continued to help people both internationally, via two more mission trips, and locally, with Big Brothers Big Sisters and with his local church. Brian married his wife, Kylie, in October 2013 and they are getting settled in their new home. Kylie is a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital and the couple is excited to be able to serve families in their time of need. Brian is an avid Kansas State, Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs fan. His favorite outdoor activity is Frisbee golf, and he loves a good cup of coffee!
Ronald McDonald House near Cox South Hospital Assistant Manager We are exited to introduce Brittany Gamble as the newest member of our Assistant Manager team! Brittany is a student at Missouri State University studying to work in the field of medicine. After serving as a volunteer at the House inside Mercy, she decided to pursue job opportunities with the organization. She started working at the House near Cox South in September. Although it’s only been a few weeks, Brittany says, “It has already become my favorite job I’ve ever had. I love being able to come into work and provide a comfortable room, food and a caring atmosphere to families going through a rough time. The staff and volunteers at the Houses do so much and truly care about each family and child that we get to interact with. And I now get to work with these wonderful people and do the very same thing! I have already been incredibly blessed to see several beautiful moments where families finally get to take their babies home. I just hope that my work will be a blessing to the families who come and stay at the House as well”. In her free time she enjoys scuba diving, tennis and reading.
Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH STATS September 2013 Families Served........38 Nights................... 100 Day Use Visits...........2 Families from Missouri..................29 Families from Other States...............9 Year-to-Date Families Served................... 263 Program-to-Date Families Served....8,415
HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL STATS September 2013 Families Served........46 Nights....................117 Day Use Visits.........16 Families from Missouri..................45 Families from Other States...............1 Year-to-Date Families Served................... 304 Program-to-Date Families Served...... 345
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Heart of the Truck 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
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Tooth Talk
From 13 to 0
Cavity Free Brothers “I remember coming here! You cleaned my teeth and fixed my cavities and now I brush every day!” Nothing warms a dentist’s heart more then hearing these words as a child climbs the stairs of the Tooth Truck. This past month, while at McGregor Elementary, we had the pleasure of seeing a set of brothers who both uttered this same phrase when they came for their initial visit. We first saw Keaton and Trenton several years ago when Trenton was just a first grader and Keaton was starting Kindergarten. The two of them were not daily brushers at that point, as evident by the 13 cavities they had between the two of them. Both boys were eager to start improving their brushing habits with their new supply of toothbrushes and tooth timers. Both children were fondly remembered by our Tooth Truck staff due to their positive attitudes and excellent behavior during multiple dental appointments. Keaton also earned a place of honor on one of our posters of smiling faces when he showed up for his last appointment in a Buzz Lightyear costume and fuzzy red house slippers (in the middle of the summer)! Over the course of several visits, their cavities were all repaired and their knowledge of how to keep the cavities away was reinforced. The total value of treatment provided to the brothers was $3,265.
Due to family circumstances, neither child had been able to go to a dentist since they had last been on the Tooth Truck. At their cleaning appointments this year, though, it was very evident that the lessons they had learned on the Tooth Truck years ago had made an impact. Keaton and Trenton were cavity free and had made great improvements in their oral hygiene! It was
evident that they really had been “brushing every day” as they stated when they returned to the Tooth Truck this year. Our hope is to positively impact each and every child seen on the Tooth Truck and empower him/her to improve his/her oral hygiene habits to keep cavity bugs away! By: Dr. Sarah Cimino
Keaton (left) and Trenton (right) pose with Dr. Sarah in 2011 when they had a combined 13 cavities.
Trenton (left) and Keaton (center) pose with Dr. Sarah after finding out they had zero cavities!
Welcome New Volunteer, Juliette We are thrilled to welcome Juliette Dennis as the newest volunteer on board the Tooth Truck. She is currently a pre-dental student at Missouri State University and is so excited to continue learning about every aspect of dentistry. She previously volunteered with the Kitchen Clinic as the Dental Coordinator for two years. She is passionate about combining her love for dentistry and teaching children healthy habits. She will be volunteering every other Thursday on the Tooth Truck. Welcome to the Tooth Truck, Juliette!
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks October 2013 Children Treated.... 162 Dental Appointments Provided............... 315 Year-to-Date Dental Appointments..... 2,386 Program-to-Date Dental Appointments.... 38,148 Program-to-Date Value of Treatments..... $8,831,858
Children Who Received Treatment: Bowerman Elementary Boys & Girls Town Boyd Elementary Campbell Elementary McGregor Elementary Sunshine Elementary
Volunteer Juliette Dennis helps prepare patient Maycy for her dental appointment.
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
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
FIT TIP OF THE MONTH It’s recommended that you exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, but that doesn’t have to be all at one time. Splitting your exercise into 10-minute increments can actually help you to exercise more consistently and help you to lose weight. If you break up your exercise into smaller sessions throughout the day, it becomes easier to make the time to squeeze it into your schedule.
STAFF
Office Manager Abby Newman Dental Assistants Megan Lambert Kim Otradovec Ms. Catherine Rucker
Part-Time Dental Assistant Kristi Terry
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25 Hours
Johnny Anderson Ashley Anderson DeeLee Webster David Vong
50 Hours Ashton Canfield Debby Freiman Paula Johns George Schlick
100 Hours Chuck Guy Larry McBride Tristen Uzzell
1000 Hours Kathy Jenkins
1750 Hour Evelyn Close
Volunteer
Appreciation Outing Thanks to all who braved the uncooperative weather to attend the Volunteer Appreciation Outing at Rutledge Wilson Farm on October 18th. For those of you who couldn’t make it, we missed you and want you to know just how appreciative and lucky RMHC is to have such amazing and wonderful volunteers! We look forward to our next volunteer event with you. Special thanks to Clayton Keller (aka Grill Master) for making sure we had warm hot dogs and brats.
Heart Beats
Congratulations to all of our volunteers at the Houses who have reached another milestone with RMH! We celebrate your commitment to our families and children with third quarter awards. Be sure check in with the office staff on your next shift to receive your award!
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
Volunteer Awards
Dillard’s is selling a special custom edition of the Southern Living Christmas Cookbook to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities. This exclusive hardbound cookbook is filled with fabulous holiday recipes, colorful photos, menus, decorating tips and entertaining ideas. The cookbook is available for $10 and can be purchased online at www. dillards.com or at your local Dillard’s store. Purchase yours today!
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Third Quarter