Heart Beats March/April 2023

HeartBEATS

Sertoma GRIN

IRON CLASSIC

June 2nd

Call for GIC Volunteers

We are in need of volunteers for our Sertoma GRIN IRON CLASSIC. Our volunteers are a key part in ensuring the event’s success and we’d love for YOU to join us.

If you are interested in signing up, contact Lindsey Kimes at lindsey.kimes@rmhcozarks. org or 417-875-3501.

On Friday, June 2nd, 2023, Southwest Missouri will celebrate the tradition of watching graduated seniors play in the fnal football game of their high school careers at the 22nd Annual Sertoma GRIN IRON CLASSIC All-Star Football Game. As the East goes head-to-head with the West, parents, coaches, friends and supporters will gather to cheer on their favorite team in this game beneftting our Ronald McDonald Care Mobile (fondly known as the Tooth Truck), a mobile dental clinic providing dental treatment and hygiene education for local children in need. Nearly 90 local high school athletes from Southwest Missouri have been selected by the SW MO High School Football Coaches Association for this East vs West All-Star competition, hosted by the Heart of the Ozarks Sertoma Club.

The Sertoma GRIN IRON CLASSIC will be played at Parkview High School’s JFK Stadium with a 7:30pm kick of. Tickets are $10 each and are available at the gate. (Kids 6 and under – FREE Be sure to stop by for the pre-game where you can tour our brand-new Tooth Truck!

This event would not be possible without the support from our community including Presenting Sponsors Delta Dental of Missouri and Heart of the Ozarks Sertoma Club; Leadership Sponsors the Greater Springfeld Dental Society and Mediacom; Supporting Sponsors Mercy and the Kevin Singleton Family; Contributing Sponsor McDonald’s; and our numerous event program contributors.

Mask Mandate Lifted

On March 15th, 2023, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks lifted its mask mandate at both Houses. Masking related to COVID precautions is now optional, unless someone is experiencing COVID related symptoms or has been exposed to COVID within the last ten days. The Ronald McDonald Houses will continue to follow our partnering hospitals’ guidelines with caution regarding infectious disease exposure.

SHARE A HEART

The 30th Annual Share a Heart Campaign numbers are in, and we are thrilled to announce another all-time, record-breaking year! With $166,628 in hearts adopted through McDonald’s restaurants across the Ozarks, and the generosity of our community sponsors, we are once again impressed with the dedication of our supporters and excited to announce the campaign will net nearly $165,000 this year!

The 2023 Share a Heart Campaign is presented by McDonald’s of the Ozarks, and continues to thrive with support from Leadership Sponsors, Great Southern Bank and KY3; and Supporting Sponsors, Mid-Am Metal Forming and Colorgraphic Printing.

The lifeblood of Share a Heart’s success are the McDonald’s employees who engage with customers and encourage them to support the two Ronald McDonald Houses that help so many families in their local communities. We are so incredibly grateful to each and every one of you for sharing your hearts with our families!

Heart Beats is published monthly or bi-monthly for volunteers of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks and The Tooth Truck, Inc.

©2023 RMHC

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its afliates and are used under license: Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, RMHC, Keeping Families Close.

The Tooth Truck name and logo are owned by The Tooth Truck, Inc.

RMHC Staf

President & CEO

Bonnie Keller

Vice President

Debbie Kinser

Tooth Truck

Program Director

Mindy Muñoz

Development Assistant

Kim Booth

Development Coordinator

Katie Serangeli

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH

Associate

Program Manager

Lindsey Kimes

Family Care Managers

Laura Benowitz

Austin Gormley

Jennifer Grooms

Megan Mashburn

Grace Richter

Makayla Martin Wise

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS

Program Manager

Justin Wilson

Associate Program Manager

Breanna Wilson

Family Care Managers

Jacob Golden

Julie Holt

Savannah Keller

Jack Osborn

Madison Mickan

Makayla Martin Wise

Share a Heart Shout-Outs

We’d like to give a few shout-outs to the amazing organizations and schools in our community for their eforts throughout the Share a Heart Campaign this year!

Alpha Delta Pi

Alpha Delta Pi – Gamma Mu Chapter at Missouri State University raised almost $3,000 towards the Share a Heart campaign! These ladies sold hearts on MSU’s campus and at their sorority house, posting on social media to raise awareness. We are so grateful for the continued support from Alpha Delta Pi.

Sequiota Elementary

The students of Sequiota Elementary took on a challenge to raise $1,500 through selling hearts. Their principal, Jessica Wagner, stayed at the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids in 2022 with her husband Tyson for 129 nights when their son Cole was born. Principal Wagner ofered a challenge to the students – if they reached the $1,500 goal, she would do the foss dance in front of the entire school. As an even bigger treat, the Stocker Organization ofered to throw a Happy Meal party for the class that sold the most hearts! Her students more than rose to the occasion and raised an amazing $2,115! We were so honored to be invited to Sequiota’s 3rd Quarter Celebration Assembly where Principal Wagner not only shared the results of their hard work, but as promised, performed the “foss” with the top-selling class, Mrs. Hubbell’s kindergarten classes! Thank you, Principal Wagner and the students and staf of Sequiota Elementary!

McCulloch Elementary

On February 3, nearly 500 students at McCulloch Elementary School began competing to see which class could sell the most hearts for our Share a Heart campaign. The competition ran throughout the month of February and the class that sold the most hearts would win a Happy Meal party and their teacher would win a special gift courtesy of the McDonald’s Blumenstock Organization. We are so grateful to Ryan Blumenstock and Erin Loveland of the Blumenstock Organization for going above and beyond to support RMHC of the Ozarks. McCulloch Elementary raised an incredible $2,170 with Mrs. Thomas’ Kindergarten class being the top class raising $324. Thank you so much to the students and staf of McCulloch Elementary!

Share a Heart Champion TJ Slocum

Our reigning “Share a Heart” Champion keeps his title as TJ Slocum raised an amazing $12,285 this year, surpassing his goal of $10,000! With the help of his parents, Randy and Debbie, TJ continues to show his enthusiasm by selling more hearts than anyone each year. Since 2008, TJ has raised $156,726 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks and we are beyond grateful for his dedication. This year, TJ was able to return to the community and stop by local businesses to ask for donations. The dedication of TJ and his family to the Share a Heart Campaign and the Ronald McDonald House continue to be such an inspiration. Thank you, TJ, Randy and Debbie!

Monthly Statistics

January-February

House Near Cox South STATS

Families Served .............49 Nights .................................563 Families from Missouri 44 Families from Other States ........................5 Year to Date ......................49 Program to Date.....11,439 House

At Mercy Kids

STATS Families Served .............72 Nights .................................439 Families from Missouri ..............................66 Families from Other States ........................6 Year to Date ......................72 Program to Date.....3,857

From The Staf Heart of the House

Happy Anniversary

1 YEAR

Jennifer Grooms

2 YEARS

Laura Benowitz

Katie Serangeli, Development Coordinator

19 YEARS

Kim Booth, Development Assistant

30 YEARS

Debbie Kinser, Vice President

House Near Cox South

Current Active Volunteers:

Ceilia Briley

Terri Carr

Nathan Crumm

Sandy Davis

Kathy Dennis

Blake Dowdy

Amy Grubaugh

Sarah Han

Dorothy Harlan

Carol Harris

Marlene McWilliams

Regina Marshall

Larry Meinsen

Brenda Podewitz

Kay Prost

Beka Rasor

Ashley Rosetta

Crystal Schneider

Randy Slocum

Grace Stagner

Kim Stagner

Ivy Starks

Gail Sours

Karen Taylor

Kelly Wirtz

Abigail Weitzel

Joanna Weitzel

Scott Weitzel

Travis Weitzel

Welcome New Volunteers to the House near Cox South: Regina Marshall, Crystal Schneider, and Ivy Starks!

Welcome Back to the House near Cox South: Grace and Kim Stagner and Abigail, Joanna, Scott, and Travis Weitzel!

House At Mercy Kids

Current Active Volunteers:

Samantha Ball

Glory Ehie

Sandy Emberton

Arlena Gauldin

Ann Griesemer

Sarah Han

Stori Johnson

Ginny Lohkamp

Zachary McCubbins

Alexandra Ross

Jessica Steward

Molly Stood

Nicholas Vollano

Welcome New Volunteers to the House at Mercy Kids: Alexandra Ross, Jessica Steward, Nicholas Vollano, Samantha Ball, Stori Johnson, Zachary McCubbins

Dinner Group Recipe Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup From The Girlfriends

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bitesized pieces

• 1 pound andouille sausage, thinly sliced into rounds

• 3 small bell peppers, cored and diced (I used a yellow, red, and green bell pepper)

• 2 stalks celery, diced

• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and fnely chopped (I omitted)

• 1 white onion, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

• 1 (14-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes

• 3–4 cups chicken stock

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 bay leaf

• 1-pound raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 cup thinly-sliced okra (I used frozen)

• Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper

• optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, thinlysliced green onions, hot sauce

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add vegetable oil to a 3-quart of larger Dutch oven or other heavybottomed pot and turn the heat to medium-high. Add the chicken and diced onion and cook for 7-10 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through

2. Meanwhile, puree the cream cheese, enchilada sauce, cumin, and cayenne pepper in a small food processor. (Or beat using a hand mixer)

3. Add the broth to the chicken pot, followed by the cream cheese mixture. Stir in the beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes, until warmed through.

4. Serve topped with tortilla chips and cilantro as desired.

The Family Dinner Program Gets a New Name and Look

Over the last 35 years, nearly 17,000 meals have been served through our “Family Dinner Program” to families with sick or injured children at both of our Springfeld Ronald McDonald Houses. To better capture what the program means to the groups providing meals and to the families that receive these meals, we are excited to announce, “Meals

from the Heart”. This name change truly embodies where these meals come from, The Heart. We are so thankful to each group that has provided meals over the last 35 years and look forward to welcoming new “Meals from the Heart” groups in the future. If you or your group would be interested in providing

Family Dinner Spotlight

Little Caesar’s - Amy Clotfelter

When thinking of our Family Dinner Program, Amy Clotfelter is a name that quickly comes to mind. 2023 marks a full decade that Amy Clotfelter and her team at Little Caesar’s have faithfully provided dinner to our families at both the House near Cox South and the House at Mercy Kids. From providing dinners on a regular basis, to even providing last-minute emergency meals, we can always count on Amy to be there for our families.

When did you start providing meals at the Ronald McDonald House?

Little Caesars of Springfeld has been participating in the Family Dinner program for 10 years.

“Meals from the Heart” for either of our Ronald McDonald Houses, or if you have any questions, please contact:

Lindsey Kimes at the House near Cox South at 417.875.3501 / lindsey.kimes@rmhcozarks.org

Justin Wilson at the House inside Mercy Kids at 417.820.0764 / justin.wilson@rmhcozarks.org

Birthdays

March 14th

Travis Weitzel

March 22nd

Carol Harris

April 20th

Jack Osborn

April 23rd

Alexandra Ross

How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program?

We became involved because I worked at Cox Hospital as a social worker, and I saw frsthand the immense support provided and the great resource RMHC is for families with sick children. They provide a safe haven that feels like a “home-away-fromhome” so families can stay close while their children receive needed medical care. What would you say to anyone considering volunteering for the Family Dinner Program? I would recommend any local restaurant to consider donating to this great resource. Even if you are not able to serve the meal, most would be able to donate a meal monthly or a few times a year. These meals are one small way our community can treat a family in need.

Dinner Groups!

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS

Pasta Express

Townplace Suites

Ziggie’s Café

Chick-fl-a

Wilson Family

Jordan Heinz State Farm

Mercy Pre-Reg Team

Bricktown Brewery

Blaine Wallace

OPEN

DATES: May 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27, 30, 31

Valentine’s

DAY at the Houses

This Valentine’s Day, our two Ronald McDonald Houses treated each of our families to a goody bag and rose with the hope of bringing them an extra bit of joy, love and comfort during their stay. A special thank you to Springfeld Catholic and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Schools for the donated goody bags, which they personally assembled!

Around the Houses

Bingo Night & Movie Night

At the suggestion of our families through Family Feedback Surveys, we started something new at the House at Mercy Kids – Bingo! Using prizes that have been donated, we bring out the bingo cage and start calling numbers. The families have enjoyed getting to relax and maybe even win a few prizes. The frst night we also had the dinner group that was serving join in on the fun. Bingo is a great game for kids and adults alike to play along and have some fun. We’ve begun playing bingo every Monday night and it continues to grow.

We also had our frst movie night. We played the new flm 80 for Brady and our volunteer Ann was able to watch the movie and bond with one of the siblings of a patient here in the hospital. They laughed over the many funny moments in the movie and were able to enjoy themselves on a Friday night at the House. We look forward to providing many more experiences like these for families during their stay with us.

Bracelets For RMHC

In March, we had a very special visit from 13-yearold, Madilyn, and her mom, Harmony. They stayed at the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South in 2010 when Madilyn was born at only 25-weeks’ gestation.

With a gift of making and selling beautiful bracelets and a passion for RMHC, Madilyn was able to raise and donate over $200! It was a truly inspiring moment having her stop by and share her story of how the Ronald McDonald House has been able to provide for them through such an enduring time in their lives. The Fritz Family and their heart for RMHC will not be forgotten here at the House!

Pet Therapy of the Ozarks

In March, we were so excited to welcome the most special visitor when Pet Therapy of the Ozarks stopped by the House near Cox South with their therapy English Cream Golden Retriever, Jasper, alongside his owner, Eric. Jasper was the best boy and was very willing to let our families give him all the scratches! This is just one way we strive to provide the comforts of home for our families at our Ronald McDonald Houses.

Easter at the Houses

Cofee on the House

Cofee is a staple for many people in helping them start their day, and for many in the medical feld, an absolute necessity. Sensing the need in our referring units for some type of outreach program, “Cofee on the House” was born. In early February, RMHC staf and volunteers began taking this “joy-inducing java” to these VIPs in both of our partnering medical facilities. With over 500 cups served to date, this program is providing our staf with the opportunity to not only thank those taking care of the children of the families we serve, but to also create relationships with these amazing individuals. All while bringing further awareness to the services provided at each of our Ronald McDonald Houses.

Russell Cellular

The Ronald McDonald House near Cox South received a special group of visitors when team members from Russell Cellular stopped by along with Kevin Ropell, Regional Director of Sales. Russell Cellular created a program named RC Cares which is the employee engagement and philanthropic arm. The company fosters a culture of family among its team members and believes that culture should extend to their customers as well and are committed to giving back to their community. Russell Cellular is based in Battlefeld, MO and has grown to be a nationwide leader in the wireless industry with 800+ locations across 43 states.

This group of rockstar employees provided our Ronald McDonald Houses

with a donation of $10,131.46 through their RC Cares program! It was such an amazing opportunity for our staf to meet and speak with their team and see frsthand how Russell Cellular and the RC Cares program make a diference in our community. We were able to provide a tour of the House near Cox South and let them

experience what our House is and does for the families we serve. It is through the generosity of organizations like Russell Cellular that we are able to continue to fulfll our mission and we are so grateful to them and their team for their dedication to giving back to the community.

Every one of our families staying at our two Ronald McDonald Houses was paid a special visit by the Easter Bunny this year! Each family was gifted with toys, encouraging notes, stufed animals and so much chocolate! When going through such a difcult time as our families are, the encouragement and friendly reminder they are not alone is a major reason why these special gifts from our community are such a key part in providing the comforts of home for our families. We want to extend a huge thank you to Ozark Anesthesia and the students at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton School for assembling and donating these Easter baskets and gift bags!

HOUSE WISH LIST

Food Items

Shelf stable milk

K-Cups

Individual cofee creamer

Individually wrapped snacks

Canned soda

Bottled water

Gift Cards

Gas cards

Walmart

Amazon

Target

Family Items

Beauty gift sets for women

Body wash sets for men

Adult and child activity books

Travel cofee mugs

Deodorant

Fleece throw blankets

Small gifts for children

Gifts for teens

Miscellaneous Items

White Queen ftted sheets

White matching bath towels

Bakeware

Cookie sheets

Set of pots and pans

Daily planners

Lip balm

Small bottles of lotion

Crayons

Blank note cards

Notebooks

Board games

Rubik’s cubes and mind puzzles

Playing cards

Travel-size hand sanitizer

Travel manicure sets

Individual packs of tissues

On-the-go drink mixes

Small stufed animals

Sweatpants (all sizes)

Boys, Girls, Mens and Womens Underwear (new and unopened) – all sizes

Staf Stuf

Mission Moment

Madison and Will Dyal tried for six years to start a family but struggled due to infertility. In 2022, they decided to try embryo adoption after two people mentioned the process to them on the same day. “We felt like it was God’s sign to us.” Madison said.

They completed the embryo transfer with the National Embryo Donation Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. It took about one year to move through the application process to the embryo transfer. They picked their embryos from a list of anonymous profles, and the embryos they selected had been frozen since 2004.

Two of the three embryos successfully implanted, and Madison had a smooth pregnancy until she was 30 weeks pregnant. On January 16, she went to her doctor’s appointment, and everything looked good. Twelve hours later, she started leaking amniotic fuid. She went to a nearby hospital in Branson at 2:30 a.m. and gave birth via C-section at 6:00a.m. to twin girls, Harper and Finley. The babies were transferred to Mercy Springfeld’s NICU and Will traveled with them. Once Madison was discharged from the hospital in Branson, she went straight to Springfeld to be with her family.

They checked into the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids the day after the twins were born and said it was a relief. They enjoy having dinner prepared for them every night and using the laundry room. “Everything the House has

Missouri Farm Bureau

Each year, the Missouri Farm Bureau participates in “Thank a Farmer” Week, a time to celebrate the abundance of food, fuel and fber produced by the American farmer. Each year during this week, county Farm Bureau volunteers give back to their local community in a variety of ways, including an annual donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks. Multiple Farm Bureaus came together to provide monetary donations, needed drink, food and personal hygiene items

provided us has been a blessing.” Madison said.

Their favorite part about the House is how close it is to the NICU. Will said, “We tried so long to start a family. Now we have our family, and the House lets us stay together as a family. If the girls need something, we’re an elevator ride away. That’s the most important thing for me.”

The Dyal family loved staying at the House because it connected them to other families in similar situations. “We get to share stories and talk about the struggles we are going through,” Madison said. “It’s great to see success stories when other families get to go home. It’s nice knowing that eventually it will be our turn, and hopefully somebody will say that about us”

Madison and Will were able to take Harper and Finley home on March 5th after 46 nights at RMHC. The Dyals became family to us at the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids during their stay and we wish them all the best in the future.

as well as a delicious barbeque lunch for the families staying at the House near Cox South. This year, representatives from Webster County, Barry County, Wright County, Dade County and Stone County were in attendance and presented checks to the House at Mercy Kids Program Manager, Justin Wilson. Thank you, Missouri Farm Bureau, for your support. We are grateful for you this week and every week!

House Volunteer Spotlight

Jessica Steward

What is your favorite thing to do at the House?

I like to get rooms ready for incoming families because that is an aspect where we can really shine through in providing an extra level of comfort for them.

What do you enjoy in your free time?

If I am not doing homework I like to get outside. I enjoy hiking and biking.

How did you learn about the Ronald McDonald House?

I have always been familiar with the Ronald McDonald House because I have family members who have used it in the past.

I wanted to get more involved with the Springfeld community when I moved here so I started to look for places to volunteer and the RMHC stuck out to me!

What do you enjoy most about volunteering with our organization?

I enjoy that the RMHC is made up of employees and volunteers who truly care about the families that come to the house. Being able to be a part of that kind of atmosphere is a great feeling!

Fun Fact

I have the same birthday as Judge Judy.

Welcome Makayla Martin Wise

Please join us in welcoming our newest Family Care Manager, Makayla Martin Wise, to both the House at Mercy Kids and the House near Cox South. Makayla is currently working on her bachelor’s degree in art education at Missouri State University and desires a career in that feld post-graduation. Makayla is a brand new bride to her husband, River. She has one pet cat named Millie. In her free time, Makayla enjoys hiking near Lake of the Ozarks at Spencer Creek Trail. Her dream vacation is to Europe, to take in all the beautiful art that the continent has to ofer. Makayla has a big heart for those we serve at RMHC, and we appreciate all the hard work she puts into taking care of families at each House.

Farewell, Michelle

Michelle Litton joined the Ronald McDonald House staf at the very beginning of 2023, providing support for the House near Cox South on Wednesday evenings. Michelle continues to work as a store manager at Walmart and will return to volunteering at the House at Mercy Kids on a weekly basis. Michelle participates in Walmart’s “Volunteerism Always Pays” Program, where Ronald McDonald House receives grants from Walmart for Michelle’s volunteerism!

Farewell, Shannon

Shannon Richards served as the Program Manager of the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South since last May. She supported our team as we transitioned from restrictions related to COVID-19, as we began opening our common areas, welcoming back former and new volunteers and allowed our Family Dinner Groups to return. We wish Shannon the very best as she pursues a new career opportunity.

Farewell, Ezra

Please join us in saying farewell to Ezra Wood. Ezra joined our organization as the Mercy House Program Manager in January of 2022. His family beneftted from the House when their son, David, was hospitalized for eleven days in early 2020. His family was highlighted during our 2022 and 2023 “Share a Heart” Campaigns. Ezra’s ever-present energy and enthusiasm as he served our children and families will be greatly missed.

HAPPY WHEELS WISH LIST

Small bottles of lotion

Mini hand sanitizers

Activity books (crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word fnder)

Small packs of crayons for the activity books

Travel manicure sets

Chapstick

Individual packs of Kleenex

Individually-packaged snacks (Goldfsh, granola bars, Teddy Grahams, gum, mints, Lifesavers, etc.)

12-ounce water bottles

Heart of the Truck

Katie Baird

McKenna Courtney

Emily Dunn

Molly Gross

Anna Gunderman

Jennifer Hardy

Grace Hofman

Jadyn Pace

Birthdays

March 15

Molly Gross

April 1

Dr. Aaron Dannegger

Tooth Talk

STAFF

& CEO Bonnie Keller

The Tooth Truck is wrapping up another annual visit to Monett Schools and it has once again been an extraordinary experience. The Monett staf are so attentive to each detail leading up to our trip to ensure our visit is as efective as possible and this year was no exception. We were greeted with warm smiles by both the school administration and the sweet patients we got to meet.

he was all done. We also met red-haired Paisley who thought going to the Tooth Truck was the greatest experience she has had in her life. She loved getting sealants on her teeth to help prevent cavites from forming.

Mindy Muñoz

Dr. Sarah Cimino

Dr. Aaron Dannegger

Dr. Brett Durbin

Dr. Misty Shelton DENTAL ASSISTANTS

Megan Sanders

Kassidy Tuttle PART-TIME DENTAL ASSISTANT

Amanda Honor

We never know what their needs will be until we get started completing cleanings and exams at a school. Our frst stop in Monett was at the Early Childhood School to see pre-K and kindergarten students. These little mouths needed some big treatment to get everything cavity-free. One very special kiddo was Keylor, a sixyear-old with ffteen cavities, including some infected front teeth. Keylor’s smile grew and grew after we fnished each dental appointment and the nurse was ready to share in the celebrations when

The Tooth Truck team saw 23 students with 106 cavities altogether through the course of a week’s time to address everyone’s dental needs. After 50 appointments, we were happy to share they were all cavityfree. More than $32,000 in dental treatment was provided to these young kiddos at the Early Childhood School and each one did an amazing job sitting still while we worked on their teeth. The superintendent, Dr. Drake, even stopped by to see the new Tooth Truck in action and thank us for all that we do for their school community.

After visiting all schools in the Monett community over 15 clinic days, we were able to complete the treatment plans of 95 children with services valued at $127,470. PAGE 10

Continues on page 11

Keylor picks out a new toothbrush to take home in his goody bag during his frst visit to the Tooth Truck.

Paisley was all smiles throughout each step of her dental appointment.

Continued from page 10

We want to say a very special thank you to the Fuldner Family for their generous support as we fulfll our mission in the Monett community.

The Tooth Truck has packed up and moved on to a new school, but we know the impact we had on these kiddos will remain long after we drive down the road.

Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks

January 2023

Children Treated: ............. 110

Dental Appointments Provided: ..............................183

Year to Date Dental Appointments: .................183

Program to Date Dental Appointments: ...........64,988

Volunteer Welcomes

The Tooth Truck is excited to welcome two new volunteers to its volunteer program.

Emily Dunn is a pre-dental major at MSU completing her junior year. She has grown up in the area and enjoyed volunteering for Convoy of Hope and Ozarks Food Harvest to support needs in the community. When not studying for school, she loves to bake, shop, and travel. Emily does a great job connecting with each Tooth Truck patient during her volunteer shift.

Jennifer Hardy is a Nixa native currently fnishing her senior year at MSU as a biology major. She says she loves the opportunity to work with the Tooth Truck because she admires the impact it has on kids’ lives who struggle to fnd access to dental care. She loves music and helping others. Jennifer ofers a reassuring smile to each Tooth Truck patient and ensures they leave feeling better about themselves.

Tooth Truck Wish List

Action fgures

Matchbox cars

Hair accessories (clips, headbands)

Chapstick

Clorox Wipes

Handheld games

Jewelry (necklaces, bracelets)

DVDs for older children

Outdoor toys (bubbles, sidewalk chalk, Frisbees, sports balls)

Walmart gift cards

Beanie Babies

Program to Date Value of Treatment: ......$21.8 million

February 2023

Children Treated: ..............151

Dental Appointments Provided: .............................248

Year to Date Dental Appointments: ................431

Program to Date Dental Appointments: ...........65,236

Program to Date Value of Treatment: ..........$22 million

Dr. Drake shared a moment with Zyrus while touring the new Tooth Truck

Heart Beats

949 E. Primrose Street

Springfeld, Missouri 65807-5257

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Price Cutter Charity Championship

Mark your calendars for the 34th annual Korn Ferry Tour’s Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper (PCCC), July 20-23 at Highland Springs Country Club. Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks has been a benefciary since the inception of this event in 1990, providing over $1.5 million in support to our organization alone.

More than half of the annual funding we receive through the PCCC is from TLC Properties Charities Sweepstakes and tickets are on sale now! One hundred percent of your purchase will beneft the children and families of our two Ronald McDonald Houses if you designate RMHC as your preferred charity. This program features some amazing prizes so be sure to check out the enclosed fyer for more details! Each ticket also serves

as a grounds season pass for the tournament.

You can purchase tickets online at RMHCOzarks.org, by contacting Kim Booth at 417-875-3505 or by mailing a check with the bottom portion of the enclosed fyer to RMHC at 949 E. Primrose, Springfeld MO 65807. Buy your tickets TODAY and help spread the word! They will make a fantastic GIFT!

We’re also recruiting volunteers for the tournament in July! Keep an eye out on our social media and the next edition of Heart Beats for more details.