Heart
BEATS
19th Annual
Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour The 19th annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour was held on Friday, November 21st and was a wonderful success thanks to the many volunteers, donors, supporters and participants! We’d like to extend our gratitude to the homeowners who so graciously welcomed our guests to their beautiful homes including Greg & Tori Kubik, Rick & Robin Gilmore, Kathy Pozniak and a special House Supporter. We are also truly grateful to Leadership Sponsors, Obelisk Home and BKD Wealth Advisors; and Supporting Sponsors, Murney Associates Realtors, The Bank of Missouri, Hogan Land Title Company, Phoenix Home Care, Jimm’s Steakhouse, 417 Magazine, Kukes Design, McCann Printing and Chase. This event would not have been possible without over 350 volunteers who generously gave of their time to serve during the festivities. Special thanks to ALL of our home
coordinators, tour guides, shuttle drivers, shuttle stop supervisors, servers, greeters, cleaners, decorators AND everyone else who offered a helping hand! Your role is vital in this amazing annual event! Mark your calendars now for the 2015 Homes Tour, to be held Friday, November 20, 2015! Be sure to purchase your tickets early to ensure you receive a teacup and saucer. If you’d like to receive an email notification when tickets go on sale, please contact Kim Booth at Kim.Booth@RMHCozarks.org.
DECEMBER 2014
Heart of the House Staff House Near Cox South
From The Happy Anniversary 1 Year
Pfifer Duerkop, House at Mercy Jordan McMunn, House at Mercy Kathy Purvis, House near Cox South Rachel Schmeling, House near Cox South Jacob Smith, House at Mercy
5 Years
Darren, Laura, and Mackenzie Harrelson, House near Cox South
Lori Aduddell Merideth Aduddell Miles Aduddell Scott Aduddell Lauryn Allison Hannah Anderson Johnny Anderson Alaina Arner Oana Bozek Maggie Bradley Tyler Brasfield Martha Brooks Ashton Canfield Dave Canfield Phillip Canfield Vivian Carissimo Nicole Cenedese Evelyn Close Heather Cottle-Dillon Kathy Dennis Audrey Dlabach Jan Dooly Judy Duncan Bill Duplisse Nancy Duplisse Kate Fletcher Lexie Gambino
Aden Gaulding Avery Gaulding Heidi Gaulding Becky Gillham Sharon Gillham Shawn Gott Fabian Goyes Maria Goyes Amy Grubaugh Angela Hammond-Hill Darren Harrelson Laura Harrelson Mackenzie Harrelson Cindy Harris Katie Herman Link Hill Zoe Hill Kathy Jenkins Paula Johns Clayton Keller Kennedy Keller Savannah Keller Randi Kerr Betty Kniep Marion Kraemer Zachary Kram Caroline Langley
Adrienne McCoy Sandra McNeive Megan Marsh Eileen Meinsen Larry Meinsen Sandy Morris Jordan Myers Nathan Nelson Christian Nguyen Ana Ortiz Shayleigh Patterson Angela Phillips Dani Peterson Kay Prost Kathy Purvis Bibiana Ramirez Kennedy Randles Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts George Schlick Rachel Schmeling Joan Schroeder Anne Schubert Teri Shoemake Marli Sims Sue Sloan Debbie Slocum
House At Mercy Children’s Hospital Kayley Barnes John Barron Josh Bell Ashley Blazier Michael Bohnert Tynisha Brown Allison Burkholder Courtney Cramer Kelsey Cumpton Angela Dearing Megan Dwyer Pfifer Duerkop Sandy Emberton Laurie Feick
Brittany Figaro Terry Greer Ann Griesemer Sarah Gutzke Brenda Havens Carri Hummer Jessi Hummer Jenni Jacka Lillian Jacka Jami Jones Tyler Jones MaKenzie Judy Stevie Kiss Katelin Krusz
Angel Laukon Angel Le Taylor Lee Brian Loesel Tamara Maddox Barbara McBride Larry McBride Elaina Mihalik Rebekah Mitts Alyssa Mondeaux Abby Monsees Pooja Patel Kelly Perkins Marc Propst
Randy Slocum T.J. Slocum Mary Smith Ashleigh Spalding Kara Speights Kim Stagner Alexis Stethem Tina Stethem Brianna Steiert Brandon Taylor Karen Taylor Kelsey Taylor Kristina Taylor Rich Taylor Becky Tilton Melanie Turner Ava Uzzell Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell Abigail Weitzel Lucy Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Sara Westbrooks Danielle Wolford Megan Zengel
Karla Reed Lauren Routh Chandler Saner Kelli Showers Jacob Smith Mikaela Smith Amy Sullinger Serenity Sullinger Katelyn Sullivan Tammy Taylor Debbie Williams Rebecca Won Heather Young
Welcome, New Volunteers To Houses Allison Burkholder, Stevie Kiss and Abby Monsees
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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RMHC Staff President & CEO Bonnie Keller House Program Director Staci Holland Tooth Truck Program Director Mindy Muñoz Project Manager Amber Price Assistant to the President Debbie Kinser Development Assistant Kim Booth
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH House Manager Megan Schussler Associate House Manager Amber Campbell Assistant House Managers Karis Agnew Jacinda Canfield Brittany Gamble Crosby Keller Kayla Love Sara Wikoff
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL House Manager Alexis Rainwater Associate House Manager Brian Powers Assistant House Managers Amy Crawford Hannah Major Danielle Walcher Melanie Ward
RONALD MCDONALD AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Family Dinner
December Birthdays
Darian Lyon & Caleb Dalton
December 1 Mikaela Smith Dr. Bret Wilson
Spotlight Darian Lyon and Caleb Dalton are juniors at Hillcrest High School. They have provided 6 dinners for our families since September and we appreciate the continued service!
When did you start providing meals for families at the Ronald McDonald House? “We started providing meals for the Ronald McDonald House in September of this year.” How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program? “Our Liberty and Law Honors class at Hillcrest High School requires ten hours of community service and a reflection essay at the end of the semester. We partnered up and found the Ronald McDonald House on a list of ideas. We figured it would be something that was a simple task but one we would get a lot out of.”
What is your favorite thing about participating in the Family Dinner Program? “Our favorite aspect of participating in the Family Dinner Program is the things families say to us. They are so positive.”
December 5 Connie McCarter
L to R: Darian Lyon, Caleb Dalton
Do you have any favorite memories? “Our favorite memory is one evening when we were making potato soup and cookies for the families, a man and his wife came over and told us how they really appreciated a home cooked meal after their long days in the hospital. They were so kind to us and they really stuck out to us. They were some of the kindest people we have met so far.”
What would you like to say to other groups who are considering volunteering with the Family Dinner Program? “Other groups considering volunteering for the Family Dinner Program should do it! We have enjoyed every minute of picking out our ingredients and deciding what meal we will make next. It is also a great feeling to help families who appreciate what you’re doing for them.”
December 6 Sandy Emberton Nathan Nelson December 7 Cliff Ricketts December 9 Larry Meinsen December 16 Jacinda Canfield Chandler Saner December 17 Emma Davis Donna Powers December 18 Melinda Thurman
November Dinner Groups
December 19 Tristen Uzzell
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
December 21 Joanna Weitzel
Alpha Delta Pi-Gamma Mu Chapter Aubree Good and Family Betsy’s Precious Pals Cantina Laredo Church of JCLDS (Brenadine) Cox Labor and Delivery Crighton Olive Dunn Surgical Group Crise Family Disciples of Campus- Drury University Drury Pre-Health Professionals Evergreen Baptist Church Hillcrest Presbyterian Church Home Depot Jennifer Jenkins
Julie Pappenfort Just Friends Knights of Columbus- Ozark Knights Templar Little Caesars MSU Health Services Association MSU Student Nursing Organization Oak Grove Assembly of God Church OTC ASN Students Second Baptist Church (Keller) Springfield Catholic The Girlfriends Thornfield House of Prayer UMB Bank
Union Hill Church of Christ United Healthcare Venture Crew 205 Open Dinner Dates: December 23 January 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Ash Grove UMPC Battlefield United Methodist Church The Clotfelter Family & Little Caesars The Cramer Family Drury Volunteer Corps East Sunshine Church of Christ Fair Grove NHS Famous Dave’s FedEx iServe Small Group-Courageous Church The Heinz Family The Heston Family
Joanie Eady & Family Julie Gray & Friends X2 Kickapoo FCCLA Law Offices of Tad Morlan LDS-Branson West RS Lyon & Dalton X3 Masonic Youth Group Mercy Corporate Health and Wellness Mercy Imaging Mercy Marian Center Mizzou Alternative Break Mychelle Eckels
Parkview FCCLA Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ Wellington Hills Friends The Wilson Family
December 22 Angel Laukon December 23 Sarah Hansen December 25 Mary Smith December 28 Sherri Murdaugh George Schlick
Open Dinner Dates: December 20, 27 January 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 13, 15, 17, 21, 24, 27, 29 and 31
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Wish List HAPPY WHEELS WISH LIST Small bottles of lotion Mini hand sanitizers Activity books (crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word finder) Small packs of crayons for the activity books Travel manicure sets Chapstick Individual packs of Kleenex Individually packaged snacks (Goldfish, granola bars, Teddy Grahams, gum, mints, Lifesavers, etc.) 12-ounce water bottles
HOUSE AT MERCY 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 Individually wrapped breakfast items White queen deep pocket sheets (fitted and flat) White standard-size pillowcases White bath & hand towels White wash cloths Detergent Stamps 8 1/2 x 11 Paper K-cups Large tupperware containers
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Around the Houses We want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday and a wonderful New Year! Thank you for choosing to support the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Ozarks, our families, children and patients. Special thanks to Charley’s Auction Service for adopting the Ronald McDonald House® this holiday season. More than six truckloads of gifts have been provided to the Houses to provide holiday gifts for families this year! Be sure to check the January issue for photos of families receiving their gifts!
Wilson Family Gives Back Written by Alexis Rainwater
Charlie and Sarah Wilson became guests of the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Children’s Hospital shortly after their twin girls were born eight weeks premature in November 2013. Charlie and Sarah instantly became like family to the staff, volunteers and other families staying at the House while they waited for daughters Vivian and Hattie to become strong enough to be discharged from the hospital. During their stay at the House, the family enjoyed holiday festivities, including spending Thanksgiving with staff, volunteers, and nine other families. Just five days before Christmas, the Wilson’s excitedly shared that they were being discharged and would be able to spend Christmas at home. Since their stay, they have visited the House several times…no small feat after moving more than two hours north of Springfield! In honor of Vivian and Hattie’s first birthday, Sarah and Charlie asked friends and family to celebrate by bringing a donation for the Ronald McDonald House rather than gifts for the kids. In November, we were privileged to spend the day with them while they served lunch to current families. For so many families, seeing a former family return to the House with their healthy children is such an inspiration and provides hope that their child will soon be healthy as well. The Wilson family is pictured with the generous donation they made in honor of Vivian and Hattie’s first birthday! Included in their donation were pantry items, diapers, cleaning supplies, coffee, toiletry items, and baby food as well a gift card and monetary donations. We can’t say thank you enough for their generosity—what a special family!
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
Volunteer Spotlight Maggie Bradley Maggie has served as a volunteer at the House near Cox South since August 2014 and we are delighted to share a little more about Maggie in this month’s Volunteer Spotlight! What is your favorite thing to do at the house? “Any odds and ends tasks. There’s always something new and interesting at the House; Interacting with the families is a lot of fun too!” What do you enjoy in your free time? “Spending time with family and friends and visiting new places.”
What are your extra curricular activities? “I am an active member in Alpha Delta Pi sorority at Missouri State University and I work for Ozark Regional YMCA.” How did you learn about the Ronald McDonald House? “My family stayed at a Ronald McDonald House and I got to witness firsthand the impact the organization can make. I got involved with the House in Springfield through my sorority, as Ronald McDonald House is the National Philanthropy of Alpha Delta Pi.”
Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks What do you enjoy most about volunteering with our organization? “Getting to meet and interact with other volunteers, families, and staff. “ A few words from Maggie: “I’ve had such a great experience so far this semester and look forward to continuing my volunteer service in the future!”
Staff Stuff Congratulations, Amber Campbell
Amber Campbell has been employed with Ronald McDonald House Charities since February of 2013. She began her tenure with the organization serving as an Assistant Manager at the House inside Mercy Children’s Hospital for nearly two years before accepting the full-time position as Associate House Manager at the House near Cox South. She says she has been truly inspired by the families and volunteers and enjoys being part of something much larger than herself. Her favorite thing about working for the Ronald McDonald House is getting to witness acts of kindness everyday. Amber is a graduate of Ozarks Technical Community College and is now enrolled at Missouri State studying religion, with a minor in Middle Eastern studies. In her free time, Amber enjoys traveling, hiking, and volunteering at a local nonprofit counseling center.
Volunteer Schedules
HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH STATS October 2014 Families Served........39 Nights................... 308 Families from Missouri..................32 Families from Other States...............7 Year-To-Date Families Served...... 321 Program-to-Date Families Served... 8,834
HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL STATS October 2014 Families Served........49 Nights................... 301 Families from Missouri..................45 Families from Other States...............4 Year-To-Date Families Served...... 439 Program-to-Date Families Served...... 892
Please check in with the office staff at the Houses and on the Tooth Truck to discuss any schedule changes over the holidays and for volunteer shifts in 2015! We look forward to continuing our service to those in need, but we can only accomplish this with your help. Thank you for your generous gift of time! Happy Holidays to everyone who supports RMHC!
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Heart
Tooth Talk
of the Welcome Truck Matt & Zach
Megan Blake Samantha Bornaman Marissa Buechel Chelsea Carroll Matt Feihofer Sarah Hansen Jessica Havener Elizabeth Herrion Linda Heslin Connie McCarter Nick Moore Ashley Robinson Clayton Schwinke Zach Shaw Taylor Shireman McKenzie Swan Bryson Starkey Melinda Thurman Gina Wyland
Tooth Truck Wish List Children’s DVDs Super Hero Themed Toys
Volunteers
The Tooth Truck volunteer program recently welcomed two new fantastic volunteers! Matt Freihofer is working towards his future career in dentistry as a pre-dental student at MSU. Matt stays busy working when he’s not in class, and loves spending free time with his dog. He was inspired to go into the dental field after experiencing a mission trip providing medical services to people in Sierra Leone, Africa. Matt continually brings encouragement to our patients, and excitement to the Tooth Truck!
Zach Shaw is also a pre-dental student at MSU and is considering a future career in pediatric dentistry. Zach is excited to have the opportunity to work closely with kids as he volunteers with the Tooth Truck and looking forward to discovering an even deeper passion for his potential profession. Zach is a great musician who was once a Music major before dentistry captured his heart. He plays the guitar, piano, and sings! We are so blessed and excited to have you both on board the Tooth Truck. Welcome Matt and Zach! Zach gets ready to walk York patient Kaydence back to class after her appointment.
Farewell, Sarah Hansen The Tooth Truck is very sad to bid farewell to one of our dedicated volunteers, Sarah Hansen. Sarah joined our volunteer program in the fall of 2011 and has been so great to work with during each volunteer shift. She was also a huge help this past fall helping to ensure everything ran smoothly while Office Manager Emma Davis was on maternity leave. Sarah, we will miss your sweet smile on the Tooth Truck but wish you the very best with your future pursuits!
Toy Cars McDonald’s Toys Small Stuffed Animals Coloring Books Small Footballs, Baseballs & similar items
Congratulations to all of our volunteers graduating this December!
Hair Accessories Mindy Muñoz, Sarah Hansen, Megan Lambert, and Dr. Sarah Cimino snap a selfie during Sarah’s last volunteer shift
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Matt prepares a supply bag for York patient, Toni.
Sarah Hansen McKenzie Swan Gina Wyland We are glad McKenzie and Gina will still be volunteering with us this spring!
It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like
Christmas With the arrival of colder weather, it has definitely turned our thoughts to the Christmas season. This year the Tooth Truck staff wanted to involve its amazing volunteers and patients in the decorating process. Everyone had so much fun putting all the festive touches on the inside of the Tooth Truck to create our very own winter wonderland. We discovered so many artistic talents in our little patients, volunteers, and staff to give the Tooth Truck a special Christmas spirit in time for the annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour event. We loved involving our patients in the process! Volunteers worked with patients to cut out beautiful snowflakes and paper garland to hang from the ceiling. One volunteer added some special touches with 3 dimensional snowflakes, popsicle snowflakes, and an adorable snowman in the Tooth Truck’s main window. Each item was lovingly made by a child and volunteer. We absolutely loved to watch our little patients’ faces light up when they unfolded their snowflake to reveal its unique shape. The Tooth Truck wishes everyone the warmest of holidays this season. Be sure to smile big for all those pictures! Volunteers Linda Heslin and Taylor Shireman work with Pittman patients Katera and Kristina to make snowflakes for the Tooth Truck.
Children Treated.... 202 Dental Appointments Provided............... 400 Year-to-Date Dental Appointments......3,113 Program-to-Date Dental Appointments.....42,102 Program-to-Date Value of Treatments... $9,898,123
Children Who Received Treatment: Bissett Elementary Boys & Girls Town Clever Schools Pipkin Middle School Watkins Elementary Williams Elementary
Program Director Mindy Muñoz
Yummy Cherry Jell-O
General Dentist Dr. Sarah Cimino
2 (3oz) packaged sugar free cherry Jell-O (or raspberry) 1 ¼ cup boiling water 1 (12oz) diet lime soda
October 2014
STAFF
MRS. C’S RECIPES 1 (20oz) can light cherry pie filling
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks
Enjoy wonderful recipes provided by Mrs. Vivian Carissimo, also known as Mrs. C.
Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water. Stir in pie filling. Slowly add diet soda. Cover and refrigerate.
VOLUNTEER TIP OF THE MONTH How to Clean Your Iron Place 1 tablespoon of salt on a tray. Turn iron on cotton setting, heat and rub iron in salt until marks disappear.
Temporary Dentists Dr. Aaron Dannegger Dr. Brett Durbin Dr. Randi Green President & CEO Bonnie Keller Office Manager Emma Davis Dental Assistants Megan Lambert Kim Otradovec Part-Time Dental Assistants Whitney Bingle Kristi Terry
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Heart Beats
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
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LifePoints Lift
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks is proud to partner with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks for a new program called LifePoints Lift. Our organization was one of ten selected to be part of this incredible opportunity and we need YOUR help. How LifePoints Lift Works Since 2013, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks has offered blood donors the opportunity to participate in the loyalty program called LifePoints. Donors could accumulate points with each donation and redeem those points online at the donor store. With LifePoints Lift, donors may choose to contribute their points to the Ronald McDonald House. The agency with the highest number of recruited donors from November 2014 – January 2015 will receive $1,000, PLUS the agency with the highest number of recruited donors through September 2015 will receive a gift of $2,000. Your points matter! Not only will your blood donations help save lives, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks will receive a quarterly donation based on the number of points allocated for the organization. 1,000 points = $1.50 3,000 points = $5.00 Schedule your appointment at Community Blood Center of the Ozarks today! For more information about LifePoints Lift and to create a donor profile please visit www.cbco.org/lifepoints-lift/.