Heart
BEATS
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019
Record year for the 5th Annual Red Shoe Gala Friday, October 18 On October 18th, friends of Ronald McDonald House Charities put on their red shoes and gathered at the White River Conference Center for a lively evening of dinner and dancing. Back by popular demand, Star Search Grand Champion,Jake Simpson, returned to the stage for the 5th Annual Red Shoe Gala, presented by McDonald’s of the Ozarks. The night’s fun included activities such as the Youngblood
Red Shoe Cam, “Shoebox Surprise,” Heads or Tails, the Adopt a Family program, and the Red Shoe Contest. This was a record year in funds raised through the event with $165,000+ proceeds given! 100% of the proceeds benefit RMHC of the Ozarks, helping children and families through our two Ronald McDonald Houses and the Tooth Truck.
INTRODUCING Round-Up for RMHC® A new way to give.
McDonald’s of the Ozarks (and across the nation) have kicked off a new way for customers to support RMHC®! When you visit your favorite McDonald’s Restaurant, ask to “RoundUp” your total to the nearest dollar. Your “Round-Up” amount directly benefits the families and children of RMHC, with donations benefiting our local Ronald McDonald Houses and the Tooth Truck 365 days per year! From December 10th to 23rd, a national promotion will encourage people to participate in Round-Up for RMHC at McDonald’s!
From The
Staff Happy
Anniversary 1 YEAR Jerrica Conrad, Mercy House Linda Schultz, Mercy House Breanna Sundet, Mercy House Aston Heinrichs, Cox House Kaya Heinrichs, Cox House Andrea Parker, Cox House Angela Fairchild, Cox House
Heart of the House House Near Cox South Ann Adams Karis Agnew Nadean Burnett John Carr Terri Carr Larry Chainey Nancy Clark Tyler Cockrum Tammi Davis Kathy Dennis Lynelle Dock-Peck Cheryl Douglas Blake Dowdy Judy Duncan Angela Fairchild Raymond Filbeck Clydene Freeman Amanda Fronzaglia Calan Froula Becky Gillham Shawn Gott Ashley Grady Amy Grubaugh Dorothy Harlan
Laura Harrelson Aston Heinrichs Kaya Heinrichs Olivia Heinrichs Gracie Holt Corine Isenhower David Jackway Lisa James Briana Jenkins Laura Johnson Raegan Johnston Clayton Keller Levi Kemp Becky Lang Peyton Long Shawn Lowery Jennifer Lozaw Evan Mason Eileen Meinsen Larry Meinsen Sandy Morris Jordan Myers Roberta Osborn Karla Peck
LeRoy Peck Gretta Phillips Lerris Pierce Aidan Plank Kay Prost Beka Razor Rebecca Reser Abigail Richardson Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts Brenda Rosebrough Timothy Schmelz Anne Schubert Debbie Slocum Randy Slocum T.J. Slocum Mary Smith Grace Stagner Kim Stagner Pamela Stout Kaden Sumter Ava Uzzell Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell
Abigail Weitzel Lucy Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Travis Weitzel James Winstead Ryan Winstead Kelly Wirtz Meghan Zengel Sydney Zupan
Jocelyn Bogue Stephanie Bube Katherine Bunch April Carmichael David Carmichael Katy Chambers Jerrica Conrad Maggie Cowger Jennie Crabbe Sandy Emberton Alexis Gaono Ashley Green Terry Greer Ann Griesemer
Shirley Hall Brenda Havens Kylee Heishman Thomas Heye Jenni Jacka Leah Jackson Trot Kinser Ami Le Hannah Le Erin Norris Caitlyn Norris Ellie Norris Brady Marshall Kathy Marshall
Kassie Medina Frank Merolli Rebekah Mitts Marel Morris Jordan Newman Tracie Nicholson Kate Okland Olivia Parks Jamie Phariss Sarah Phillips Cathy Sanchez Linda Schultz Maricielo SchwartzLeon
Lauren Stockam Breanna Sundet Kayla Swearengin Madeline Urhahn Will Vance Hanna Wilken Judy Zorn
House At Mercy Kids
Welcome, New Volunteers To Houses
Raymond Filbeck, Olivia Henrichs, Laura Johnson,Kathy Marshall, Evan Mason, Jordan Newman, Roberta Osborn , Abigail Richardson, Cathy Sanchez, Maricielo Schwartz-Leon, Judy Zorn, and Sydney Zupan
RMHC Staff Heart Beats is published monthly or bi-monthly for volunteers of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks and The Tooth Truck, Inc. ©2019 RMHC The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates 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.
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President & CEO Bonnie Keller
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS
Vice President Debbie Kinser
Program Manager Laura Winstead
Program Manager Ashley Burton
Tooth Truck Program Director Mindy Muñoz
Associate Program Manager Associate Program Manager Kelly Toner Lacey McKeever
Project Manager Amber Price Development Assistant Kim Booth Administrative Assistant Debbi Gafner
Family Care Managers Lexi Beaman Elizabeth Bottorff Mackenzie Meyers Emily Ogle Rebekkah Wall Sara Wilken
Family Care Managers Jacob Golden Abby Hartman Kennedy Keller Savannah Keller Hannah Major Lacey McKeever Jack Osborn
Family Dinner
Birthdays
Spotlight Mercy SBU College of Nursing
Let’s learn a little bit more about Mercy SBU College of Nursing from their group leaders Rachel and Kim...
leads her own co-workers in serving meals at RMH. It is truly a blessing to work with such caring and giving students - and future nurses! (Rachel).
When did you start providing meals at the Ronald McDonald House?
Do you have any favorite memories from your volunteer experience?
SBU/Mercy College of Nursing’s 3rd semester students began serving meals at RMH in Fall 2017. We serve a couple times a month with a different group of students each time!
I remember one family brought multiple guests to the House to have dinner with them. The guests were hesitant to partake in the dinner, as there were families staying at the House wanting to eat as well. The students noticed this, so they wanted to make sure they felt comfortable to take food as well. They sat and talked with them and encouraged them to take part in their meal they prepared. This was a great experience for our students to help those guests feel comfortable! (Kim).
How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program? My (Rachel) nursing background is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, so it is a joy for me to serve our NICU families outside the NICU. It is particularly exciting for me to share this privilege and joy with my nursing students -- to help them see the power of caring and nursing beyond the bedside. What is your favorite thing about participating in the Family Dinner Program? Letting the students take control of serving the families. They really enjoy getting to see everyone who stays at the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy outside of the NICU. They only see the families on the unit, so this is a unique and perspective changing experience for them. (Kim). I believe the opportunity to serve at RMH has positively impacted our students; but, one in particular was really moved by the experience. This student, who is also a Mercy co-worker, now
What would you say to anyone considering volunteering for the Family Dinner Program? This is such a welcoming place to serve. The House offers a lot of opportunities to give back, but this program is a great way to meet families and serve them directly (Kim). RMH serves parents and families of children in need, some with week and month-long hospital journeys. Taking the time to prepare a home-cooked meal for these families will not only bless those receiving the meal, it will bless those serving it, too! So, if you are considering participating in the family dinner program at RMH, you absolutely should. It will take just a few hours of your time but will leave a lasting impression on those you serve (Rachel).
Dinner Groups RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
October Meal Groups Bostian Family Bridges Family Carr Family Cerner Si3Cox PEDS Nurses Dan Wasmer Don Wheeler Downtown Rotary Dru and Friends
Fremont Elementary Ginny Ashley Glendale Christian Church Jackie Wagoner Just Friends Knights of Columbus Knights of Templar Larissa Jackson and Family Larry Chainey Little Caesars
Mercedes Valeika MSU Dietetic Association MSU Student Nurses Organization Northside Christian Small Group Oak Grove Assembly Parkcrest Baptist Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Second Baptist Sunset Church of Christ Young Professionals The GirlfriendsUnion Hill Church of Christ United Healthcare Zion Lutheran Open Dinner Dates: December: 24, 25, 27, 31
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS October Meal Groups Ash Grove UMPC Battlefield United Methodist Church Bill Covey and Family DRG Validation Drury Volunteer Corps East Sunshine Church of Christ
Holy Trinity –Council of Catholic Women Houlihans Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Jordan Heinz State Farm Little Ceasars Pizza Lois and Jessica Louise Morgan Mercy Cardiac Cath Lab
Mercy Central Mercy Microbiology and Immunology Lab Mercy SBU College of Nursing Missouri State University Physical Therapy Mizzou School of Medicine Nathan and Esther
New Hope Family Fellowship The Calhouns The Goldens Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ Wellington Hills Friends Open Dinner Dates: December: 21, 24, 28, 29, 31
November 5 Roberta Osborn November 6 Larry Chainey November 8 Eileen Meinsen November 11 Jan Ricketts November 13 Patricia Garretson Noveber 15 RebekkahWall Novemer 16 Meghan Zengel November 22 Maricielo Schwartz-Leon November 23 Karis Agnew November 25 Ashley Green Marel Morris November 26 Levi Kemp November 27 Abigail Weitzel November 30 Clayton Keller December 1 Trot Kinser December 6 Sandy Emberton December 7 Adrienne McCoy Cliff Ricketts December 9 Larry Meinsen Madison Mickan Linda Schultz Grace Stagner Kelly Toner December 10 Ann Adams December 16 Will Vance December 17 Donna Powers December 18 Melinda Thurman December 19 Tristen Uzzell December 21 Joann Weitzel December 25 Mary Smith John Carr December 26 Kellie Wirtz December 28 Anna Trenkamp December 30 Brady Marshall
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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 Kids
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 Travel-Size Toothpaste Fabric Softener
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 White Bath Mats
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Around the Houses
Mission Moment The Brown Family Our son, Nolan, was born in February and he’s never left the hospital. He has Chronic Lung Disease from a combination of being born prematurely and having a lot of lung development trouble after birth. In June, Nolan’s care team thought his diaphragm had herniated and they sent us to St. Louis in case he needed surgery. Fortunately, he had no hernia, but this was a very difficult time for us as Nolan caught rhinovirus and
nearly passed away. It’s a miracle that he’s still here today. After several months of recovering from the virus, we were sent back to Mercy in Springfield. The Ronald McDonald House in Springfield has been a huge blessing for us during this time. We stayed in the spring, and they welcomed us back warmly this fall. Although we live in Republic, relatively close compared to some of the families we’ve met here, I work long hours and staying
close saves precious hours in commute time each week—hours that not too many months ago we came close to losing altogether. We’re so grateful for the level of care we’ve received at the Springfield Ronald McDonald House. Until we get to take Nolan home in December (fingers crossed!) or for as long as we are welcome, we’re glad to call the Ronald McDonald House our home away from home.
Welcome New Staff The Ronald McDonald House near Cox South is thrilled to introduce Kelly Toner as our new Associate Program Manager! Kelly is a graduate from the University of Arkansas (Go Razorbacks!) and has worked in the field of nursing over the past few years. She loves the mission of the Ronald McDonald House and is very excited to join the team at the Cox House! Her favorite thing about working with RMHC thus far has been getting to know all the staff and volunteers, and she is really looking forward to the upcoming Cup O’Cheer event. In the summer, Kelly spends her weekends at Table Rock Lake; in the winter, she loves Hallmark movies and football. Kelly loves cooking shows, podcasts, and spends a lot of time with friends at coffee shops. She is a fanatic of all things seasonal and is looking forward to celebrating the upcoming holidays with the RMH family.
House Volunteer Spotlight
I love any type of puzzles and crosswords. I also enjoy pets and working with animals... I have a cat named Lucky. How did you learn about the Ronald House? I have known about the Ronald McDonald House for a long time. I just decided it was time to jump in and volunteer.
House Near Cox South STATS Families Served..............45 Nights.................................. 342 Families from Missouri................................34 Families from Other States....................... 11 Year to Date.....................313 Program to Date... 11,037
House At Mercy Kids STATS Families Served.............. 37 Nights...................................101
Families from Other States.........................3
What is your favorite thing to do (or a couple things) at the House?
What do you enjoy in your free time?
October 2019
Families from Missouri................................34
Pam Stout My favorite thing is to work outside and garden when it is nice. Visiting with the other volunteers is also very special.
Monthly Statistics
Year to Date.................... 282 What do you enjoy most about volunteering with our organization?
Program to Date.....3,053
There are awesome people who work here, I really enjoy being around them. I also really enjoy making things nice around the House for the families. Any other comments? I would encourage everyone to volunteer with the Ronald McDonald House. There are several different volunteer opportunities to get involved with and you get to meet some really nice people.
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Heart Tooth Talk of the Truck Megan Blake Stephanie Daniels Melinda Fielder Katlyn Frazier Kathy Evans Patrick Hoerning Olivia Horton Sarah Jobe Susan Lemmon Connie McCarter Breanna Mareschal Melissa Schmittgens Chloe Williams Jessica Zengel
STAFF
PRESIDENT & CEO Bonnie Keller PROGRAM DIRECTORRONALD MCDONALD CARE MOBILE Mindy Muñoz GENERAL DENTIST Dr. Sarah Cimino COMMUNITY DENTISTS Dr. Raymond Burton Dr. Aaron Dannegger Dr. Brett Durbin Dr. Misty Shelton OFFICE MANAGER Abbie Dohmen DENTAL ASSISTANTS Megan Sanders Gracie Morton PART-TIME DENTAL ASSISTANTS Amy Baker Nicole Woolbright HEALTHY SMILES ACADEMY PROGRAM MANAGER Tamra Thomas
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Prizes Are a Path to Confidence By Abbie Dohmen
Have you ever felt anxious to try something new? Have you ever gone to an appointment that you were unsure about, but by the time you left, realized it was much easier than you thought? The Tooth Truck provides dental services for children ranging from age 3 all the way up to 18 years, most of whom have never seen a dentist before, or don’t have access to one on a regular basis. Because of this, some of the patients we see have anxieties about their dental appointment upon visiting the Truck. Our staff does an amazing job working with each child to wash these worries away and show them going to the dentist can be a positive experience. One of
James from Mark Twain Elementary chose some squishy teeth from the large prize box after having his sealants completed.
the ways we celebrate each successful dental appointment on the Tooth Truck is with our prize box. There are two levels of prizes our patients get to choose from. The first one is our small prize box filled with items such as temporary tattoos, stickers, bracelets, and Happy Meal toys. Each child gets to choose a prize from this box after every dental visit, bringing him or her closer to a cavity-free smile. The kids love to show our staff and volunteers their selection as they beam with pride over their accomplishment.. Our second level of prizes is the large prize drawer. Patients get to pick something special out of this drawer on their final dental appointment once they are cavity free. Some examples of these prizes are: coloring books, school supplies, hats, gloves, bubbles, Hot Wheels, and Beanie Babies. Choosing something out of the large prize drawer is a big moment for the patients as we congratulate each of them on their renewed, healthy smile. It’s our way of saying, “way to go, you did it!”.
The Tooth Truck goes through thousands of prizes each year to keep both prize boxes fully stocked for our patients. The majority of these items are provided through donations from community members like you. We need your help to maintain a great supply of prizes. Check out our Wish List within this newsletter to get an idea of some popular items. For questions, contact Program Director Mindy Muñoz at mindy.munoz@ toothtruck.org. Choosing a prize after seeing the dentist may seem like a simple thing, but the gain of self-confidence by our patients is such a big reward!
The small prize box was recently filled with Halloween-themed items for patients to choose from.
Lincoln and Zayden from Weaver Elementary test out their small prizes before heading back to class.
Tooth Truck Wish List
The large prize drawer offers a variety of items for patients celebrating their final appointment on the Tooth Truck.
Action figures Matchbox cars Hair accessories (clips, headbands) Chapstick Clorox Wipes Dixie Cups Handheld games
Jewelry (necklaces, bracelets) DVDs for older children Outdoor toys (bubbles, sidewalk chalk, Frisbees, sports balls) Walmart gift cards Beanie Babies
New Volunteer Welcomes Brianna Sanford is currently a senior at MSU with plans
to continue onto dental hygiene school in the future. She is from the St. Louis area and is excited to have the opportunity to work with patients of the Tooth Truck. She is looking forward to learning more about the dental field during each volunteer shift.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks October 2019 Children Treated:................119 Dental Appointments Provided:..................................244 Year to Date Dental Appointments:.................1,924 Program to Date Dental Appointments:...............57,241 Program to Date Value of Treatment:......$16.86 million Children Who Received Treatment: Great Circle Mark Twain Elementary Watkins Elementary Weaver Elementary
Birthdays November 7 Dr. Howard Shayne
Anya Jones is a sophomore at MSU studying dietetics with
a pre-profession in dentistry. She loves being able to service as an officer in her sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha. She also enjoys spending quality time with her friends and has always had a passion for music! In her free-time she can be found reading and exercising.
November 11 Dr. Howard Shayne November 24 Dr. Misty Shelton December 5 Connie McCarter
Blaine Weiss is a junior at MSU and is looking forward to
pursuing a career in the dental field. She has a big heart for volunteerism and has supported many organizations, including providing family dinners at the Ronald McDonald House. Blaine is a calm, kind spirit and does a great job helping our patients feel comfortable before their appointment.
December 18 Blaine Weiss
Angela Fairchild is one of the newest volunteers for
the Healthy Smiles Academy. She has been a huge asset when it comes to late afternoon tooth-brushing launches with HSA! She enjoys horseback riding, gardening, traveling, volunteering, and cooking. She works for a radiology center in town and enjoys mentoring her students on MRI’s.
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Heart Beats
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
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Southern Living® Cookbooks
on Sale Now!
Dillard’s at the Battlefield Mall in Springfield is joining stores across the country in offering a special edition of the Southern Living Christmas Cookbook to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities through their annual holiday fundraiser. Since 1994, Dillard’s has supported RMHC® with a fundraiser benefiting the Ronald McDonald House program. This exclusive, 288-page hardbound cookbook is filled with more than 200 recipes and dozens of decoration ideas for Christmas plus seasonal gatherings. This “must have” cookbook is available for only $12 and is available now in all Dillard’s stores nationwide, as well as online at www. dillards.com. You may also purchase your book at the Cup O’Cheer Holiday Tea & Market on November 22nd at the Diamond Room. Proceeds from cookbooks sold at the Battlefield Mall Dillard’s will benefit Springfield’s two Ronald McDonald Houses.