Heart
BEATS OCTOBER 2019
24th Annual
Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour, Holiday Tea & Market
Dean & Mary Young Highland Springs
Holiday Décor by Kimberlee Stockwell-Braasch, Kimberlee Designs
Friday, November 22 The Diamond Room 2340 W. Grand 10:00am – 8:00pm
Our 24th Annual Cup O’Cheer event will be held Friday, November 22, 2019 and highlights five of the area’s most beautiful and unique homes decorated for the holidays. After touring the homes, guests are invited to join us at The Diamond Room for our annual Holiday Tea, desserts and savory treats, provided by Simply Delicious Catering. The 2019 Cup O’Cheer Market, also held at The Diamond Room, will feature gifts and beautiful home decor from local specialty merchants, a Silent Auction, and wine and specialty drinks available for purchase. The first 1,000 guests to purchase a ticket will receive a commemorative Cup O’Cheer china teacup and saucer designed by the team at BridgeBlue Sourcing Partners and Obelisk Home, which may be picked up at The Diamond Room on the day of the event.
Gino & Dana Barbo Southeast Springfield Holiday Décor by Tyler Baxley &Jessica Janeway
Ronald McDonald House Supporter Lion’s Gate. Holiday Décor by Nathan Taylor Obelisk Home
Tickets are on sale now for $35 in advance or $40 the day of the event. Proceeds from the event benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks.
Hundreds of volunteers are needed to ensure the success of this event. If you’re interested in helping, contact Heather Hyde at 417-875-3501 or Heather.Hyde@RMHCozarks.org. Jim & Missy Earls Millwood, Holiday Décor by
We are grateful to the following sponsors that have provided generous contributions that will support our Ronald McDonald Houses and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. Presenting Sponsor:
Supporting Sponsors:
Leadership Sponsor:
Contributing Sponsors:
Missy Earls
Foundation Sponsor
Tom & Kim Prater Rountree Neighborhood Holiday Décor by Nathan Taylor, Obelisk Home
From The
Staff Happy
Anniversary 1 YEAR Elizabeth Bottorff, Cox House Larry Chainey, Cox House Tyler Cockrum, Cox House Ashley Green, Mercy House Hanna Wilken, Mercy House
5 YEARS Jenni Jacka, Mercy House Jordan Myers, Cox House
Heart of the House House Near Cox South Ann Adams Karis Agnew Elizabeth Bottorff Nadean Burnett John Carr Terri Carr Sarah Carrol Larry Chainey Nancy Clark Tyler Cockrum Tammi Davis Kathy Dennis Lynelle Dock-Peck Cheryl Douglas Blake Dowdy Judy Duncan Angela Fairchild Clydene Freeman Amanda Fronzaglia Calan Froula Becky Gillham Krista Gilmartin Shawn Gott Ashley Grady
Amy Grubaugh Dorothy Harlan Laura Harrelson Aston Heinrichs Kaya Heinrichs Olivia Heinrichs Gracie Holt Bailey Howery Corine Isenhower David Jackway Lisa James Briana Jenkins Raegan Johnston Clayton Keller Levi Kemp Becky Lang Peyton Long Shawn Lowery Jennifer Lozaw Evan Mason Eileen Meinsen Larry Meinsen Sandy Morris Nolan Musick
Jordan Myers Roberta Osborn Andrea Parker Karla Peck LeRoy Peck Gretta Phillips Lerris Pierce Aidan Plank Kay Prost Beka Razor Rebecca Reser 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 Madeleine Sullivan
House At Mercy Kids 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 Ami Le Hannah Le Erin Norris Caitlyn Norris
Ellie Norris Brady Marshall Kassie Medina Frank Merolli Rebekah Mitts Marel Morris Tracie Nicholson Kate Okland Olivia Parks Jamie Phariss Sarah Phillips Linda Schultz
Kaden Sumter Anna Trenkamp Violet Turner Ava Uzzell Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell Abigail Weitzel Lucy Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Travis Weitzel James Winstead Ryan Winstead Kelly Wirtz Meghan Zengel
Lauren Stockam Breanna Sundet Kayla Swearengin Madeline Urhahn Will Vance Hanna Wilken
Welcome, New Volunteers To Houses Kylee Heishman, Frank Merolli, Jocelyn Bogue, Erin Norris, Caitlyn Norris, and Ellie Norris
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 Heather Hyde 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 Jack Osborn
Family Dinner
Birthdays
Spotlight
October 7 Aidan Plank October 13 Eddie Marmouget
Battlefield UMC Let’s learn a little bit more about Battlefield UMC…
October 14 Angela Fairchild
When did you start providing meals at the Ronald McDonald House?
October 15 Debbie Slocum Do you have any favorite memories from your volunteer experience?
About 4 or 5 years ago. How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program? We went online looking for a way to help the community and found RMH. What is your favorite thing about participating in the Family Dinner Program? Talking with families and feeding them a good wholesome dinner.
Dinner Groups
A mother was having a really emotional time. We got to share together and she invited us to go see her baby in the intensive care unit. We met a family who had a baby born with a birth defect who might not have made it. They sent us a Christmas card that year. What would you say to anyone considering volunteering for the Family Dinner Program?
October 19 Alexis Gaono Kennedy Keller Savannah Keller October 24 Judy Duncan October 28 Beka Razor October 30 LeRoy Peck
It is very rewarding! Go for it! They need you!
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH Carr Family Cerner SI3 Ameriprise Financial Chesterfield Ward LDS Services CNH Arnhart Ladies Coon Creek Baptist Awakening Church of Covenant Presbyterian God Women’s Ministry Covey Family Battlefield UMC Fremont Elementary Bostian Family Ginny Ashley Bridges Family Hamilton Family But Love Goes on Jackie Wagoner Forever Jimmy Johns
September Meal Groups
Just Friends Knights of Columbus Knights Templar Leadership Springfield Class 35 Oak Grove Assembly Parkcrest Baptist Republic Rainbow Girls Second Baptist The Girlfriends Tucker Family
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS September Meal Groups Ameriprise Financial Services Angelica Adelsberger Ash Grove United MethodistPresbyterian Church Billings United Methodist Church East Sunshine Church of Christ Kim Wilkins Louise Morgan
Marge, Linda, and Janet Mercy Central Mercy Insurance Team Mercy Microbiology and Immunology Lab Mercy PEDs and PICU Nurses Mercy Southwest Baptist University College of Nursing Mercy St. Jude Clinic Missouri State Child Life Student Association
Missouri State University Physical Therapy New Hope Family Fellowship Ojha Family Performance Improvement Simmons Bank State Farm Sykes Family The Calhoun’s Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ Youth
Union Hill Church of Christ
Wellington Hills Friends Young Women’s Bible Study Open Dinner Dates: November: 9th and 27th
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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 Kasey Trantham and her husband Christopher have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first child, Dawson, due on December 15th. Preparing for their larger family, they have been in the process of buying a home and Christopher accepted a new firefighting position. They were taken by surprise in early September, when Kasey began experiencing labor symptoms during a church service. They went to the hospital in their hometown of West Plains that day and learned their baby would most likely be born prematurely. They were transferred to Mercy in Springfield with the goal of delaying delivery as long as possible. Less than a week later, Dawson was born on September 7th, weighing just under two pounds. He was fifteen weeks early and medical staff predicted he would need intensive care until his due date in December. The Trantham’s nurse referred them to Ronald McDonald House, where they have been able
to stay when away from Dawson. Though they had heard of the Ronald McDonald House before, they had no idea how helpful it would be for their family. They especially appreciate the meals in the evening and “being an elevator ride away from our son.” Kasey and Christopher are looking forward to the day they are able to bring their baby boy home, but are thankful for the opportunity to be near him until he is ready.
3rd Annual a HUGE Success! On September 6, our 3rd Annual Kansas City Chiefs “Red Friday” kicked off at 6:00am at 55 McDonald’s Restaurants in the Ozarks and Hy-Vee in Springfield. In addition to being a rallying point for Chiefs fans, Red Friday is a chance for the community to make a difference in the lives of local children and families with sales of limited-edition Chiefs Kingdom flags all to benefit our two Ronald McDonald Houses. This opportunity would not be possible without the support and generosity of the Kansas City Chiefs and McDonald’s of the Ozarks. Ronald McDonald House volunteers were a significant part of Springfield’s Red Friday success by giving their time to wave flags and be ambassadors for our organization. It is because of McDonald’s crews, the efforts and support of volunteers, and our giving community that we were able to sell out of flags in a matter of hours! We can’t thank all of you enough for your efforts, and we’re looking forward to our 4th Annual Red Friday in 2020!
Welcome New Staff
Please help us welcome new Cox House Family Care Manager Elizabeth Bottorff! Elizabeth is a senior at Missouri State University majoring in Human Resources with a minor in Health Care Management. She has been accepted to MSU’s accelerated MBA program and will begin that in the Spring. Elizabeth started volunteering in the house in June 2018 and was super excited to become a Family Care Manager. In addition to school and her work at the house, Elizabeth is also participating in an internship at Isabel’s House for the Fall semester. Elizabeth also enjoys playing tennis, baking, and going out with friends. She looks forward to getting to know all of the families and volunteers more. The House at Mercy Kids is excited to welcome our new Associate Program Manager, Lacey McKeever! Lacey is a recent graduate of Missouri State University, where she studied Child and Family Development. She has served as a Family Care Manager at the House at Mercy Kids for the past 18 months and has cared for families and connected with many of our volunteers during this time. In her free time, Lacey likes to run and ride her bike or read and drink good coffee. She is looking forward to serving in her new role at Ronald McDonald House and meeting more of our wonderful volunteers!
Farewell to Melanie Ball RMH would like to thank Melanie for her time, dedication, and contributions she has shared with the House over the past five years. Melanie started her role as a Family Care Manager at the Mercy House before moving over to the Cox House as the Associate Program Manager. She truly exhibited kindness, care, and hospitality to our families, volunteers, and staff. We wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors!
What do you enjoy in your free time? I like to hang out with my friends and my family. I also enjoy playing tennis! How did you learn about the Ronald House? My dad is on the Board, but my grandparents also volunteered for about 5 years at the Ronald McDonald House in Joplin.
House Near Cox South STATS Families Served..............53 Nights...................................313 Families from Missouri.................................41 Families from Other States.......................12 Program to Date..10,689
House At Mercy Kids STATS Families Served..............40 Nights...................................212 Families from Missouri................................34
Maggie Cowger
My favorite thing to do at the House is to write acknowledgements. It makes me feel connected to the volunteers and people who have donated!
August 2019
Year to Date....................250
House Volunteer Spotlight What is your favorite thing to do (or a couple things) at the House?
Monthly Statistics
Do you have any favorite memories? I thought it was really sweet to hear a family share how grateful they are to the House. They expressed how special it was to get to experience this community and thanked the staff and volunteers for what they do. It was really heart-warming.
Families from Other States.........................6 Year to Date....................250 Program to Date..... 3,021
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with our organization? What I enjoy most is how the House is always accepting of everyone that comes to it. The staff and volunteers are willing to help those who need it most and how they are so kind and caring to everyone who comes in.
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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. David Hacker 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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The Ways
We Educate! By Tamra Thomas
The Healthy Smiles Academy takes education very seriously by making it fun and interactive. We utilize various methods to demonstrate what it takes to have a healthy smile based on the different age groups we work with. A lot of our young brushers have never flossed before. It can be a little tricky to learn how to hold floss just right, so we use PlayDoh, Mega Blocks, and floss to practice removing “food” from each and every space in their mouth! We love to use this method for our younger brushers. For our older brushers, we have a realistic tooth model, Harvey, to demonstrate the proper technique for brushing and flossing. Utilizing Harvey is important to be able
This group of Pre-K students at Alpha Tots enjoyed deciding which foods are for eating “every day” and which ones are best for “sometimes”!
to show them all the angles and spaces they need to reach in their own mouths. Kids learn best when you let them have hands on learning. For our youngest learners, we often use a felt board to encourage them to make healthy food choices. For instance, we talk about how some foods are more harmful to our teeth and the students take turns to place the food under various categories food choices. They absolutely love this activity! A great and effective learning tool for our older students is performing science experiments. We use vinegar, water, and tums tablets to show the impact sugar can have on teeth. They enjoy watching the results unfold within a few minutes!
Estrella was eager to brush our tooth model during our visit to her 2nd grade class in Cassville. She loved showing her new skills on both the tooth model and her own beautiful smile!
Oliver from Life Skills uses PlayDoh and a Mega Block to practice flossing technique for the first time.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks August 2019 Children Treated:............... 145 Dental Appointments Provided:.................................. 217 Year to Date Dental Appointments:................ 1,680 Program to Date Dental Appointments:.............56,997 Program to Date Value of Treatment:.......$16.71 million We were able to show the effects of sugar on teeth by using common household ingredients! We learned that without brushing, the everyday plaque we all have can act as an acid attack. By brushing our teeth daily, we can be proactive in the fight against tooth decay!
Children Who Received Treatment: DaySpring School
We love having the ability to educate children as they participate in our daily brushing program. It is so heartwarming to hear the participants share how they
have become better brushers through the Healthy Smiles Academy as we work towards cavity-free smiles!
Developmental Center of the Ozarks Great Circle Mark Twain Mt. Vernon High School Mt. Vernon Intermediate Mt. Vernon Middle School
Tooth Truck Wish List
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
Weller
Happy
New Staff Welcome Nicole Woolbright The Tooth Truck is happy to welcome Nicole Woolbright to the team! Nicole is a recent graduate of OTC as a certified dental assistant. She will be working primarily Thursdays and Fridays as a part-time dental assistant with us. Nicole shared that she is passionate about educating others on the importance of oral hygiene and is excited to positively impact children with the Tooth Truck. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, doing CrossFit, hiking, and playing her ukulele. Welcome to the team, Nicole!
Anniversary 1 YEAR Breanna Mareshal Sarah Jobe
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Heart Beats
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
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.