Heart
BEATS
SEPTEMBER 2019
TJ the Bear
We have had a “Beary Good Summer” with the help of our friends at Great Southern Bank! On August 11th, Great Southern Bank partnered with the Ronald McDonald House through a Build-aBear® giveaway at the Springfield Cardinals game. This special bear was fondly named TJ, after our very own Share-A-Heart Champion TJ Slocum. He spent the month of August exploring Springfield and our two Houses where he got to meet many families and volunteers. At the game, TJ Slocum held the honor of throwing out the first pitch and the first 2,000 fans received their very own TJ Bear to take home. In addition, 500 bears will be given to families who stay at our Ronald McDonald Houses. To read more about TJ’s journey, visit www.greatsouthernbank.com/abearygoodsummer. Thank you for your support, Great Southern Bank!
Thank you, Volunteers
30th Annual Price Cutter Charity Championship Presented by Dr Pepper July 25-28, 2019 Thank you to all the volunteers who contributed their time on behalf of our Ronald McDonald Houses to the Price Cutter Charity Championship. We are proud to be one of the nearly 50 local charities that benefit from this event each year. We couldn’t have done it without you! Ann Adams David Carmichael Larry Chainey Tyler Cockrum Brenda Ferris Heather Gilpin Shawn Gott Friends of Shawn Gott Bailey Howery
Clayton Keller Sam Kurt Becky Lang Brenda Rosebrough Tim Schmelz Anna Trenkamp Debbie Williams Ryan Winstead
Fall Outing
Save the Date Our 2019 Fall Volunteer Outing will be held on Friday, October 4th 2019 at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park from 6-8pm. Mark your calendars for this fun event you don’t want to miss! Invitations are coming soon.
Celebrating 30 Years
We would like to recognize our President & CEO, Bonnie Keller, for celebrating 30 years with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks on August 7th. We are so grateful for her 30 years of time, dedication, and service. Thank you for pouring your heart and soul into our organization every day.
From The
Staff Happy
Anniversary 1 YEAR Elizabeth Bottorff, House Near Cox South Larry Chainey, House Near Cox South Tyler Cockrum, House Near Cox South Ashley Green, House at Mercy
5 YEARS Jenni Jacka, House at Mercy Jordan Myers, House Near Cox South
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 Stephanie Bube Katherine Bunch April Carmichael David Carmichael Katy Chambers Jerrica Conrad Maggie Cowger Jennie Crabbe Kristin Custer Sandy Emberton Alexis Gaono Ashley Green
Terry Greer Ann Griesemer Shirley Hall Brenda Havens Thomas Heye Jenni Jacka Leah Jackson Trot Kinser Ami Le Hannah Le Brady Marshall Kassie Medina
Jianna Mills Kiera Mills Krista Mills Rebekah Mitts Marel Morris Tracie Nicholson Kate Okland Olivia Parks Jamie Phariss Taylor Pistel 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 Maggie Cowger
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
Family Care Managers Lexi Beaman Elizabeth Bottorff Mackenzie Meyers Emily Ogle Rebekkah Wall Sara Wilken
Associate Program Manager Heather Hyde
Project Manager Amber Price Development Assistant Kim Booth Administrative Assistant Debbi Gafner
Family Care Managers Jacob Golden Abby Hartman Kennedy Keller Savannah Keller Hannah Major Lacey McKeever Jack Osborn
Family Dinner
Birthdays
Spotlight
September 1 Debbie Kinser Septmeber 2 Ashley Burton
Mercy Central
Septmeber 4 Andrea Parker
Let’s learn a little bit more about Mercy Central…
September 6 Breanna Sundet
When did you start providing meals at the Ronald McDonald House?
Septmeber 8 Melinda Fielder
We first served in June 2019 and signed up to serve monthly after that.
September 9 Ryan Blumenstock
How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program? We are all Mercy workers, a coworker set up the first dinner and after that we decided that we really wanted to do it every month. What is your favorite thing about participating in the Family Dinner Program? Knowing we are helping families spend more time with their loved ones and that they don’t have to worry about their next meal.
Dinner Groups
What would you say to anyone considering volunteering for the Family Dinner Program? It is a really good thing ... especially if you have Mercy values! Other Comments? We are just really glad to be here... we are glad you are letting us serve!
Absolute Dental Care Barton Family Battlefield UMC Bill Covey & Family Carr Family Cerner Si3 Chesterfield Ward Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints Cintas Covenant Presbyterian Church Cox PEDS Nurses Dan Wasmer Downtown Rotary Eastside General Baptist Fremont Elementary Ginny Ashley Hamilton Family
Jackson Family Just Friends Knights of Columbus Knights Templar Larry Chainey Los Cabos Neosho Christian Church Nixa Christian Church Oak Grove Assembly Papa Johns Parkcrest Baptist Red Tree Small Group Sarah Baker Second Baptist The Girlfriends Union Hill Church of Christ August Meal Groups Bridges Family
September 11 Becky Lang September 12 Ava Uzzell September 15 Melanie Ball September 21 Terry Greer September 22 Kaya Heinrichs Sandy Morris
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH July Meal Groups
Septmeber 10 Sara Wilken
Buttram Family Carr Family Cerner Si3 Cox CARE Nurses Cox South Post Anesthesia CareUnit Dan Wasner Dru-Hovis & Friends Fremont Elementary Gecko Hospitality Ginny Ashley Group Glendale Christian Church Jack Henry and Associates Jackson Family Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Republic WardYouth Group Just Friends
Knights of Columbus Knights Templar Little Caesar’s Los Cabos Macy’s Nikki King Oak Grove Assembly Parkcrest Baptist Second Baptist Sunset Church of Christ Young Professionals Class The Girlfriends Union Hill COC United Healthcare Open Dinner Dates: October: 27th,
Calhoun Family Calvary Chapel-Buffalo Covey Family Diamond Resorts East SunshineChurch of Christ First United Methodist Youth Group Godwin Family Hicks Family Julie Pappenfort Little Caesars Pizza Lois & Jessica Louise Morgan Mercy Catering Mercy Central Mercy Microbiology/ Immunology Lab
Mercy Resource Optimization & Innovation Mychelle & Jen Papa Valley Wagyu Penland Community Group Susan & Stephanie The Golden’s Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ Youth University of Missouri School of Medicine Wellington Hills Friends Open Dinner Dates: September: 14th, October: 31st
September 24 Anne Schubert September 27 Lisa James September 28 Jacob Golden September 29 Lauren Stockam September 30 Elizabeth Bottorff
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS July Meal Groups BluCurrent Credit Union Calhoun Family Carr Family Courageous Church DRG Validation East Sunshine Church of Christ First United Methodist Youth Group Greater Springfield Realtors Jenifer Hill-Denney Little Caesars Pizza Lois & Jessica Mercy Central Mercy Community Outreach Committee MSU PT Mychelle & Jen
New Site Baptist Singles Class On Angel’s Wings Orthopedic Hospital Nurses St. Jude Clinic The Vine Small Group Thirty-One Gifts Day of Service Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ Youth Wellington Hills Friends Wilkins Family Wilson Family Wood Family & Friends YEP at Marshfield High School August Meal Groups Arvest Bank Barb Economon Battlefield UMC
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Wish List
Around the Houses
Mission Moment
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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It’s always such a joy to be able to spend time with past families! The Creech family from Baxter Springs, KS stayed at the Cox House for 29 days earlier this summer. They were recently able to join us for the Great Southern Build-a-Bear® giveaway night at Hammons Field. Seeing NICU babies and their families thriving always brings smiles to our faces!
Welcome New Staff The Ronald McDonald House near Cox is pleased to welcome two new Family Care Managers to the team!
Emily Ogle Emily Ogle is a student at Evangel University studying to receive her Bachelors in Social Work. She also works as a manager at the McDonald’s in Republic. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé Joshua, friends, and her dogs Marty and Molly. She started volunteering for the House in September of 2018 and instantly loved everything about the organization. Her favorite thing about the job so far is getting to know the families and volunteers during dinner!
Lexi Beaman Lexi Beaman, a senior at Missouri State University, is studying Child and Family Development with an emphasis in Child Life. After graduation, Lexi plans on attending grad school at Missouri State University to receive her masters in Child Life Studies. She is the Vice President of Community Relations for Panhellenic Life at MSU where she organizes volunteer programs for Fraternity and Sorority Life. In her free time, Lexi likes to go home and spend weekends on the lake with her family. The Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids is pleased to welcome our new Family Care Manager!
Abby Hartman
The Mercy House is excited to welcome a new Family Care Manager, Abby Hartman. Abby is a graduate of Nixa High School and is currently studying Health and Human Services at Missouri State University. She also works part-time at Mercy Hospital as a Patient Care Associate. In High School, Abby was a cheerleader and later mentored children by serving as an Assistant Cheerleading Coach. In her free time, she loves to travel and play with her two dogs, Cooper and Charlie. She is looking forward to helping families in the House and meeting all of our fantastic volunteers!
5th Annual Red Shoe Gala Friday, October 18
On October 18, friends of Ronald McDonald House Charities will put on their red shoes and gather at the White River Conference Center for a lively evening of dinner and dancing. Back by popular demand, Star Search Grand Champion Jake Simpson returns to the stage for the 5th Annual Red Shoe Gala. Don’t miss the night’s fun with activities including the Youngblood Red Shoe Cam, “Shoebox Surprise,” Heads or Tails, the Adopt a Family program, and the Red Shoe Contest. 100% of proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks, helping children and families through Springfield’s two Ronald McDonald Houses and the Tooth Truck (our Ronald McDonald Care Mobile). So, join us and PUT YOUR RED SHOES ON to provide help and hope to those who need it most.
Monthly Statistics July 2019
House Near Cox South STATS Families Served..............46
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available by calling Kim Booth at 417-875-3505 or visiting PutYourRedShoesOn.org.
Nights..................................380
House Volunteer Spotlight
Families from Other States.........................9
Bailey Howery
Families from Missouri................................ 37
Year to Date.....................214 Program to Date.. 10,653
House At Mercy Kids STATS Families Served.............. 42 Nights.................................. 255
What is your favorite thing to do (or a couple things) at the House?
Families from Missouri................................35
Give tours, answer phones, and clean rooms.
Families from Other States.........................7
What do you enjoy in your free time?
Year to Date.....................221
Hiking (being outdoors), attending concerts, reading, being around my family and my dog What do you enjoy most about volunteering with our organization? (or really any dogs in general!) I enjoy getting to interact with the kids that How did you learn about the Ronald House? stay at the House and getting the chance Through my program at Missouri State to make their day a little better just by University-Entertainment Management. talking with them. I also enjoy the customer service aspect of helping people who want Do you have any favorite memories? to donate or volunteer and being able to My favorite memories are just simple ones provide them with information so they too of interacting with the kids that are staying at can feel how amazing it is to be a part of the House something like RMH!
Program to Date.....2,992
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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 HEALTHY SMILES ACADEMY PROGRAM MANAGER Tamra Thomas
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Summer Brings Special Opportunities for the Tooth Truck By Abbie Dohmen and Dr. Sarah Cimino summer. Once we finish up at Robberson, we are usually ready to begin working with Explore sites. Explore is the name of Springfield’s summer school programming and it is held at multiple schools throughout the district. One of the great things about Explore is we have the opportunity to see students who may not attend Springfield schools during the school year. It also gives us the chance to reconnect with students still needing a final appointment to complete their treatment plan with us. This summer we visited six different Explore sites and completed 53 children’s treatment plans for lots of cavity free smiles! Another
opportunity the Tooth Truck has throughout the summer is to participate in community events focused on helping children connect with needed resources ahead of the start of a new school year. While these invitations occur year-round, summer is especially busy with backto-school related events. The Tooth Truck staff gets to share information about our services and also let children experience what it is like to go to the dentist. Sometimes this is a child’s first exposure to a dental office so we make it super fun and educational. This summer we participated in several events, including the Cox Safety Fair, Mercy Health Rally, Westside Connection, Unity Church’s Back to School
Tooth Truck dentist Dr. Sarah Cimino and Dental Assistant Megan Sanders pose for a photo with our amazing partners at Great Circle: staff members Megan Strother, Heather Bauer and Amanda March)
Eli from Holland Explore shows off his Tooth Truck spirit after having his teeth cleaned.
Did you know the Tooth Truck keeps working even after schools let out for summer break? We are often asked what we do when schools are not in session so we thought we’d dedicate our article this month to sharing with readers our recent summer adventures! Our first stop when Springfield Public Schools dismisses is the district’s community school, Robberson Elementary, a special school running on an extended school schedule. This means their school year runs longer into the summer (with bigger breaks throughout the year) than the other schools, making it the perfect location to start off our
Bash, and OCAAC’s Back to School Fair. The kids attending these events loved getting the chance to explore the instruments used during a dental cleaning and helped our staff keep Decay Away Dragon’s (our brushing model) teeth clean! Last but certainly not least, our summers would not be as successful as they are without the staff at Great Circle (formerly Boys and Girls Town) who work tirelessly to connect all of their residents with the Tooth Truck for their
Tooth Truck Wish List
dental care. For those not familiar with Great Circle; they provide crisis services, counseling, and intensive therapies for children and families in times of struggle. The Tooth Truck has been able to park at their Springfield campus and serve their residents for over 10 years. This summer alone, we have completed treatment plans for over 90 children with Great Circle, meaning one less thing families and case workers have to navigate and worry about. We are so grateful for this wonderful partnership! It’s hard to
believe the summer has already wrapped up and a new school year is in fullswing!
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks July 2019 Lucy, a visitor at the Cox Safety Fair, practices brushing with Decay Away Dragon. Since the toothbrush used on the Tooth Truck makes noise and spins, community events are an excellent way to prepare local children for a visit to the dentist.
Action figures Matchbox cars Hair accessories (clips, headbands) Chapstick Clorox Wipes Dixie Cups Jewelry (necklaces, bracelets)
Handheld games DVDs for older children Outdoor toys (bubbles, sidewalk chalk, Frisbees, sports balls) Walmart gift cards Beanie Babies
Children Treated:................. 39 Dental Appointments Provided:.................................... 46 Year to Date Dental Appointments:.................1,463 Program to Date Dental Appointments:.............56,780 Program to Date Value of Treatment:......$16.58 million Children Who Received Treatment Great Circle
New Staff Welcome Gracie Morton
The Tooth Truck is thrilled to welcome Gracie Morton to its team as a full-time dental assistant. Gracie recently obtained her degree from OTC where she received academic honors and was named to the chancellor’s list. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, singing, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying the outdoors. She is excited to begin her dental career working with children and showing them going to the dentist can be a positive experience.
New Volunteer Welcome
Birthdays August 21 Susan Lemmon September 25 Dr. Michael McNaught Septmeber 27 Kathy Evans September 30 Melissa Schmittgens
Patrick Hoerning
The Tooth Truck and Healthy Smiles Academy would like to welcome new volunteer, Patrick Hoerning. Patrick is a recent graduate of Drury University with future plans for dental school. He is excited to work with children through our programs so he can teach them about good oral hygiene. Patrick is attentive to our patients and brushing participants and is quick to compliment their freshly cleaned smiles. Welcome, Patrick!
Happy
Anniversary 1 YEAR Breanna Mareshal
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Heart Beats
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
SAVE THE DATE
24th Annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour Friday, November 22
This 24th Annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour will showcase 5 of the area’s most beautiful homes adorned with holiday decor, and feature the Cup O’Cheer Market and Holiday Tea at Springfield’s Diamond Room including an exclusive shopping experience and silent auction headlining the finest boutiques and gift merchants along with “high tea” and desserts from Simply Delicious. The first 1,000 Homes Tour tickets each come with a china teacup and saucer designed especially for the event
by the team at BridgeBlue Sourcing Partners and Obelisk Home. Tickets go on sale in October for $30 in advance or $35 the day of the event. Visit RMHCozarks.org for more information. Many volunteer opportunities will also be available, so mark your calendars now for this wonderful annual tradition! Contact Heather Hyde at 417-820-0764 or Heather.Hyde@RMHCozarks.org for more information on volunteering.