We join so many of our guests feeling great disappointment. We will miss the tradition of touring beautiful homes, enjoying a cup of Holiday tea with desserts and savory treats, collecting a commemorative Teacup & Saucer, shopping our market and silent auction, and spending precious time with the special people in our lives.
The 8th Annual Red Shoe Gala will be an evening to remember and loaded with fun! Join us for dinner, dancing, and festivities including the Red Shoe Cam, “Shoebox Surprise”, Selfie Mirror Photo Booth, ShowStopper 360 Spin Booth, Red Shoe Contest, Adopt a Family Program and entertainment by Recording Artist, two-time Star Search Grand Champion, and Missouri native, Jake Simpson!
YOU’RE INVITED! your red shoes ready and join us
Each Red Shoe Gala ticket includes dinner, gift bag, entertainment and more! Event sponsorships are available at various levels. Each sponsorship package includes tickets, and special recognition. 100% of the proceeds from the Red Shoe Gala will 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). This event would not be possible without the many volunteers who have committed to working with us this year.
With the fall season almost here, thoughts naturally go to our annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour, Holiday Tea & Market. As you can imagine, planning for Cup O’Cheer begins many months before the event, with featured homes committed one to two years in advance. During this critical planning period, COVID concerns have continued to be significant among many involved. With the close proximity of our guests in shuttles, homes and the Holiday Tea, we made the difficult decision for this beloved event to continue on hiatus in 2022.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available by calling Kim Booth at 417-875-3505 or visiting PutYourRedShoesOn.org.
Hear tBEATS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022
Jake Simpson has honored Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks by captivating the audiences of the Red Shoe Gala since its inception with his high-tenor voice, inspiring enthusiasm and passion for helping families and children in our community. We are thrilled to welcome him back to the 8th Annual Red Shoe Gala!
for the 8th ConferenceFriday,REDANNUALSHOEGALAOctober14•TheWhiteRiverCenter•6:30pm
Get
We are hopeful the future holds another opportunity for us all to gather and celebrate through Cup O’Cheer. But for now, we must be diligent in our commitment to the safety of all involved. We hope you will gather with your family and friends to celebrate the cherished memories of Cup O’Cheer events gone by, and we wish you a safe and blessed holiday season.
Your support of our children and families remains critical. Please consider a holiday gift to help us continue our important mission. Visit our website at RMHCozarks. org for more information.
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Thank you to all the volunteers who contributed their time on behalf of our Ronald McDonald Houses to the Price Cutter Charity Championship. From selling sweepstakes tickets at Price Cutter to stuffing envelopes to entering tickets in the database to working at the tournament at Highland Springs, we couldn’t have done it without you! We are proud to be one of the over 50 local charities that benefit from this event each year and will announce our proceeds in November.
In 2012, the month of September was proclaimed “Childhood Cancer Awareness Month” to bring awareness to pediatric cancer, the leading cause of death by disease for children under the age of 14. We are fortunate to have the St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Mercy Kids bringing treatmentcomprehensiveto
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Sense of fun and fulfillment. Volunteering is a fun and interesting way to explore your passions. Engaging in volunteer work you find meaningful can provide a relaxing experience and an escape from your day-to-day routine. It will provide you with a sense of renewed creativity, motivation and vision that spills into your personal life!
Tracie Nicholson-Pesek Gail Sours Debbie AJRhondaWilliamsWiseWood
Great Team Members. Our “home-away-from-home” is so special because of our amazing staff and team of volunteers. We are proud to have such kind-hearted individuals representing our organization.
Stefani Hall Cindy AdysonCodyClaytonHarrisKellerKimesKingree
You make a difference. Our Ronald McDonald House families are experiencing some of the most challenging times in their lives. By making a Family Dinner, helping to clean rooms between stays or simply sitting with a family after a hard day, you ease the burden on their shoulders one moment at a time.
MonthAwarenessCancerChildhood
Thank you, Volunteers 33rd Annual Price Cutter Charity PresentedChampionshipbyDrPepper
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southwest Missouri, so kids and their families don’t have to travel far for care; and we’d like to extend an extra special thank you to the staff for their dedication to children all throughout the Ozarks.
Linda Locke
5 Reasons to Volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House
Wellness Boost. Did you know that when you volunteer, you experience emotions like optimism, joy and control over one’s fate, which strengthen your immune system? Not only that, volunteering boosts your self-esteem and reduces stress levels!
Thank you, volunteers!
Unique Experience. The needs of our families are ever-changing and as a result, so are our many tasks around the House. Our staff works hard to tailor your volunteer experience to your interests so you get the most out of each volunteer shift!
Cecilia Briley Karen Buckman Terri Carr Sandy Davis Shawn Gott Ann Griesemer
1.
MonthAwarenessNICU
Throughout the month of September, we will be shining a spotlight on a handful of families, nurses, and physician neonatologists who make up our hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Keep an eye on our social media as we highlight these remarkable individuals each week and learn more about their experience in the NICU.
Individuals interested in visiting our two Ronald McDonald Houses to learn more about joining our volunteer program are encouraged to call and schedule a tour!
For the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids, contact Justin Wilson at 417.820.0764 or by email: justin.wilson@rmhcozarks.org
Our Ronald McDonald Houses provide a “home-away-from-home”, hope and comfort for families of seriously ill and injured children receiving medical treatment. When a child is sick, the entire family needs comfort and support. No family should have to deal with their child’s medical crisis alone. We believe when families are together, they cope better. Thanks to the generosity of our partnering medical facilities and our community, our families don’t have to worry where they will lay their head at night, where their next meal will come from, or how they can keep their family together.
Volunteers Needed!
For the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South, contact Lindsey Kimes at 417.875.3501 or by email: lindsey.kimes@rmhcozarks.org
PAGE 3
Each year in the United States of America, 10% – 15% of births require extra care in the NICU. Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness month was founded in 2014 and is celebrated each year throughout the month of September. NICU Awareness Month was created in an effort to increase awareness of the challenges faced in the NICU, honor NICU families and the medical professionals who care for them, and expand resources to NICU’s nationwide. NICU families and the extraordinary individuals who make up the community of NICU medical professionals are no strangers to Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks. Just this year, 70% of the families served at the House at Mercy Kids, and 58% of the families served at the House near Cox South have been NICU families. The impact and influence of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is undeniable, and we are so fortunate to partner with these healthcare heroes in a shared effort to give families the gift of hope.
Providing a calming, restful, and comfortable environment for the families we serve is something we take very seriously. Maintaining our twenty-four bedrooms and numerous shared family spaces throughout our two Houses would be impossible without the diligence and commitment of our team of exceptional volunteers. They are the one ingredient in the RMHC recipe for which there is no substitution. Our Ronald McDonald House volunteers do a little bit of everything including checking in families, cooking dinner, baking special desserts, restocking rooms, cleaning, answering the phone, assisting with mailings, running errands, computer entry, and more! Our goal is to cater each volunteer’s responsibilities to the interests of the individual. As part of our volunteer program, our volunteers commit to one threehour shift each week or bi-weekly.
InterstateHy-VeeHoulihan’sAuto Service
Jack KnightsHenryofColumbus
President & CEO Bonnie Keller
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS
Mindy Muñoz
Christ of Latter-day Saints CNH Reman Cox HamiltonGabeDowntownPediatricsRotarySaenzFamily
From The Staff Heart of the House
Heart Beats is published monthly or bi-monthly for volunteers of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks and The Tooth Truck, Inc.
Mercy Neuro Trauma
Lindsey Kimes
Program Manager
Project Manager
Sandy Emberton
PAGE 4
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.
Vice President
Aaron Cagle – Shelter Insurance Ameriprise Financial Arvest Bank As You Like it Catering Beta Sigma Fi Bricktown Brewery Carrie DRGDebraCoveyChick-Fil-ACherylMillerHitchingsFamilyPriceValidation
Megan Mashburn
House Near Cox South
Mercy Micro Lab
Amber Price Development Assistant Kim Booth
Glory TerrySandyEhieEmbertonGreer
House At Mercy Kids
New Testament Christian Church Oak Grove Assembly of God Phillips Family
The Goldens Ziggie’s Café
Ashley Rosetta Vicki DavidScolesStair Gail Sours Kelly Wirtz
ScotSanchezPastaASNExpressFamilyandShelly Wilson Townplace Suites
Debbie Kinser
Shannon Richards ProgramAssociateManager
Jack JordanHenryHeinz – State Farm Insurance Little Caesars Lois McCarthyHirschlerBuilding Companies
Grace Richter
OPEN DINNER DATES: September – 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, October30–2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
Austin Camplejohn
Justin Wilson
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS
31AnniversaryHappyYEARS!
Current Active Volunteers: RMHC Staff
Ezra Wood ProgramAssociateManager
CoxtoNewWelcome,VolunteerstheHousenearSouth!
Development Coordinator Katie Serangeli
Family Care Managers
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
Sandy Davis Blake Dowdy
East Sunshine Church of Christ
Jack Osborn
Pyatt Dental Team Janet The Girlfriends
Jacob Golden
Dinner Groups!
Program Manager
Amy ChurchCernerClotfelterSi3ofJesus
Ceilia Briley Meg DavidVickiAshleyBekaMarleneEricksonMcWilliamsRasorRosettaScolesStair
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
Current Active Volunteers:
Family Care Managers
Jennifer Grooms
©2022 RMHC
Union Hill Church of Christ
OPEN DINNER DATES: September – 22, 24, 25, 30 October – 2, 4, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 30
Laura AustinBenowitzGormley
Tooth ProgramTruckDirector
Julie SavannahHolt Keller
Mercy Trauma Services Mychelle & Jen OTC
Ann Griesemer Sarah AdysonHanKingree Tracie Nicholson
The Tooth Truck name and logo are owned by The Tooth Truck, Inc.
Elliott Robinson and Company
Mercy ASC Mercy Core Lab
Meg Erickson
Ceilia Briley
Terri Carr
Amy Grubaugh Sarah BekaBrendaLarryMarleneDorothyHanHarlanMcWilliamsMeinsenPodewitzRasor
October 5
September 28
How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program?
What would you say to anyone considering volunteering for the Family Dinner Program?
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
October 28
INGREDIENTS:
Savannah Keller
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
5. Boil noodles in water until they are al dente and strain.
Jacob Golden
9. Serve and enjoy!
Jennifer Murray
Terry Greer
September 22 Sandy Davis
SUSANSpotlightDinnerFamilySCOTT
4. When the chicken breasts become slightly browned, add alfredo sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and a bag of peas. Place heat on a low simmer while the noodles cook.
My favorite thing about the Family Dinner Program is how appreciative the families are of the meals that are provided. I love that the families staying at the House know that someone cares for them and loves them through this hard time they are going through.
What is your favorite thing about participating in the Family Dinner Program?
Justin Wilson
October 24
Julie Holt
When did you start providing meals at Ronald McDonald House?
• 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lb of spaghetti noodles
October 17
Beka Rasor
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 bag of peas
6. Mix together the noodles, the chicken and sauce mixture, and place in a 9x13 pan.
7. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
September 9
• 1 16 oz jar of alfredo sauce
I became involved with the Family Dinner Program through our church, and then over time, we started doing it on our own!
September 28 Shane Cloud
Providing a meal takes stress off of the families’ plates, and they will certainly appreciate it!
This recipe reheats well in the microwave!
3. Brown in a skillet with oil, salt, pepper, and garlic.
Dinner Group Recipe
Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole from Marilyn with Oak Grove Assembly of God
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
September 21
2. Cube chicken breasts into small cubes. (2” by 2”)
8. Bake in the oven on the center rack for thirty minutes or until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
PAGE 5
Eddie Marmouget
Susan Scott has been preparing meals at the Ronald McDonald House for quite some time. Our families (and staff) look forward to her monthly Saturday dinner date, partially due to her RMH-famous BLT sandwiches! Her passion for our families is made evident by the attention to detail and extra dash of love that goes into each meal. What really defines Susan is her kind heart and compassionate nature. We are so grateful to have Susan as one of our Family Dinner groups, and look forward to many years and BLTs to come.
I can’t remember when we started providing meals. Only that we have been doing it for such a long time!
SeptemberBirthdays1
October 19
Debbie Kinser
The Coulter Family Stronger Than Ever!
Travel coffee mugs
WISH LIST
Set of pots and pans
Gifts for teens
Board Rubik’sgamescubes and mind
Individual packs of tissues
ItemsMiscellaneous
Sweatpants (all sizes)
Shelf stable milk
White matching bath towels
Adult and child activity books
Food Items
Boys, Girls, Mens and Womens Underwear (new and unopened) – all sizes
Individually wrapped snacks
Family Items
PAGE 4
In early March, just four days after a routine doctor’s appointment, Allegra Coulter was admitted to Cox South with severe pre-eclampsia. She had no idea that 48 hours later she would be welcoming her 1 pound, 13-ounce baby boy into the world. Amos Coulter was born at just 25 weeks and was facing a long and challenging road ahead. Soon after Amos’ birth, Sawyer and Allie Coulter were able to check-in to the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South, a place they would be calling home for the next 148 days.
Canned soda
Daily planners
Around the Houses
Gas cards
Cookie sheets
We hope to be exactly what families need, when they need it. For the Coulter Family, we were a bit of quiet in all of the noise, a place to rest, and most importantly, we were keeping them near their precious baby boy. After 148 days, the Coulters were finally able to return home to Stockton, Missouri. When asked about their experience, the Coulter Family shared they have grown stronger as a family both mentally and physically. We would have to agree, and we wish them nothing but the very best. We know they can get through anything together.6
On-the-go drink mixes
It’s hard to put yourself in the shoes of a family facing so many serious, sudden, and unexpected obstacles. The Coulter Family could never have prepared themselves for everything that happened that week and they found themselves in the midst of the unknown. At our two Ronald McDonald Houses, we have made it our mission to be the lighthouse families need when navigating the storm, guiding them to a safe refuge. At various times throughout the Coulter’s journey, they were transferred to St. Louis and Kansas City for more extensive procedures, but they always found their way back to RMHC of the Ozarks. They quickly made themselves at home, becoming fast friends with our staff and volunteers. Allie frequently went out of her way to help with tasks around the House in her spare time and even assisted our volunteers on a large direct mail project.
IndividualK-Cups coffee creamer
Target
Small gifts for children
Notebooks
Lip Smallbalmbottles of lotion
Body wash sets for men
AmazonWalmart
Gift Cards
White Queen fitted sheets
FleeceDeodorantthrow blankets
Beauty gift sets for women
Travel manicure sets
Small stuffed animals
Bakeware
Bottled water
Travel-sizePlayingpuzzlescardshand sanitizer
BlankCrayonsnote cards
MISSION MOMENT
The people and the mission of the Ronald McDonald House.
Sarah Han is one of the newest additions to the roster of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks volunteers! Sarah has been splitting her time between the House at Mercy Kids and the House near Cox South. She is following in the footsteps of her mom and aunt who served as volunteers for the Ronald McDonald House when they were in high school. Sarah may have them beat, however, as she is only 15 years old! Among a long list of talents, Sarah is a master pie baker and once operated her own business selling homemade pies. Yummy!
Do you have any favorite memories? Cleaning out the fridge with Savannah
Families Served ............. 22 Nights 216
House Near CoxSTATSSouth
Year to Date 139 Program to Date 11,288
What do you enjoy in your free time? Baking, golf, and going on walks
What is your favorite thing to do at the House?
Program to Date 3,703
Extracurricular activities?
Debate, Science Olympiad, Quiz Bowl, Golf, Mathcounts
How did you learn about the Ronald McDonald House?
Through my mom’s work partner’s wife
In August, we had the privilege of arranging a surprise movie night for the Burney Family who had been with us since mid-July. Ashley, Jimmy, and their three children, Cornelius, Abigayle, and Aliyah have been such a sweet, kind, fun, and welcome addition to the House at Mercy Kids. Being away from home and out of your normal routine is never easy, especially for children. We wanted to make their “home-away-from-home” experience a little more special. We gathered blankets, pillows and stuffed animals; popped some popcorn; and got the living room at the House at Mercy Kids home-theatre ready! They started the night off with Monsters University and finished with the Emperor’s New Groove. If you’re considering having your own movie night, we recommend this Burney Family approved double-feature.
House At Mercy Kids STATS
Fun Fact not many people would know about you?
Families Served 26 Nights 183 Families from Missouri 21 Families from Other States ........................ 5
SarahSpotlightVolunteerHouseHan
Families from Missouri ................................ 17 Families from Other States 5
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Year to Date ................... 165
I like making dinner for the families and cleaning up after.
StatisticsMonthly August 2022
What do you most enjoy about volunteering with our organization?
I really like to travel.
Movie Night
For the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South, contact Lindsey Kimes at 417.875.3501 or by email: lindsey.kimes@rmhcozarks.org
Staff Stuff
For the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids, contact Justin Wilson at 417.820.0764 or by email: justin.wilson@rmhcozarks.org
Please join us in welcoming Justin Wilson to our Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks family! Justin began his new role as Associate Program Manager for the House at Mercy Kids in July. Although he may be a new staff member, he is not new to the mission and services of the Ronald McDonald House. He and his wife Chelsea became familiar with the House in 2014 when their precious daughter Reese was admitted to the NICU following complications during delivery. After being informed that Reese would be in the hospital for some time, the Wilsons were introduced to the House at Mercy Kids by a NICU doctor. Eventually, Reese was transferred to St. Louis Children’s Hospital at which time they were able to utilize the Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis as well. In the years following, Justin and Chelsea welcomed their part-time foster daughter Ella (age 4), and their daughter Tinley (age 3). The Wilsons made it a point to give back through participating in the Family Dinner Program, allowing them to serve and encourage families that were experiencing some of the very same challenges they walked through. Justin considers it a great blessing to have the opportunity to serve others on a daily basis through his work as Associate Program Manager, and he has already made an enormous impact on the organization and those we serve. It is truly an honor to welcome Justin to the team. Loving Memory – 3.21.17 Wilson
Reese
Elves Wanted
We have always made it our goal to ensure that the holidays don’t lose their magic or cheer for families finding themselves away from home. This is something we have been able to accomplish throughout the years thanks to the support of our special Ronald McDonald House “elves” who give selflessly of their time and resources to assist with a variety of North Pole inspired duties. From donating gifts, to decorating the Houses, baking holiday treats, caroling, or wrapping family gifts, these extra special “elves” bring a dose of holiday magic to our families!
As the holidays draw near, we are reminded of the steadfast generosity we see all year from our donors, volunteers, and Family Dinner Groups. The support we receive from Springfield and the surrounding communities makes it possible for us to provide a warm and inviting “home-away-from-home” for the nearly 15,000 families we’ve served since our grand opening in 1988.
5.23.14
JustinWelcome,Wilson!
Individuals interested in volunteering this holiday season are encouraged to visit our website or contact Justin or Lindsey for more information. It’s sure to get you on Santa’s Nice List!
In
We are excited to introduce Lindsey Kimes as the new Associate Program Manager at the House near Cox South! Lindsey joined the RMHC of the Ozarks family in May and has been a perfect addition. She is a proud graduate of Missouri State University and holds a degree in Hospitality Leadership and minor in German. She considers herself to be a Bear for life, and she enjoys attending any and all MSU sporting events with her husband Cody. Lindsey loves her two pet cats, Bella and Daisy, and spoils them every chance she gets. She and her husband are also heavily involved in High Street Church, serving as leaders in the youth program. She brings her valuable experience in the hospitality industry to the operations of the House, and our Family Dinner and Volunteer Programs. Welcome aboard, Lindsey!
We would like to give a huge Ronald McDonald House welcome to Megan Mashburn who joined our Family Care Manager team in August! Megan was hired primarily to serve at the House near Cox South, but may also spend some time at the House at Mercy Kids. She is an RMHC alumnus, having stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City for 3 months following the birth of her youngest son. Megan is the proud mother of two amazing kiddos. In her free time, she enjoys working on crafts and loves to spend time with friends and family, camping and being outdoors. Megan has an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration and brings years of experience in an office team environment. Megan hopes to provide the same support she received as a Ronald McDonald House family to other families going through similar situations. Welcome to the team, Megan!
We’ve Got a Friend in Mercy EVS
Welcome, Mashburn!Megan
We are so fortunate to have such outstanding partnering medical facilities and teams, and we’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Mercy Environmental Services Team. At the Mercy House, we have found ourselves calling on Mercy EVS on countless occasions, and they recently went the extra mile to give our floors a muchneeded shine. They have shown us consistent and unwavering support since we opened our doors nearly 10 years ago, and we cannot thank them enough for their care, service and support. Thank you, Mercy EVS!
Small bottles of lotion Mini hand sanitizers
Travel manicure sets Chapstick
Activity SmallSudoku,(crosswordbookspuzzles,wordfinder)packsofcrayonsfortheactivitybooks
WheelsHappyLIST
LindseyWelcome,Kimes!
AustinWelcome,Gormley!
Please join us in welcoming Austin Gormley to the Family Care Manager team! Austin has been an absolute delight since coming onboard in July. Austin grew up locally, graduating from Nixa High School before moving on to Missouri State University where he would receive his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. If you talk to him for even a minute, you’ll quickly learn that his pride and joy is his husky, Creed. His favorite activities include taking Creed for walks, spending time with his friends and family, and talking about music and movies! Austin is very excited for the opportunity to work at RMHC and we’re equally excited to have him on our FCM team!
PAGE 9 WISH
Individual packs of bars,snacksIndividuallyKleenexpackaged(Goldfish,granolaTeddyGrahams,gum,mints,Lifesavers,etc.)12-ouncewaterbottles
One of my favorite aspects of my job as office coordinator is getting to work with the SPS school nurses. They go above and beyond for the kids in their care, collecting applications, communicating with parents, and making sure we have all of the information we need to have a successful school visit. Anytime a classroom is empty, you can count on the school nurse to know exactly how to find them. I appreciate how much easier they make my job... we couldn’t do this without them!
STAFF
Megan Sanders, Dental Assistant
PRESIDENT
Dr. Brett Durbin
We asked each full-time member of the team to share a little bit about their role on the Tooth Truck. We hope you enjoy learning more about the inner workings of our program.
Katie Baird
Anna Gunderman
PART-TIMEASSISTANTDENTAL
Amanda Honor
Dawn Brown
Michael McNaught
Dr. Misty Shelton
Kassidy Tuttle, Dental Assistant
Some people may be surprised to know that my favorite part of each appointment is the last five minutes of the visit when all of the dentistry is over. Why, you may ask? Because it is at this point that you can visibly see a child’s self-esteem increase. Sometimes it’s the moment they run their tongue over a now smooth tooth that will no longer hurt each time they eat or keep them up at night, or it’s when a child looks in a mirror and realizes that the chipped front tooth they were embarrassed of has been repaired, or when a child sees that the staff remembered their favorite superhero and has a sticker and coloring book waiting for them, or a new pair of shoes for a child who was worried about being able to run without falling at recess. All of this occurs at the end of the visit - at the point when a guarded or nervous child has let down their defensesat that moment, I get to see the mission of the Tooth Truck epitomized in a child’s smile.
We have an amazing team on the Tooth Truck who go above and beyond to ensure everything is in place and each patient receives personalized attention throughout their visit. We are so grateful for all they do for the Tooth Truck and the patients we see!
Katie Baird
RONALD MCDONALD CARE MOBILE
Heart of TrucktheBirthdaysSeptember25
October 22
Dr. Aaron Dannegger
COMMUNITY DENTISTS
Anna Gunderman
OFFICE COORDINATOR
McKenna Courtney Molly Gross
As a dental assistant, I get to know numerous children who do not receive routine dental care. When working on a nervous child of any age, it is important to build a high level of communication and trust. In my role on the Tooth Truck, I start off explaining each step of the appointment in kid-friendly terms. I often do what we call “show and tell” so they get familiar with the sights and sounds of the dental instruments. Nervous children need a lot of reassurance and kindness so that’s a big part of the work I provide each day on the Tooth Truck.
October 29
& CEO
Part of my job outside of dental assisting is to ensure we have the best quality product and supplies on hand, at the best possible price. Working with donated dollars adds a level of consciousness to our ordering to stretch each dollar as far as possible while not sacrificing quality or tried and true brands we know and trust. Each order placed involves price checking with multiple vendors for each individual product, looking at not only price but quantity as well, and working with our representatives in order to take advantage of promotional specials to stretch those dollars even further. I also thoroughly enjoy getting to pick out which superhero or princess will be on our next order of toothbrushes.
PROGRAM
DENTAL ASSISTANTS
MeganKassidySandersTuttle
Whitney Bair
Mindy Muñoz
GENERAL DENTIST
October 26
Bonnie Keller DIRECTOR-
Parts of Our Day Tooth Talk
Dr. Sarah Cimino
PAGE 10
GraceJadynHoffmanPace
Dr. Sarah Cimino, General Dentist
Dawn Brown, Office Coordinator
Dental Assistant Kassidy gives a hug as we celebrate another successful dental visit
Program to Date Dental Appointments: 63,744
The Tooth Truck staff is a wonderful collection of individuals working together to make a lasting impact on the oral health of children throughout our community. Pictured is Dr. Sarah, Kassidy, Dawn, Mindy, and Megan
Year to Date
Appointments:Dental 1,468
JadynWelcomeWELCOMESPace
VOLUNTEER
The Tooth Truck recently welcomed Jadyn Pace to its volunteer program. Jadyn is completing her nursing degree and hopes to pursue a career in the dental field upon completion of her program. She has a lot of previous experience working with children as a preschool teacher. Jadyn brings a cheerful smile to each volunteer shift as she connects with our young patients. We are so delighted to have you join us, Jadyn!
Children Treated: ................ 60
PAGE 11
July Stats
ofCareMcDonaldRonaldMobiletheOzarks
Program to Date Value of Treatment: $20,980,798
Great Circle Watkins WestportElementarySchool
A beaming smile is the best reward we could receive after a dental appointment
Dental Provided:Appointments 86
ListWishTruckTooth Action HairMatchboxfigurescarsaccessories(clips,headbands) Chapstick Clorox HandheldWipesgames (bubbles,DVDs(necklaces,Jewelrybracelets)forolderchildrenOutdoortoyssidewalkchalk,Frisbees,sportsballs)WalmartgiftcardsBeanieBabies
Children Who Received Treatment:CowdenElementary
SERVICE REQUESTED
If you weren’t already aware, there is a brand-new state-ofthe-art sports complex opening in Springfield. The Betty & Bobby Allison SportsTown will finish construction on their 92,000 square foot facility at the end of September! SportsTown will be “The Premier Place to Play” with a mission to provide the four-state region with a premier multisport complex for the enhancement and development of recreational and competitive athletics for all ages.
In preparation for their grand opening, they sent their mascot, Kicker, to different places around 417-land, focusing on organizations having a large impact in the community. We were honored to be selected as a stop on Kicker’s “Road to the Open House”! Lil’ Kickers Youth Program Director Mackie Karlson shared that her 5-month-old son spent a month in the NICU at Mercy and that she holds RMHC very close to her Kickerheart.stopped
Heart Beats
A fromVisitKicker
by in August to visit families and lend a hand around the Houses before hopping over to see the kids at Mercy Hospital’s Pediatric Units and St. Jude Affiliate Clinic. We had a blast showing the SportsTown team around and hope to see the Kicker Crew back in the Houses very soon.
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
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