Heart
BEATS JANUARY 2015
The Dutton Family Holiday Gift
The Dutton family raised nearly $7,500 for our Ronald McDonald Houses during their 2014 holiday show performances! Our heartfelt thanks goes out to the many donors who provided private donations at each show and The Duttons for contributing proceeds from the ticket sales to support RMH. As many of you know, Amy Arambulo (member of the Dutton family) and her family have stayed our Houses many times while her son Josiah has been receiving treatment for leukemia. Her brother’s family has also stayed at a Ronald McDonald House when his son had to have surgery a few years ago. Because of their personal experiences and desire to help other families in need they are truly paying it forward with this special gift. Thank you for this incredible blessing!
You will receive a red, pink or gold heart with each donation on which to proudly sign your name. The signed p aper hearts will be displayed on the walls and windows of more than 60 participating McDonald’s Restaurants in t he Ozarks. PLUS, every heart comes with an Official E ntry Form for the March 2015 drawing to win a $1,000 gift card* from Great Southern Bank. Your donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Ozarks helps children and families in YOUR community!
January 23 - February 28
Every donated dollar goes directly to support the Ronald McDonald Houses of the Ozarks. Located in Springfield, Missouri, the House near Cox South Hospital and the House at Mercy Children’s Hospital provide lodging, hope and comfort to families of seriously ill children who travel far from home for medical treatment. Nearly 10,000 families have benefited from the Houses since 1988. Annual operating expenses for the Houses exceed $800,000 – a need met by donations f rom people like you. Your Share a Heart donation will make a difference!
The Ronald McDonald Houses of the Ozarks are grateful to the co-presenting sponsors of the 2015 Share a Heart Campaign, McDonald’s of the Ozarks and Youngblood Auto Group, and these Associate Sponsors:
*Donation not necessary to receive an Official Entry Form. Official Entry Forms are available upon request at participating McDonald’s Restaurants from January 23-February 28, 2015. See Official Rules at participating McDonald’s locations for more details.
Heart of the House Staff House Near Cox South
From The Happy Anniversary 5 Years
Tristen Uzzell, House near Cox South
10 Years
Bill Duplisse, House at Mercy
Lori Aduddell Merideth Aduddell Miles Aduddell Scott Aduddell Lauryn Allison Hannah Anderson Johnny Anderson Alaina Arner Oana Bozek Maggie Bradley Tyler Brasfield Martha Brooks Ashton Canfield Dave Canfield Phillip Canfield Vivian Carissimo Nicole Cenedese Evelyn Close Heather Cottle-Dillon Taylor Croy Mariel Delgado Cruz Kathy Dennis Audrey Dlabach Jan Dooly Judy Duncan Bill Duplisse Nancy Duplisse Kate Fletcher
Lexie Gambino Aden Gaulding Avery Gaulding Heidi Gaulding Becky Gillham Sharon Gillham Shawn Gott Fabian Goyes Maria Goyes Amy Grubaugh Angela Hammond-Hill Darren Harrelson Laura Harrelson Mackenzie Harrelson Cindy Harris Katie Herman Link Hill Zoe Hill Kathy Jenkins Paula Johns Clayton Keller Kennedy Keller Savannah Keller Randi Kerr Betty Kniep Marion Kraemer Zachary Kram Caroline Langley
Debbie Slocum Randy Slocum T.J. Slocum Mary Smith Ashleigh Spalding Kara Speights Kim Stagner Alexis Stethem Tina Stethem Brianna Steiert Brandon Taylor Karen Taylor Kelsey Taylor Kristina Taylor Rich Taylor Becky Tilton Melanie Turner Ava Uzzell Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell Abigail Weitzel Lucy Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Sara Westbrooks Danielle Wolford Megan Zengel
Adrienne McCoy Sandra McNeive Megan Marsh Brittany Means Eileen Meinsen Larry Meinsen Sandy Morris Jordan Myers Nathan Nelson Christian Nguyen Dana Nguyen Ana Ortiz Shayleigh Patterson Angela Phillips Dani Peterson Kay Prost Kathy Purvis Bibiana Ramirez Kennedy Randles Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts George Schlick Rachel Schmeling Joan Schroeder Anne Schubert Teri Shoemake Marli Sims Sue Sloan
House At Mercy Children’s Hospital Kayley Barnes John Barron Josh Bell Ashley Blazier Michael Bohnert Tynisha Brown Allison Burkholder Courtney Cramer Angela Dearing Megan Dwyer Pfifer Duerkop Sandy Emberton Laurie Feick Brittany Figaro
Terry Greer Ann Griesemer Sarah Gutzke Brenda Havens Carri Hummer Jessi Hummer Jenni Jacka Lillian Jacka Jami Jones Tyler Jones MaKenzie Judy Stevie Kiss Katelin Krusz Angel Laukon
Lauren Routh Chandler Saner Jacob Smith Mikaela Smith Amy Sullinger Serenity Sullinger Katelyn Sullivan Tammy Taylor Debbie Williams Rebecca Won Heather Young Mary Young
Angel Le Taylor Lee Brian Loesel Tamara Maddox Barbara McBride Larry McBride Elaina Mihalik Rebekah Mitts Alyssa Mondeaux Abby Monsees Pooja Patel Kelly Perkins Marc Propst Karla Reed
Welcome, New Volunteers To Houses Taylor Croy, Mariel Delgado Cruz, Brittany Means, Dana Nguyen, and Mary Young
Heart Beats is published monthly for volunteers of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Ozarks and The Tooth Truck, Inc. Editor: Staci Holland The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates: McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald House logo, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, RMHC. The Tooth Truck name and logo are owned by The Tooth Truck, Inc.
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RMHC Staff President & CEO Bonnie Keller House Program Director Staci Holland Tooth Truck Program Director Mindy Muñoz Project Manager Amber Price Assistant to the President Debbie Kinser Development Assistant Kim Booth
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH House Manager Megan Schussler Associate House Manager Amber Campbell Assistant House Managers Karis Agnew Jacinda Canfield Brittany Gamble Crosby Keller Kayla Love Sara Wikoff
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL House Manager Alexis Rainwater Associate House Manager Brian Powers Assistant House Managers Amy Crawford Danielle Maez Hannah Major Danielle Walcher Melanie Ward
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
Family Dinner
January Birthdays
Lakeland Behavioral Health
January 2 Amy Grubaugh Terri Libel
Spotlight Why did you choose to get involved with the Family Dinner Program? “I am the transport manager at Lakeland, so I bring parents to the House often. And when my daughter was born, she spent the first two weeks of her life in the hospital and there was no Ronald McDonald House close for us to stay. To have somewhere to take families that is safe, and comfortable is a wonderful thing. We wanted to give back through the Family Dinner Program as a way to further support families whose children are staying at Lakeland. ”
What is your favorite thing about serving dinner at the House? “The House is so festive! The kitchen was organized and made everything easy to set up. It was so nice to see families enjoy the meal because I know it’s hard to enjoy anything in such a difficult time. I loved being able to provide for them. This was the first time we have provided a meal and plan to serve again soon!”
Save the Date
Mark your calendars for the Annual Snowflake Social on January 29, 2015 at 6 PM. Our RMHC and Tooth Truck volunteers, staff and special friends are invited to this winter gathering at the Keller family home. Be sure to look for your invitation soon and RSVP with Amber Campbell at 417-8753501 or email your RSVP to Amber.Campbell@RMHCozarks.org.
Second Baptist Church Seymour Holiness Church Stoll Family The Girlfriends The Glassman Family The Vest Family Union Hill Church of Christ Open Dinner Dates: January 6, 13, 16, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30 and 31 February 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 18, 20, 22, 25, 26, 27 and 28
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Green Circle Projects Hillcrest Presbyterian Church The Jensen Family Julie Gray & Friends Lakeland Behavioral Health The Lance Family Louise Morgan Mercy Communications Center Mercy Corporate Health and Wellness Mercy Imaging Mercy 6B Nursing Staff Mountain Grove Mennonite Youth Group MSU Athletic Trainer’s Student Assn
January 15 Kim Stagner January 17 Ty Jones January 19 Marc Propst
January 22 Brian Powers
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
Ash Grove United Methodist-Presbyterian Church The Bradshaw Family The Carlson Family Children’s Division Church of Jesus Christ LDS The Conrad Family The Cramer Family Diane Cope & Brittany Balloun East Sunshine Church of Christ Fair Grove NHS Famous Dave’s The Golden’s
January 13 Merdith Aduddell
January 20 Becky Gillham
January Dinner Groups Jullie Pappenfort Just Friends Kettle Cookers Knights of Columbus - Ozark Knights Templar Krummen Family Lakeland Behavioral Health Little Caesars MSU Post-Secondary Nikki King and Family Nixa Nazarene Ladies Oak Grove Assembly Red Tree Church Sarah Boyd
January 7 Bill Duplisse Stevie Kiss January 10 Scott Aduddell Sara Wikoff
Snowflake Social
Aubree Good & Family Battlefield United Methodist Church Bradshaw Family Cantina Laredo Covenant Presbyterian Church Crighton, Olive & Dunn Discovery Garden Montessori School Esthetiques First Baptist Church of Ozarks First Christian Church Glendale Christian Church Gronniger Family Home Depot Joan Barrett & Family
January 5 Jami Jones
MSU Health Services Association Musgrave Boys & Girls Club Jr. Council Mychelle Eckels Springfield Catholic Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ Wellington Hills Friends
January 23 Jean Grabeel January 24 Chelsea Carroll January 25 Kim Booth January 26 Kelly Perkins January 27 TJ Slocum January 30 Lori Addudell Megan Blake
Open Dinner Dates: January 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 13, 15, 17, 21, 24, 27, 29 and 31 February 2, 5, 7, 12, 14, 18, 21 and 24
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Wish List
Around the Houses
HAPPY WHEELS WISH LIST Small bottles of lotion Mini hand sanitizers Activity books (crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word finder) Small packs of crayons for the activity books Travel manicure sets Chapstick Individual packs of Kleenex Individually packaged snacks (Goldfish, granola bars, Teddy Grahams, gum, mints, Lifesavers, etc.) 12-ounce water bottles
HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL HE Laundry detergent Swiffer liquid Coffee filters Coffee & tea Magic Erasers Labels for food Drink mixes Hygiene products Gallon-size Ziploc bags Laundry baskets Aluminum foil
HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH 8-gallon trash bags Individually wrapped breakfast items White queen deep pocket sheets (fitted and flat) White standard-size pillowcases White bath & hand towels White wash cloths Detergent Stamps 8 1/2 x 11 Paper K-cups Large Tupperware containers
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The Houses were blessed to receive numerous donations from the community during this holiday season. Nearly 40 families found a “home away from home” at our Ronald McDonald Houses during the week of Christmas and because of the support of many donors, we were able to provide a wonderful Christmas for each family. Volunteers from the Houses and 417 Networking Group helped wrap gifts for each family and members from the community prepared meals so our families could enjoy their time together. Thank you to each and every person who made the holidays a little brighter for families this year.
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Volunteer Spotlight Tamara Maddox How did you hear about the Ronald McDonald House? “I heard about Ronald McDonald House in high school when my student council provided a dinner for RMH.” What is your favorite part about volunteering? “I love being in the house, hearing kids laughing and families having heartfelt moments. I love bringing in baked goods because a nice warm brownie is a lot like a big hug.” What would you like to share with others thinking about being an RMH volunteer? “Do whatever you can to be a part of this organization!! I love that I can do something that
helps someone else, and it costs me nothing. But I know that even an hour of my time can hopefully bring a family some peace on their journey.” What are your hobbies while not volunteering for the Ronald McDonald House? “My husband and I love backpacking, hiking, and camping. I am often found behind a sewing machine or baking something sweet. I love doing crafts and think that everyone can benefit from getting a little creative! I am a full time Nanny, and when I am not at work, I enjoy doing Children Theatre and being silly with kids. I am a big kid at heart; I have to remind myself how old I am.”
Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH STATS What else would you like to share about yourself? “I would like to share my favorite quote that has inspired me in life. “When we’re connected to others, we become better people.” -Randy Pausch “
Staff Stuff Welcome Our Newest Assistant Manager, Danielle Maez
We are thrilled to welcome Danielle Maez as our newest Assistant Manager at the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Children’s Hospital! Danielle graduated from Missouri State University with a degree in psychology and criminology and has worked with Lakeland Regional Hospital as well as the State of Missouri Children’s Division. Currently, is working as a Probation Officer for Greene County. Danielle first connected with House two years ago through current Assistant Manager, Amy Crawford, and hoped an opportunity would become available to work closely with families staying at the House. In addition to working with families, Danielle also has a passion for helping animals. She currently has four dogs, one bearded dragon, and a pygmy hedgehog—the majority of which have been rescued! She actively helps animal rescue groups by transporting animals all across Missouri and helps raise funds by crocheting scarves. In Danielle’s free time, she enjoys spending time outside; she and her fiancé spend quite a bit of time biking, kayaking, and camping with family and friends. She is recently engaged and excitedly planning her September 2015 wedding! Welcome to the RMHC family, Danielle! We are excited to have you on our team!
From Left: Anjuli and Aubrey Williams donated their time to make cookies for the families staying at the Houses; Dana Atkinson has been providing stockings to the House for more than 10 years, with Jenny Strickland Willetta Mount; The McMillen family provided a large donation of ThirtyOne bags filled with toothpaste, bottles of water, pens and pencils. They also raised money to purchased three large boxes of oranges for the families to enjoy!
November 2014 Families Served........37 Nights................... 181 Families from Missouri..................32 Families from Other States...............5 Year-To-Date Families Served...... 340 Program-to-Date Families Served... 8,850
HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL STATS November 2014 Families Served........49 Nights................... 280 Families from Missouri..................47 Families from Other States...............2 Year-To-Date Families Served...... 476 Program-to-Date Families Served...... 929
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Heart
Tooth Talk
of the New Year, New Smiles, New You Truck Written By Emma Davis
Megan Blake Samantha Bornaman Marissa Buechel Chelsea Carroll Jessica Havener Elizabeth Herrion Linda Heslin Connie McCarter Micayla Miles Nick Moore Ashley Robinson Taylor Shireman McKenzie Swan Clayton Schwinke Bryson Starkey Melinda Thurman Gina Wyland
Tooth Truck Wish List Children’s DVDs Super Hero Themed Toys Toy Cars McDonald’s Toys Small Stuffed Animals Coloring Books Small Footballs, Baseballs & similar items Hair Accessories
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As we wrap up 2014, we could talk about the number of cavities the Tooth Truck has fixed or the total dollar amount of dental work the Tooth Truck has provided, but in this reflective time of year we would like to focus on something equally as important to our program: the improved self-esteem of our patients. A trip to the Tooth Truck encompasses more than just a dental cleaning and exam. We take every step possible to ensure our patients leave feeling better about themselves, and better about their smiles. The staff and volunteers of the Tooth Truck are the keys to building our young patients self-esteem, and creating a lasting positive self-image.
Countless patients have arrived on the Tooth Truck with insecurities about themselves, their smiles, and their appearance. It is our most important job to make sure all our patients leave feeling great about themselves and have a smile they are excited to show off to the world. The Tooth Truck staff accomplishes this goal by focusing on positive aspects of each child. Our volunteers go out of their way to let each child know what a great helper they were during their appointment, and how proud they should feel about their smile after having a cavity filled, or a chipped tooth repaired, or a silver crown put on their tooth. Our volunteers ensure each patient receives special one-on-one attention. Volunteers also help boost selfesteem, and encourage healthy habits, by letting every child know how beautiful their smile is, and how proud they should be of themselves for taking good care of their teeth. A visit to the Tooth Truck is more than your average trip to the dentist. We make it a priority to not only provide excellent dental care, but to bring a smile to every patient’s face that they are excited to show off. Looking ahead to 2015, we are excited to serve even more children in the community and create beautiful smiles for confident kids! The Tooth Truck wishes everyone a wonderful Christmas and a very happy start to the New Year!
Left: Volunteer Connie McCarter and Office Manager Emma Davis celebrate with patient Adrian for being a rock star patient on the Tooth Truck Below: We had to capture this sweet moment of Tooth Truck patient Dixie, Volunteer Melinda Thurman, and Dental Assistant Kim Otradovec all dressed in pink! Dixie had 10 cavities repaired for a dollar value of $2,155.
Welcome to
Micayla Miles
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks
Micayla Miles joined the Tooth Truck volunteer family after first learning about it from her predental advisor. After completing the dental assisting program at OTC, she decided dentistry was the career for her and she is now a pre-dental student at MSU. Micayla brings a great “can do” attitude with her to each volunteer shift. She talks with patients about proper dental hygiene, reads books with them while waiting to see the dentist, and helps keep the Tooth Truck clean and tidy. We are super excited to have Micayla helping out a few days as a dental assistant in addition to her regular volunteer shift! We are excited to have you as part of our program!
November 2014 Children Treated.... 132 Dental Appointments Provided............... 285 Year-to-Date Dental Appointments..... 3,398 Program-to-Date Dental Appointments.... 42,387 Program-to-Date Value of Treatments... $9,972,956
Children Who Received Treatment: Boys & Girls Town Pittman Elementary Sherwood Elementary York Elementary
Micayla helps one of our patients pick out a great prize following his last appointment on the Tooth Truck
MRS. C’S RECIPES
STAFF
Cowboy Casserole (Crock Pot Recipe)
Program Director Mindy Muñoz
1 onion-chopped 1 ½ lb. lean ground beef 3 large potatoes 1 15 oz. can kidney beans 1 can tomato soup
Enjoy wonderful recipes provided by Mrs. Vivian Carissimo, also known as Mrs. C.
General Dentist Dr. Sarah Cimino Temporary Dentists Dr. Aaron Dannegger Dr. Brett Durbin
Salt and pepper to taste
President & CEO Bonnie Keller
Brown meat and drain. Put chopped onions in bottom of Crockpot—layer with browned hamburger meat, sliced potatoes, kidney beans. Spread tomato soup all over. Season, as desired, with salt, pepper and garlic. Cook on low 7-8 hours. Stir and serve.
Office Manager Emma Davis
VOLUNTEER TIP OF THE MONTH
Dental Assistants Megan Lambert Kim Otradovec Part-Time Dental Assistants Kristi Terry
How to Clean Your Toaster Mix 1 teaspoon cream of tartar with a few drops of water and rub along surface for a shiny, clean toaster!
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Heart Beats
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
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LifePoints Lift
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks is proud to partner with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks for a new program called Life Points Lift. We introduced this program in the last issue of Heart Beats are excited about the opportunity to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House and increase blood donations in the Ozarks at the same time! On January 27th, Ronald McDonald House Charities will host a blood drive at the Thomson Donor center located at 220 W. Plainview Rd. (9 am – 5 pm) and Reser Donor Center at 2230 S. Glenstone Ave (7 am – 1 pm). Our goal is to encourage as many RMHC supporters as possible to visit centers on this date and give blood. When you arrive at the center, be sure to sign your name on the “Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks” page in the booklet available at the front desk and access your account online to designate your LifePoints Lift points to RMHC! Schedule your appointment at Community Blood Center of the Ozarks today! For more information about LifePoints Lift and to create a donor profile please visit www.cbco.org/lifepoints-lift/.