Heart
BEATS JANUARY 2017
During your visit to McDonald’s,® donate $1 (or more) to Share a Heart and benefit Springfield’s two Ronald McDonald Houses. You will receive a red, pink or gold heart with each donation on which to proudly sign your name. The signed paper hearts will be displayed on the walls and windows of more than 60 participating McDonald’s Restaurants in the Ozarks. PLUS, every heart comes with an Official Entry Form for the March 2017 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 25 - February 28 On Wednesday, January 25th, 63 McDonald’s® Restaurants and various other locations in the Ozarks will begin placing red, pink and gold “adopted” paper hearts on their walls and windows in support of our Ronald McDonald Houses through the 24th Annual “Share a Heart” Campaign. The campaign runs until February 28th. We encourage you to visit your favorite McDonald’s and share hope, love and encouragement for our families by sharing your heart and adopting a $1, $5 or $20 paper heart. Hearts are also available at both Ronald McDonald Houses. The 2017 Share A Heart Campaign is presented by McDonald’s of the Ozarks, and continues to thrive with support from Leadership Sponsor, Great Southern Bank; and Supporting Sponsors, Mid-Am Metal Forming, The Coca-Cola Company, McCann Printing and KY3. Visit ShareAHeart.org to view this year’s Family Profiles, Ronald McDonald House Facts & Figures, and see where our families come from on our 2017 Share A Heart Map. The Ronald McDonald Houses of the Ozarks are grateful to the presenting sponsor of the 2017 Share a Heart Campaign, McDonald’s of the Ozarks, 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 25 - February 28, 2017. See Official Rules at participating McDonald’s locations for more details.
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Every heart comes with an official entry to win a $1,000 gift card provided by Great Southern Bank.
Heart of the House Staff House Near Cox South
From The Happy Anniversary 1 Year
Alexis Christopher, House Near Cox South Olivia Collins, Tooth Truck Brittney Cowan, House Near Cox South Lauren Hamm, House Near Cox South Stephanie Miller-Greer, Tooth Truck Cathe Whittington, House Near Cox South
Johnny Anderson Anthony Ashcraft Haley Barnett Mariah Bowers Maggie Bradley Nadean Burnett Ashton Canfield Dave Canfield Philip Canfield Jillian Carlile Nancy Carlson Megan Carrell Susan Carter Alexis Christopher Nancy Clark Brittney Cowan Caroline D’Andrea Mikel Dashtipour Kathy Dennis Lynelle Dock Cheryl Douglas Blake Dowdy Judy Duncan Sue Eppler Kim Fergus Ana Frazier Becky Gillham Sharon Gillham Shawn Gott
Fabian Goyes Maria Goyes Amy Grubaugh Amber Guilliams Lauren Hamm Darren Harrelson Laura Harrelson Mackenzie Harrelson Cindy Harris Liz Hayes Bella Hill Cliff HIll Karen Hill Gracie Holt Kathy Jenkins Clayton Keller Kennedy Keller Savannah Keller Randi Kerr Trot Kinser True Kinser Betty Kniep Julia Kovacs Victoria Kubitschek Becky Lang Amber Lopez Kayla Love Shawn Lowery Riley Luallin
House At Mercy Kids Carolina Andrade Tyler Austin Stephanie Boscatto Catelynn Classick Courtney Classick Kim Clift Lizzie Collum Jennie Crabbe Brooke Davis Audrey Dlabach Sandy Emberton Rachel Farmer
Becky Farris Patti Garretson Gabriel Green Adam Greeno Terry Greer Ann Griesemer Leslie Hatch Brenda Havens Kaley Hawkinson Emma Hilburn Carri Hummer Jessi Hummer
Adrienne McCoy Sandra McNeive Eileen Meinsen Larry Meinsen Kelsie Mitchell Sandy Morris Grant Musick Nolan Musick Jordan Myers Callie Nuse Ana Ortiz Megan Patty Karla Peck LeRoy Peck Madelyn Price Kay Prost Kennedy Randles Lexi Rawlings Lorinda Rehagen Deja Richardson Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts Kendyl Rodman Joe Roushdi George Schlick Joan Schroeder Anne Schubert Jordan Shireman Debbie Slocum
Randy Slocum T.J. Slocum Alyssa Smith Dearicka Smith Mary Smith Grace Stagner Kim Stagner Brianna Steiert Brandon Taylor Karen Taylor Kelsey Taylor Kristina Taylor Rich Taylor Linda Tenneson Kyle Thompson Lauren Tiedeman Ava Uzzell Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell Abigail Weitzel Lucy Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Travis Weitzel Sara Westbrooks Cathe Whittington Meghan Zengel
Jenni Jacka Lillian Jacka Josie Kennedy Courtney Krueger Katelin Krusz Jordan Looney Micca Looney Ashlee Luko Beth Mecca Jianna Mills Kiera Mills Krista Mills
Kersten Mitchell Rebekah Mitts Alyssa Mondeaux Abby Monsees Miranda Nelson Alyson O’Connor Grace O’Neal Karrington Prohaska Monica Quinn Kaylei Sadler Abby Shifflet Vanessa Strathmann
Welcome, New Volunteers To Houses Anthony Ashcraft, Stephanie Ashcraft, Mariah Bowers, Jillian Carlile, Cheryl Douglas, Ana Frazier, Emma Hilburn, Callie Nuse, Grace O’Neal, Megan Patty, Kaylei Sadler, and Jordan Shireman
Heart Beats is published monthly for volunteers of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Ozarks and The Tooth Truck, Inc. Editor: Staci Jensen 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 Jensen Tooth Truck Program Director Mindy Muñoz Project Manager Amber Price Assistant to the President Debbie Kinser Development Assistant Kim Booth Administrative Assistant Debbi Gafner
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH House Manager Megan Schussler Associate House Manager Alicia Doran Assistant House Managers Karis Agnew Jacinda Canfield Cassie Franklin Crosby Keller Sara Wikoff Sara Wilken
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS House Manager Susan Green Associate House Manager Ely Wright Assistant House Managers Amy Crawford Bailey Ghan Josie Greeno Hannah Major Melanie Ward
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS
January Birthdays
Family Dinner Mercy College of Nursing
When did you start providing meals at the Ronald McDonald House? We started providing meals with the Family Dinner Program at the Mercy House in 2013. How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program? We got involved with the Ronald McDonald House through our Student Organization of Health Professionals. We wanted to be a part of a community outreach program, and chose the Ronald McDonald House because of the great work the organization does for families at Mercy Hospital. What is your favorite thing about participating in the Family Dinner Program? Our favorite part about helping is getting to know the families. Interacting and learning about families is very rewarding!
January 2 Amy Grubaugh Terri Libel January 3 Jim Hallam
room with hearts, festive tablecloths, and accented them with candles and treats. It was a great time, and it was fun being able to provide something special for the families! What would you like to say to other groups who are considering volunteering with the Family Dinner Program? It is super easy to make a difference and interacting with families is a lot of fun! The staff is so wonderful and always willing to help.
The Girlfriends The Glassman Family The Good Family Union Hill COC Vicki Parsons West Division Street Baptist Church
January 18 Leslie Hatch
Open January Dinner Dates: January 2, 3, 22, 25, 27 & 31
January 23 Lynelle Dock
Open February Dinner Dates: February 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 15, 16, 17, 23, 24, 26 & 28
January 25 Kim Booth
January 20 Nancy Clark Becky Gillham
January 27 TJ Slocum
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS Mary Carlson Mercy 6D Mercy Corporate Health Mercy Culinary Mercy Imaging Mercy ROi Mychelle & Jen OTC Nursing Students Second Baptist Church Small Group St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Youth T-Mobile The Arc of the Ozarks The Brown Family
January 12 Fabian Goyes Megan Patty Ely Wright
January 17 Cathe Whittington
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
Alpha Delta Pi Battlefield UMC Bolivar McDonald’s Boys & Girls Club Cayocca Family Chase Bank East Sunshine Church of Christ Fair Grove NHS Hillcrest Presbyterian Church Houlihan’s Julie Gray and Friends Karla Reed Louise Morgan
January 10 Sara Wikoff
January 15 Krista Mills Kim Stagner Lauren Tiedeman
December Dinner Groups Melinda Fielder and Mark Brueggemann Missouri State University AHEC Nixa Nazarene Ladies Group Oak Grove AG Ozark Dialysis Purma Family SEAS Youth Group Second Baptist Shannon Gronniger and Family Simkins Family Southside Church of Christ Springfield Catholic SPROUT Telsher and Crew
January 6 Mariah Bowers Lucy Weitzel
January 14 Stephanie Ashcraft
Do you have any favorite memories? One of our favorite memories was when we provided a dinner on Valentine’s Day. We decorated the dining
Beacon Ministries Cerner Si3 Cizek Family Covenant Presbyterian Cox NICU Glendale Christian Church Just Friends Karen Hill Karen Taylor Kettle Cookers Kickapoo FCCLA Knights of Columbus Knights Templar McDonald’s of Buffalo
January 4 Kelsie Mitchell
The Golden’s The Wilson Family Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ Youth Wellington Hills Friends Wise Family & Friends
January 30 Megan Blake
Open January Dinner Dates: January 3, 6, 7, 8, 22 & 31 Open February Dinner Dates: February 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 11, 12, 13, 22 & 25
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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
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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Around the Houses We are thrilled to congratulate Josie Greeno on her recent accomplishment of graduating from nursing school! Josie has been a member of our RMHC family for the past year, first as a volunteer and more recently as an Assistant Manager at the House at Mercy Kids. She has made a difference in the lives of hundreds of families and volunteers during her time with us, and will be missed as she embarks on a new chapter in life. Josie and her husband are relocating to Kansas City this month and while we are sad to say goodbye, we wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Thank you for being such a wonderful team member and friend of RMHC, Josie!
Price Cutter Charity Championship Supporters of the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper recently gathered at the annual Celebration of Sharing to honor and observe the gifting of over $905,000 to 45 Ozarks children’s charities. Of those proceeds, the Ronald McDonald Houses of the Ozarks were the proud recipients of $44,559. We are deeply grateful to Price Cutter and the hundreds of other sponsors and volunteers who have made this generosity possible over the past 27 years!
Many of you know one of the ways we receive funding through the PCCC is by selling TLC Properties Charities Sweepstakes tickets. The winner of this year’s $10,000 cash prize through the Sweepstakes was Tooth Truck board member and longtime friend of RMHC, Brian Asberry, who decided he could do more good with the prize by turning it into an incentive for Tooth Truck supporters. As a fierce competitor in Tough Mudder challenges, Brian celebrated his completion of 10 Tough Mudder competitions, and the earning of the coveted black headband, by encouraging potential donors to match his $10,000 donation to the Tooth Truck. Brian and a number of RMHC and Tooth Truck supporters stomped the goal and raised $22,058 for the Tooth Truck! We are so grateful to have such passionate and committed champions for our organization.
2017 Family Dinner Dates Sign up now to adopt a meal in 2017 at one (or both) of the Ronald McDonald Houses! We would love your group to be part of this wonderful program and help us provide a meal for families every night of the year. For a complete list of open dates, check out our calendar online at www.rmhcozarks.org/rmh/family-dinners. You can schedule a meal at the House near Cox South by contacting Alicia Doran at 417-875-3501 or the House at Mercy Kids by contacting Ely Wright at 417-820-0534. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
Volunteer Spotlight LeRoy and Lynelle
LeRoy and Lynelle began volunteering at the House near Cox South in October 2016. They filled a big need by helping provide administrative support and maintenance help on Monday mornings. We look forward to working alongside this dynamic duo each week. How did you hear about the Ronald McDonald House? LeRoy: I was involved with the House in Joplin and enjoyed the experience.
Leggett Platt/ Joplin visually impaired Easter Egg Hunt and Beeper Ball as well as Carthage Relay for Life ACS.
Lynelle: My daughter and I have enjoyed attending the Cup O’ Cheer for the past 20 years—it’s our tradition! This year we also attended the Red Shoe Gala and had such a wonderful time we wanted to get more involved.
Lynelle: In my free time I enjoy, walking/hiking and exploring new places. I am also a year round volunteer for Operation Christmas Child as administrative assistant.
What is your favorite part about volunteering? LeRoy: Maintenance- finding, fixing, and repairing just about anything. I get to help make things better and I really like that! Lynelle: I enjoy every task and the variety of ways to help, from preparing a room for a new family to assisting with office projects. What are your hobbies while not volunteering in the Houses? LeRoy: Walking and hiking. We logged over 2,000 miles last year at National Parks, parks, and trails in several states. In the past, I have volunteered with
What would you like to share with others thinking about being a volunteer? LeRoy: Paying it forward is the base for Christian life and RMHC is a great organization to get involved with! Lynelle: I retired a couple of years ago and needed to find ways to give back after finally having the time to do so. I needed purpose in my life; you can’t just play all the time! RMHC is a very well-run organization. There is attention to each and every detail to make it a “home away from home” for families with ill children. I am happy to be able to help in a very small way.
Mission Moment The Carter Family
We are thankful for the opportunity to connect with so many families during their stay at the Ronald McDonald Houses, many of whom have premature babies in the NICU. Our families enjoy sharing the small victories of the day and photos of their little ones as they grow and develop. We have been fortunate to watch lots of kiddos grow into happy and healthy children over the years and we love it when they stop by the House for a special visit, like the Carter family did recently! Amanda and Adam Carter spent 29 days at the House while their son (Adam Jr.) was in the NICU. They have visited our staff and volunteers multiple times since they went home, and it has been a delight to see how much baby Adam has grown. On their most recent visit, they also donated baby items to bless current and future RMH families and are already planning his first birthday. Baby Adam had so much fun playing in our playroom and loved our huge stuffed animals!
Ronald McDonald Houses of the Ozarks HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH STATS November 2016 Families Served........59 Nights................... 274 Families from Missouri..................42 Families from Other States.............17 Year-To-Date Families Served...... 354 Program-to-Date Families Served....9,610
HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS STATS November 2016 Families Served........43 Nights................... 284 Families from Missouri..................39 Families from Other States...............4 Year-To-Date Families Served...... 397 Program-to-Date Families Served....1,814
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Heart of the Truck
Megan Blake Samantha Bornaman Neelima Chelliboia Catelynn Classick Garrett Craigmiles Corey Deatherage Matt Freihofer Sophie Harrington Linda Heslin Ben Hughes Crosby Keller Alex Krause Connie McCarter Stephanie Miller-Greer Caleb Murray Terre Redmon Ashlee Robinson Micayla Shrimpton Bryson Starkey Adam Stotts Melinda Thurman
Tooth Truck Wish List Action figures
Tooth Talk We Can Share By: Emma Davis On a crisp day, the Tooth Truck pulled up to Delaware Elementary where the staff had the pleasure of meeting identical twins Rowan and Morgan. The girls shared a lot of similar characteristics, and quickly stole the hearts of everyone on the Truck. They continued to bring their captivating smiles and excitement to each of their subsequent appointments. The girls had a total of 16 cavities between them. Ironically, each of them had eight individual cavities on exactly the same teeth. Including their cleaning appointments, they each visited the Tooth Truck five times for a combined treatment total valued at $5,885. While their sizable treatment plans were certainly a notable part of their story on the Tooth Truck, the most memorable aspect was the sparkling personalities they brought to each appointment. The first
time the girls came to the Tooth Truck, we learned they were both missing one of their two front teeth. Morgan’s right front tooth had fallen out recently and Rowan’s left quickly followed. The girls each jumped at the chance to be a featured patient in the Truck’s Christmas theme, “All I want for Christmas is my front teeth” photo collage. Their toothless grins were put on display for everyone to see during this year’s Cup O’ Cheer Homes Tour event. In working closely with the school staff, we learned the twins could benefit from additional support through the Patient Needs Fund. Dr. Sarah spent a day off shopping for special items, which she delivered to the girls at school. Their new backpacks included several new clothing items for the upcoming winter such as long sleeve shirts, pants, new winter jackets, tennis shoes, and school supplies. As she left the
Matchbox cars Hair accessories (clips, headbands) Jewelry (necklaces, bracelets) Chapstick Handheld games DVDs for older children Outdoor toys (bubbles, sidewalk chalk, Frisbees, sports balls) Walmart gift cards
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Each girl received a new backpack with supplies and a special “You Rock” certificate for being awesome dental patients
Rowan and Morgan show off their cavity-free smiles (complete with missing front teeth)
school, Dr. Sarah overheard a conversation between the girls about their new shoes. One of the girls stated, “These shoes are so squishy! We’ve never had shoes this squishy before!” With equal excitement, her sister replied, “And mine light up!” To which her sister looked at her new shoes and said, “Mine don’t but I love them anyway!” In true sister fashion, the other replied, “We can share.” It was such a joy meeting and getting to know Rowan and Morgan. Not only was the Tooth Truck able to provide them with necessary dental treatment, but also some of life’s little pleasures that sometimes get taken for granted, like new “squishy” shoes. Each and every day, the staff on the Tooth Truck goes to work with the heart and desire to help others. Morgan and Rowan may be dreaming of their two front teeth for Christmas this year, but the wishes of the Tooth Truck staff were granted by seeing their cavity-free smiles, and witnessing the two of them embodying kindness and generosity.
Welcome to
Healthy Smiles Academy, Corey Deatherage! The Healthy Smiles Academy recently welcomed Corey Deatherage to its volunteer program. Corey is a junior at Missouri State University were she is pursuing studies as a Pre-Dental/Biology major. Corey first learned about the Tooth Truck through MSU’s Pre-Dental Society and was inspired to get involved. She loves working with kids and teaching them the importance of good oral hygiene. We are very excited to have Corey on our team!
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks November 2016 Children Treated............167 Dental Appointments Provided.......................323 Year-to-Date Dental Appointments............. 3,050 Program-to-Date Dental Appointments............ 49,283
Save the Date
Snowflake Social | January 31, 2017
Mark your calendars for the Annual Snowflake Social on Tuesday, January 31st, at 6PM. Our RMHC and Tooth Truck Volunteers, staff and special friends are invited to this special gathering at the Keller family home. Be sure to look for your invitation in the mail and RSVP to Alicia Doran at Alicia.Doran@RMHCozarks.org or call 417-875-3501.
Sertoma Fitness Challenge
On January 14th, Crossfit teams from around the area will gather at Crossfit RTB in Springfield to compete in the 3rd Annual Sertoma Fitness Challenge. Last year, the event raised nearly $4,900 to ensure dental treatment and prevention education is provided for local kids with no access to care. This event would not be possible without the support of the All-Star Smiles Sertoma Club, event coordinator Zane Davidson, the owners of Crossfit RTB, the dedicated competitors, and many sponsors and volunteers.
MRS. C’S RECIPES After nearly 15 years of sharing healthy recipes and cooking tips with our readers, Vivian Carissimo, fondly known as Mrs. C, is retiring “Mrs. C’s Recipe”. Her passion for helping others as a Weight Watchers coach inspired this article in each issue of Heart Beats and we have enjoyed receiving her handwritten recipes and sharing them with all of you through the years. We want to say a HUGE thank you to Mrs. C for her continued support of RMHC. We wish you a happy and healthy new year!
Program-to-Date Value of Treatments........... $12,528,017
Children Who Received Treatment: Boys & Girls Town, Campbell Elementary, Holland Elementary, Pittman Elementary, Portland Elementary and York Elementary
STAFF President & CEO Bonnie Keller Program Director Mindy Muñoz General Dentist Dr. Sarah Cimino Community Dentists Dr. Raymond Burton Dr. Aaron Dannegger Dr. Brett Durbin Dr. Blake Keaster Dr. Misty Shelton Healthy Smiles Academy Program Manager Tamara Maddox Office Manager Emma Davis Dental Assistants Megan Lambert Chelsea Murray Part-Time Dental Assistants Kristi Terry
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Heart Beats
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
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Adopt a Room and Heart the Houses Our third Heart the Houses effort kicked off in September with a digital campaign on social media followed by a special mailing created by ADsmith Marketing & Advertising, printed by McCann Printing and assembled by Ronald McDonald House volunteers (and our friends at McCann Printing). Heart the Houses encourages the community to Adopt a Room at one (or both) of our Ronald McDonald Houses for a month, quarter or year.
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To learn about local families touched by the Ronald McDonald Houses, you may view all of the family videos and see our mailing at HeartTheHouses.org. With two Ronald McDonald Houses in Springfield, RMHC of the Ozarks has provided a “home away from home” for over 11,300 families of seriously ill and injured children as they experience one of life’s greatest challenges. Heart the Houses contributors are providing our families with a safe haven, a place where sorrow and fear can be expressed without censure, and a retreat from the daunting feelings of a worst-case scenario.
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We encourage friends of Ronald McDonald House Charities to consider Adopting a Room in 2017. If you would like additional Heart the Houses packets to share with family and friends, please let us know!