Heart
BEATS JULY/AUG 2018
Red Friday Returns to
Springfield on September 7! The Kansas City Chiefs’ “Red Friday” is officially coming back to Springfield and the Ozarks on Friday, September 7. This day-long celebration is designed to capture the excitement of the start of the NFL season by bringing the Chiefs, the Kansas City community and communities throughout Chiefs Kingdom together to kick off the year. In addition to being a rallying point for Chiefs fans, Red Friday is a chance for
the community to make a difference in the lives of local children and families.
Proceeds benefit our two Ronald McDonald Houses!
Starting at 6:00 am on Friday, September 7, McDonald’s locations in Springfield and the Ozarks will sell special 2018 collector’s edition “Chiefs Kingdom” flags for a minimum donation of $5 each, while supplies last. The flags will ONLY be available on Red Friday and supplies are very limited.
Volunteers are needed to wave Chiefs Kingdom flags outside participating McDonald’s around the Ozarks to promote the event on Friday morning. Contact Heather Jeude for more information or to sign up at 417-820-0764 or Heather.Jeude@RMHCozarks.org.
SAVE THE DATE: 23RD ANNUAL
Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour Friday, November 16 This 23rd Annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour, presented by BKD Wealth Advisors, 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 October 3 for $30 each ($35 the day of the event). Many volunteer opportunities will also be available, so mark your calendars now for this wonderful annual tradition!
From The
Staff Happy
Anniversary 1 YEAR Derek Johns
5 YEARS Rebekah Mitts
Heart of the House House Near Cox South Ann Adams Tyler Austin Zach Bailey Sheila Boswell Chloe Bowers Nadean Burnett Ashton Canfield Dave Canfield Philip Canfield Jillian Carlile John Carr Terri Carr Larry Chainey Nancy Clark Heather Cottle-Dillon Shannon Deakins Kathy Dennis Lynelle Dock Cheryl Douglas Blake Dowdy Judy Duncan Wendy Elmer Clydene Freeman Amanda Fronzaglia Calan Froula Madison Gibson Becky Gillham Sharon Gillham Lane Gott
Shawn Gott Ashley Grady Amanda Greene Dottie Greene Garth Greene Huck Greene Parker Greene Amy Grubaugh Dorothy Harlan Darren Harrelson Laura Harrelson Mackenzie Harrelson Cindy Harris Cliff HIll Karen Hill Gracie Holt Lisa James Briana Jenkins Derek Johns Clayton Keller Levi Kemp Randi Kerr Trot Kinser True Kinser Becky Lang Shawn Lowery Rachel Marsh Adrienne McCoy Eileen Meinsen
Larry Meinsen Mackenzie Meyers Madison Mickan Kelsie Mitchell Sandy Morris Nolan Musick Jordan Myers Asha Parvathaneni Karla Peck LeRoy Peck Julie Prod Kay Prost Jessica Rawlings Beka Razor Rebecca Reser Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts Savanna Roberts Joe Roushdi Timothy Schmelz Anne Schubert Debbie Slocum Randy Slocum T.J. Slocum Alyssa Smith Mary Smith Grace Stagner Kim Stagner Hannah Stash
House At Mercy Kids Stephanie Bube Mary Carlson Jennie Crabbe Sean Copeland Kristin Custer Sandy Emberton Mason Gaspard Terry Greer Ann Griesemer Brenda Havens
Kaley Hawkinson Jenni Jacka Lillian Jacka Leah Jackson Danielle Kelly Jenna Kinyon Ami Le Hannah Le Brady Marshall Becky Mathis
Kassie Medina Madison Mickan Jianna Mills Kiera Mills Krista Mills Rebekah Mitts Marel Morris Alexis Mundell Tracie Nicholson Kate Okland
Madeleine Sullivan Kaden Sumter Brandon Taylor Karen Taylor Kelsey Taylor Kristina Taylor Rich Taylor Aly Thomas Sharon Tillman Anna Trenkamp Violet Turner Ava Uzzell Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell Garret Volner Abigail Weitzel Lucy Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Travis Weitzel James Winstead Meghan Zengel
Jamie Phariss Sarah Phillips Keely Richter Megan Siebert Kate Steingraber Madeline Urhahn
Welcome, New Volunteers To Houses We are thrilled to welcome the following volunteers to our Ronald McDonald Houses: Chloe Bowers, Mary Carlson, Terri Carr, John Carr, Larry Chainey, Sean Copeland, Amanda Greene, Dottie Greene, Garth Greene, Huck Greene, Parker Greene, Dorothy Harlan, Jenna Kinyon, Ami Le, Marel Morris, Asha Parvathaneni, Jessica Rawlings, Kaden Sumter, Anna Trenkamp
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. ©2018 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 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 Program Manager Laura Winstead Associate Program Manager Melanie Ward Assistant House Managers Karis Agnew Jacinda Canfield Emma Chadwell Savannah Keller Rebekkah Wall Sara Wilken
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS House Program Manager Ashley Burton Program Assistant Heather Jeude Assistant House Managers Danielle Exner Sydney Helms Kennedy Keller Savannah Keller Hannah Major Jack Osborn Lacey Wildschuetz
Family Dinner
Birthdays July 1 Mason Gaspard July 6 Brian Asberry
Spotlight The Girlfriends
The Girlfriends met through their children. All of their kids attended grade school together. These moms developed a close relationship that eventually led to them serving dinner the second Tuesday of every month at the Cox House. Joann Banner, Annette Blair, Annette’s mother Dotty Thomas, Sandy Thorton, Alice Carnell and Mary Kay Wright make up this amazing Dinner Group. Let’s learn a bit more about them… When did you start providing meals at the Ronald McDonald House? “Maybe 10 years ago? It’s been a long, long time.” How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program? “We were all new ‘Empty Nesters.’ Our kids went to school together.” “I saw this as a way to pay God back for my healthy children.” –Annette
July 8 Ashley Grady July 10 Tracie Nicholson
What is your favorite thing about participating in the Family Dinner Program? “I love the feeling you get when you leave for the night, and the families are so thankful.” – Sandy “It’s such a blessing to be able to help people.” –Annette Do you have any favorite memories from your volunteer experience? “There was a family who just had triplets staying here. We got to hold them!” –Sandy “A friend of mine stayed here a few years back. Their baby was born at 26 weeks. I often came to visit them.” –Joann What would you say to anyone considering volunteering for the Family Dinner Program? “Do it! You won’t regret it. You really get more from the experience than you end up giving.” Other comments? “All the volunteers are amazing! We love Shawn and Judy!”
Dinner Groups Jimmy Johns on National Just Friends Knights of Columbus Melanie Ward and Friends Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants Missouri State University Social Affairs Committee Oak Grove Assembly of God Queen City Roofing Second Baptist Church Southern Bank The Girlfriends The Knights Templar Thursday Night Thunder Union Hill Church of Christ Unity of Springfield Wammack Family
July 12 Scott Crise James Winstead Rebekah Mitts July 16 Clydene Freeman July 18 Kiera Mills July 24 Briana Jenkins July 30 Kate Okland August 10 Zachary Bailey August 13 Sondra Uzzell August 14 Kathy Dennie August 15 Blake Dowdy August 18 Madeleine Sullivan
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH May Meal Groups All Saints Anglican Church Battlefield United Methodist Church Big Slice Cassidy United Methodist Cerner Si3 Chase Bank Chesterfield Ward Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints Covenant Presbyterian Church Fordland Church of Christ Fremont Elementary Girl Scout Troop #70052 Good Family Hamilton Family Hillcrest Presbyterian Church Home Parenteral Services
July 11 Shawn Gott
June Meal Groups Asha Paravathaneni and Friends BKD Brighton Baptist Church Cerner Si3 Cox Dietitians East Grand Church of Christ Eastside General Baptist Fordland Church of Christ Fremont Elementary Good Family Gina McLanahan Glendale Christian Church Just Friends Knights of Columbus Lisa Johnson Little Caesar’s Oak Grove Assembly of God
Papa Murphy’s on Campbell Parkcrest Baptist Church Second Baptist Church SRC Community Relations St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Boys Group The Girlfriends The Knights Templar Union Hill Church of Christ Unity of Springfield Weitzel Family
August 21 Cindy Harris August 29 Keely Richter August 31 Kristina Taylor
August Open Dates: 2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 15th, 17th, 19th, 24th 26th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS May Dinner Groups Angie Smith Arvest Bank Baker Family Bradleyville FCCLA Calhoun Family East Sunshine Church of Christ Houlihan’s Kappa Delta Alumnae Kara Denny Little Caesars Pizza Lois & Jessica Louise Morgan Mary Carlson McDonald’s –Buffalo
McDonald’s- Strafford Melissa Fagan Mercy Kitchen Mizzou Med School Mychelle & Jen On Angels Wings Roberts Family Sleep Family The Venues Church The Way Community Group Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ Youth Wellington Hills Friends Wilson Family
June Dinner Groups Battlefield UMC Brady Marshall Calhoun Family East Sunshine Church of Christ Family Through Faith Fellowship Hillcrest Presbyterian Church Home Parenteral Services Houlihan’s Jordan Valley Figure Skating Club Julie Gray & Friends Kavannah’s Burgers Lois & Jessica Louis Morgan Mercy 6B & 6C
Mercy Kitchen Mills Family Mizzou Med School MSU PT McDonald’s- Strafford On Angels Wings Sleep Family The Golden’s Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ Youth Wellington Hills Friends Wilson Family August Open Dates: 10th, 14th, 18th, 26th, 29th, 30th, 31st
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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 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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New Furniture!
Both Ronald McDonald House locations received a nice update to their living rooms thanks to a generous furniture donation provided by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries. La-Z-Boy is a long-time national donor, providing furniture to Ronald McDonald Houses across the country. We are thankful for their support and excited to offer a comfortable space for the families staying with us!
Mission Moment:
Jaxon
Bryan Fetters and Dana Stone were expecting their new baby boy, Jaxon, to be born in August of this year and were surprised when he arrived eight weeks early weighing only 4 pounds, 10 ounces. The family spent three long weeks in the NICU in Joplin, MO before Jaxon was rushed to Mercy Hospital in Springfield for an emergency surgery when a scan showed fluid on Jaxon’s brain. After a successful surgery, Bryan and Dana saw immediate changes in Jaxon’s alertness, offering them a sense of relief. They are looking forward to bringing Jaxon home to be with his older brothers Dakota and River in the near future. Bryan and Dana are thankful for the opportunity to stay close to Jaxon at the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids. Dana said “not worrying about where we will stay has given me the ability to focus on what’s important, being a mom.”
Volunteer Spotlight Mary Carlson Mary Carlson started volunteering with her family by cooking a special breakfast on Christmas morning for our families at the Mercy House. She now volunteers twice a week at the House and is a tremendous help! Let’s How did you learn about the Ronald McDonald learn a little bit more about Mary… House? I learned about RMH through friends and family What is your favorite thing to do (or a couple who have volunteered. I started volunteering things) at the House? by serving breakfast with my family on I really like to bake and stock the kitchens at Christmas morning. each hospital unit served by RMH. What do you enjoy in your free time? I really enjoy volunteering. I have my entire summer free, so I like to spend it volunteering and remodeling my old home! Do you volunteer anywhere else in the Springfield community? If yes, where? Yes, the Miracle League.
Do you have any favorite memories? I love meeting the families and getting to go to the different units to stock the kitchens! What do you enjoy most about volunteering with our organization? I love being able to help families have one less concern.
Staff Stuff
Welcome Emma Chadwell
Please help us welcome Emma Chadwell, our newest Assistant Manager at the Ronald McDonald House near Cox. Emma is currently a student at MSU, majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. You can usually find her outside running, swimming, and kayaking. The values that the Ronald McDonald Houses treasure embody how she aims to live her life, and she is very excited about her new adventure with the organization. Emma feels this new role will be so rewarding, and she couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to be working with!
Welcome Jack Osborn and Danielle Exner Please help
us welcome Jack Osborn and Danielle Exner to the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids. Jack and Danielle are our newest Assistant Managers at the Mercy House and we are so excited for them to join us! Jack is a student at Drury University, studying Philosophy, and Danielle is a student at Missouri State University, studying Psychology. We look forward to working with both of them. Welcome, Jack and Danielle!
Ronald McDonald Houses of the Ozarks House Near Cox South STATS June 2018 Families Served..............34 Nights.................................. 344 Families from Missouri................................ 23 Families from other states......................... 11 Year to date....................209 Program to date.... 10,226
House At Mercy Kids STATS June 2018 Families Served..............55 Nights..................................294 Families from Missouri................................50 Families from other states...........................5 Year to date....................220 Program to date......2,593
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Heart Tooth Talk of the Truck Megan Blake Tori Bridwell Stephanie Daniels Corey Deatherage Luke Ellickson Melinda Fielder Logan Harrod Olivia Horton Hailee Hosiner Susan Lemmon Locke McAllister Connie McCarter Asha Parvathaneni Melinda Thurman Chloe Williams
Expanding Our Reach
The Tooth Truck spent a total of five weeks in the town of Cassville. We were blessed to have the opportunity of reaching the families of 80 children! During our stay, we repaired a total of 358 cavities and provided $145,753 in free dental treatment. The school staff in Cassville provided us with a substitute teacher every day to serve in our volunteer role of walking students to and from the Truck for their appointments. We can’t thank them enough for all of their efforts! We would not have been able to keep up with all the treatment needs if it weren’t for their generous help.
Happy Anniversary 1 YEAR
After completing treatments in Cassville, the Truck moved on to the town of Verona. With a population of less than 700 people, Verona’s welcome was incredibly large! The Tooth Truck provided 23 kids a total of $44,459 in free dental care. Dr. Sarah repaired 78 cavities during the Truck’s stay in Verona, and created countless healthy smiles! The Truck spent a little over one week in Verona, but the school nurse and staff couldn’t have made a bigger impression. They made the Tooth Truck staff feel extra appreciated, and their kind spirits are so memorable!
Olivia Horton
Birthdays
July 3 Megan (Lambert) Sanders July 6 Mindy Muñoz July 10 Dr. Sarah Cimino July 13 Corey Deatherage July 14 Abbie Dohmen July 31 Dr. Chris Meyer August 19 Tori Bridwell August 21 Susan Lemmon
The Tooth Truck, and its staff, certainly enjoyed hitting the road to new places this past school year! In the years to come, there are high hopes that the Tooth Truck can continue to build relationships with new school districts, and we look forward to returning to Cassville and Verona. We were blessed with the opportunity to make new friends and hope to continue bringing healthy smiles to new communities! The Tooth Truck staff worked closely with Nurse Bobbi in Cassville and Nurse Patsy in Verona to connect with kids in need of dental care this past school year. Between these two communities, 436 cavities were repaired!
Tooth Truck Wish List PAGE 6
By Emma Davis
During the past school year, the Tooth Truck had the opportunity to expand its services to include the communities of Cassville and Verona, MO. Our road trip adventures could not have been more thrilling! We got to explore new cities, meet new people, and most importantly, fix lots of cavities!
Action figures Matchbox cars Hair accessories (clips, headbands) Chapstick Jewelry (necklaces, bracelets) Handheld games
DVDs for older children Outdoor toys (bubbles, sidewalk chalk, Frisbees, sports balls) Walmart gift cards Beanie Babies Backpacks Lunch Totes
2018 All-Star Weekend
In June, we celebrated the tradition of watching graduated seniors play in the final high school football game of their lives at the 17th Annual GRIN IRON CLASSIC All-Star Football Game and then enjoyed watching volleyball players from all over Southwest Missouri battle it out in the 7th Annual GRIN ACTION CLASSIC. As parents, coaches, friends and supporters gathered to cheer on their favorite team, RMHC of the Ozarks was proud to host this event with the SW MO Football Coaches Association and the All-Star Smiles Sertoma Club in this weekend benefiting the Tooth Truck helping provide dental treatment and dental hygiene education for local children in need. This All-Star Weekend was presented by Heart of the Ozarks Sertoma Club and Delta Dental of Missouri, and we had fantastic sponsorship support from the Greater Springfield Dental Society, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Youngblood Auto Group and Southern Bank. We would also like to thank in-kind supporters McDonald’s, Mercy Sports Medicine, Price Cutter, McCann Printing and Mediacom. Thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers for making these events possible with their hard work and dedication! All-Star Smiles Sertomans Heart of the Ozarks Sertomans Emma Chadwell Josiah Daniels Corey Detherage Luke Ellickson Sandy Emberton Shawn Gott
Ann Griesemer Austin Hyde Leah Jackson Briana Jenkins Derek Johns Ashley Kerr Kaden Kerr Trot Kinser Larry Meinsen Jeff Mills
Krista Mills Jianna Mills Kiera Mills Marel Morris Sandy Morris Emma Noack Erin Noack Kate Okland Karla Peck Vickie Phang
Ashlee Robinson Tim Schmelz Randy Slocum TJ Slocum Anna Trenkamp Scott Weitzel Chloe Williams
Volunteer/Staff Congratulations, Megan!
We would like to congratulate Dental Assistant Megan on her recent marriage. Megan and Brandon Sanders were married on July 7th in Rogersville, MO while surrounded by their loved ones. We wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin your married life together.
Welcome New Volunteer
The Tooth Truck is excited to welcome Asha to its volunteer team for the summer! A soon-to-be high school senior at Central, Asha is dedicating her free time this summer to volunteer work, including time at the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine and is excited to learn what the Tooth Truck is all about! We’re so glad to have you on board this summer, Asha!
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks June 2018 Children Treated:............... 134 Dental Appointments Provided:.................................200 Year to Date Dental Appointments:................. 1,323 Program to Date Dental Appointments:...............54,112 Program to Date Value of Treatment:.....$15,000,517
Children who received treatment: Bowerman Elementary Disney Elementary Fairbanks Summer Camp Great Circle Holland Elementary Jeffries Elementary McGregor Elementary Pittman Elementary Portland Elementary Robberson Elementary Westport School York Elementary
STAFF
President & CEO Bonnie Keller Program Director Mindy Muñoz HSA Program Manager Tamra Thomas General Dentist Dr. Sarah Cimino Community Dentists Dr. Raymond Burton Dr. Aaron Dannegger Dr. Brett Durbin Dr. Misty Shelton Office Manager Emma Davis Dental Assistants Abbie Dohmen Megan Sanders Part-Time Dental Assistants Kristi Terry On Call Dental Assistants Amy Baker
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Heart Beats
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
benefiting
THE 4TH ANNUAL
C
EL
EBRATIN
Featuring
Tracie Thoms & Jake Simpson
G
OCTOBER 19 White River Conference Center
presented by McDonald’s® of the Ozarks
On October 19, 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. The 4th Annual Red Shoe Gala brings TWICE the entertainment as singer, actress and Broadway star, Tracie Thoms kicks off the event and then shares the stage with Star Search Grand Champion, Jake Simpson, back by popular demand. Don’t miss the night’s fun with activities including the Youngblood Red Shoe Cam, “Shoebox Surprise,” 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. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available by calling Kim Booth at 417-875-3505 or visiting PutYourRedShoesOn.org.