Heart
BEATS MARCH/APRIL 2015
Volunteer at the 16th Annual Rock ‘n Ribs Barbecue Festival
Volunteers are need for the 16th Annual Rotary Rock’n Ribs BBQ Festival. This year’s event will take place on April 24-25 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds and will include live music, a motorcycle show, a kids play zone, and some amazing barbecue. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile (fondly known as the Tooth Truck) is one of the seven benefitting charities and we need YOUR volunteer help to ensure a successful event. The registration process for volunteering is different this year. In the past, you were able to sign up through the organization to participate. This year, all volunteers will register directly through the Rock’n Ribs website. It is quick, easy, and convenient, and all you need is an email address. You need to sign up AS SOON AS POSSIBLE because the spots are filled on a first come-first served basis. We strongly recommend only those volunteers who are 21 and older sign up for a Friday night shift. To register for volunteering, please follow these instructions:
1) To volunteer, go to www.rocknribs.com/volunteer/ 2) Choose the event/task area where you want to volunteer 3) The various time slots will show for the event/task you have chosen • Click “Register as a Volunteer” 4) If you already have a “Volunteer Profile” in the system, it will prompt you with further instructions on how to proceed with Cervis Volunteer Registration process 5) If you are creating your profile for the first time, follow prompts to create Volunteer Profile • Under the “Groups” section, make sure to select Ronald McDonald House Charities • Be sure to check box located at bottom of the profile page that says “I’m not a robot” 6) Choose date/time slot from list and click “Complete Registration” If you have any problems or questions with the registration process contact Brian Powers at brian.powers@RMHCozarks.org or 417-820-0764. For more information on Rock’n Ribs, visit www.rocknribs.com.
Heart of the House Staff House Near Cox South
From The Happy Anniversary 1 Year
John Barron, House at Mercy Tyler Brasfield, House near Cox South Tynisha Brown, House at Mercy Courtney Cramer, House at Mercy Brittany Figaro, House at Mercy Katelin Krusz, House at Mercy Nick Moore, Tooth Truck Angie Phillips, House near Cox South Ashlee Robinson, Tooth Truck Katelyn Sullivan, House at Mercy
5 Years
Chelsea Caroll, Tooth Truck Anne Schubert, House near Cox South Sara Westbrooks, House near Cox South
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 Kelley Haertling Angela Hammond-Hill Darren Harrelson Laura Harrelson Mackenzie Harrelson Cindy Harris Katie Herman Charity Hightree Link Hill Zoe Hill Kathy Jenkins Paula Johns Clayton Keller Kennedy Keller Savannah Keller Randi Kerr Betty Kniep Julia Kovacs Marion Kraemer Zachary Kram Caroline Langley 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 Karla Peck Angela Phillips Dani Peterson Kay Prost Kathy Purvis Bibiana Ramirez Kennedy Randles Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts Evan Roberts George Schlick Rachel Schmeling Joan Schroeder Anne Schubert Maggie Shelton Teri Shoemake
House At Mercy Children’s Hospital John Barron Josh Bell Allison Blacksher Michael Bohnert Tynisha Brown Allison Burkholder Courtney Cramer Angela Dearing Nick DeLaney Tonya DeLaney Megan Dwyer 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
Angel Le Taylor Lee Brian Loesel Tamara Maddox Barbara McBride Larry McBride Elaina Mihalik Rebekah Mitts Alyssa Mondeaux Abby Monsees Miranda Nelson Pooja Patel Kelly Perkins Marc Propst
Gabe Siemens Marli Sims Sue Sloan Debbie Slocum Randy Slocum T.J. Slocum Mary Smith Ashleigh Spalding Kara Speights Kim Stagner 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
Karla Reed Sharon Rowland Chandler Saner Jacob Smith Mikaela Smith Amy Sullinger Serenity Sullinger Katelyn Sullivan Tammy Taylor Kirstin Terris Debbie Williams Rebecca Won Heather Young Mary Young
Welcome, New Volunteers To Houses Allison Blacksher, Nick DeLaney, Tonya DeLaney, Kelley Haertling, Charity Hightree, Julia Kovacs, Karla Peck, Evan Roberts, Maggie Shelton and Kirstin Terris 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.
PAGE 2
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 Administrative Assistant Debbi Gafner
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
March/April Birthdays
Family Dinner
Spotlight Cox House
March 2 Amy Crawford Karla Peck Cox South LD Team
When did you start providing meals for families at the Ronald McDonald House? We started providing meals about 5 years ago. How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program? Because we work in Labor and Delivery, we know that we might have families who will use your services. It’s a good way to connect with the families in a different setting.
What is your favorite thing about participating in the Family Dinner Program? It’s neat to see how the organization functions and we get to see our patients and their families sometimes. Do you have any favorite memories? The very first time we came and saw that the rooms were really nice! It’s just so nice to know Ronald McDonald House is here to help families.
Save the Date
May 4 - Annual Volunteer Dinner th
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Alpha Delta Pi Ash Grove United Methodist-Presbyterian Church Battlefield United Methodist Church Bradleyville FCCLA The Cobb Family Combat Engineers – Ft. Leonard Wood Circle Seven - Campbell UMC The Clotfelter Family & Little Caesars East Sunshine Church of Christ Fair Grove NHS FBCO Women’s Group FedEx Galena FFA Gloria Deo Academy The Golden’s Hillcrest Presbyterian Church
Julie Gray & Friends Katelyn Grider & Family Kickapoo Key Club Louise Morgan Marshfield NHS Mercy Corporate Health & Wellness Mercy Imaging Mercy Marian Center Mercy Quality Resources MSU Women’s Golf Team MSU Health Services Association Mychelle & Jen Peak Performance Physical Therapy/ The Clay Family Ozark High School FFA Officers Sandy McNeive SBU Physical Therapy Students
March 10 Paula Johns March 12 Mackenzie Harrelson March 13 Nick DeLaney March 14 Randi Kerr March 20 Josh Bell
April 5 Nick Moore
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH Home Depot Just Friends Kenny and Crystal Wade Family Kettle Cookers Kimberlea Copelin Knights of Columbus Knights Templar Kohl’s Lakeland Behavioral Health Little Caesars McCulloch Elementary Community Impact Committee Missouri State AFC MSU Student Dietetic Association Mt. Vernon High School NHS Nick and Sydney Allen Oak Grove Assembly of God Ozark South Teachers
March 5 Debbie Williams
March 28 Mariel Delgado Cruz Karla Peck
March/April Dinner Groups Aubree Good and Family Battlefield United Methodist Becky Vitt and Friends But Love Goes On Forever Betsy’s Hallmark Chadwick Baptist Temple Church of JCLDS Church of Jesus Christ LDS Combat Engineers- Ft. Leonard Wood Covenant Presbyterian Church Conway Peerleaders Cox Labor & Delivery Crane FBLA Dreiling Sisters Drury University Project Panther Evergreen Baptist Church Glendale Christian Church Halfway Cardinal Council
March 3 Ashton Canfield
Sandy McNeive Second Baptist Church Selena Wilkerson Si3 Springfield Catholic SRC Community Relations Strafford Middle School Student Council The Girlfriends The Peterson Family The Rasey Family Union Hill Church of Christ United Healthcare Venture Crew 205
April 6 Angela Patrick
Open April Dinner Dates: April 15, 19 & 28
April 18 Crosby Keller Alexis Rainwater
SBU College of Nursing SBU Social Work Club Second Baptist Church Small Group Smile Zone Springfield Catholic Strafford Middle School Student Council Stevie & Tamas Kiss Take Charge Torch Club The Towe Family Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ Wellington Hills Friends The White Family Open April Dinner Dates: April 4, 6, 7, 9, 22 & 23
April 9 Darren Harrelson April 14 Staci Holland Bryson Starkey April 17 Kelsey Taylor
April 21 Kate Fletcher April 23 Kayla Love April 26 Laurie Feick Megan Marsh April 30 Miranda Nelson
PAGE 3
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 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
PAGE 4
Around the Houses Ronald McDonald House Charities is the national philanthropy of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, and we are blessed to have a local chapter at Missouri State University that provides support for our Houses. They volunteer in the Houses, for events, and raise money and awareness for the organization. In February, ten members spent their Sunday at the House near Cox South Hospital to help us deep clean, rearrange furniture, organize the basement, make welcome signs and cards for families, and six members shared their artistic talents with us. These members utilized artwork we already had and gave it a “face lift”. They created custom paintings to put in the frames and spray painted the frames as well. We are so excited to display their artwork in the family bedrooms. They also took on the challenge of creating a Pinterestinspired project, making magnetic display boards for each room so families who are staying at the House have a place to put their own personal pictures and notes in their room. With Alpha Delta Pi’s help, families will be able to feel even more at home at the “House that Love Built.”
Mission Moment Dave and Rebekah Collins are from Tennessee, and were blessed to adopt twin boys born at Cox South on September 17, 2014. We recently received a card from them, and it was too cute not to share. We hope you enjoy learning more about the Collins family and seeing their adorable photos! “Our family was truly blessed through the Ronald McDonald House. We received a phone call on a Friday morning that our twin boys, Cain and Colt, had been born and were in the NICU in Springfield, MO. What a shock to hear the birth mom had picked us to parent these precious babies, but to add to that they were in the NICU 8 hours from home, which was scary. We had no idea how our babies were doing or how long they would be in the NICU. Shortly after arriving in Springfield, we knew Cain and Colt were going to be in the hospital a while, so the social worker made a call and sent us to the Ronald McDonald House. Not having to worry about room and board for an extended period of time was such a relief. The Ronald McDonald House was our “home away from home.” The long stay in Missouri was made much easier by the daily home-cooked meals, staff that felt like family, support of other families in the House, and thoughtful volunteers that took time to get to know us. Not only the people, but the accommodations of the room, kitchen, laundry, and common areas were all so comfortable and convenient. The days and nights can feel long and lonely when you are far away from family and friends, but the House eased our homesick feeling as each week passed. We are forever grateful for the Ronald McDonald House! Our family will always give back, as they so graciously gave to us in our time of need and continue to give to others.”
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY
Volunteer Spotlight Ann Griesemer How did you learn about the Ronald McDonald House? When my grandson was 3 months old, doctors found a mass in his chest cavity and he was taken to Cardinal Glennon Hospital in St. Louis. It turned out to be neuroblastoma cancer. My family and I stayed at the Ronald McDonald House near the hospital while my grandson underwent surgery to remove the orangesized mass. In August, my grandson will celebrate his 14th birthday. My family has been very blessed to experience such a miracle. When I got home from St. Louis after this experience, I wanted to do something to give back. I thought, “what better place is there than the Ronald McDonald House?”
What is your favorite part about volunteering? I love helping the people at the House; they appreciate all that you do for them. I like cleaning and restocking rooms to make sure they are clean and ready for the next person to come in and stay. It is a very stressful time for families and if I can make it easier for them, I feel like I have done something to help. What would you like to share with others thinking about being an RMH volunteer? It is very rewarding. It is not what you do, but what you get back from volunteering that makes it more than worth it. If you like helping people, you would love volunteering for RMH. I volunteer at the House inside Mercy Children’s Hospital and love it!
Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks What are your hobbies while not volunteering for the Ronald McDonald House? I love to travel and play golf. I always have a big garden in the summer that keeps me busy. I like to can and freeze vegetables and fruits. What else would you like to share about yourself? I make a mean salsa and bread & butter pickles that I like to share with other people. My husband and I will celebrate 50 years of marriage in July.
Staff Stuff Debbi Gafner joined the Ronald McDonald House as Administrative Assistant in January 2015. She brings euthusiasm for supporting RMHC operations and is eager to help out in any way. Prior to joining our staff, Debbi worked for 10 years as Administrative Assistant for local McDonald’s Owner/Operator and RMHC board member, Donna Powers. She has also previously served as the Office Manager for Cox Health Systems Outpatient Department. Debbi’s favorite things include spending time and playing golf with her 16year old son who attends Glendale High School, flea marketing, antiquing, and loving on her two dogs, Boozer & Beethoven, and cat, Bella. We are excited to have you on our team, Debbi!
National Volunteer Week April 12th - 18th
National Volunteer Week, April 12 – 18, 2015, is about encouraging others in the community to get involved and make a difference. Our volunteers are the best advocates for our volunteer program, and we encourage all House volunteers to “Bring a Friend” on your regular volunteer shift April 12th – 18th. Be sure to let Amber or Brian know if you have a special friend you’d like to introduce to the organization!
HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH STATS January 2015 Families Served........46 Nights................... 350 Families from Missouri..................34 Families from Other States.............12 Year-To-Date Families Served........46 Program-to-Date Families Served... 8,926
HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL STATS January 2015 Families Served........39 Nights................... 290 Families from Missouri..................38 Families from Other States...............1 Year-To-Date Families Served........38 Program-to-Date Families Served....1,010
PAGE 5
Heart
Tooth Talk
of the Renewed Self-Confidence Truck Written By Dr. Sarah Cimino
Megan Blake Samantha Bornaman Marissa Buechel Chelsea Carroll Matt Freihofer Jessica Havener Linda Heslin Connie McCarter Micayla Miles Nick Moore Ashlee Robinson Clayton Schwinke Zach Shaw Taylor Shireman Bryson Starkey McKenzie Swan Melinda Thurman Gina Wyland
Tooth Truck Wish List Coloring and Activity Books Crayons Markers and Colored Pencils Chapstick Nail Polish Matchbox Cars Headbands and Hair Accessories Keychains Superhero Themed Toys
PAGE 6
If you read my article in last month’s Heartbeats then you know that one of my favorite things to do on the Tooth Truck is to restore a child’s confidence by fixing chipped front teeth. Well, the tooth fairy must have been one of our readers because she brought me five kids with chipped front teeth in one week! I could hardly contain my excitement at the chance to give these five kids a new smile that they would proudly show off to all of their family and friends. The pictures included with this article show the kids before and after, along with a short story about how they broke their tooth and how long the tooth had been broken. I am always amazed when children tell me that they’ve been dealing with the embarrassment and sensitivity of a broken tooth for months and even years. As you look at all of these pictures, take a moment to imagine how you yourself would feel if you had to go through all of your daily interactions knowing that the first thing people may notice is your broken front tooth. It’s no wonder that many of those wonderful kids find themselves looking down or hiding their mouth with their hand when they talk and only smiling with closed lips. What a difference a short 30-minute appointment can make!
Welcome,
Jackie Malik! The Tooth Truck is pleased to welcome a new member to its dental team. Jackie Malik will serve as a part-time Dental Assistant, primarily working Thursdays and Fridays. Jackie is currently taking classes to become a dental hygienist. She has a passion for dentistry and teaching good brushing and flossing habits to our little patients. We are so happy to have Jackie on board the Tooth Truck!
Happy Easter!
STAFF Program Director Mindy Muñoz General Dentist Dr. Sarah Cimino
Keebler Reduced-Fat Graham Cracker Crust 1 c. fat-free sour cream ½ c. skim milk
2 (6 oz.) bananas, sliced
Children Treated.... 171 Dental Appointments Provided............... 328 Year-to-Date Dental Appointments........ 328 Program-to-Date Dental Appointments.... 43,053 Program-to-Date Value of Treatments...$10,155,587
Boys & Girls Town Cowden Elementary Portland Elementary Weaver Elementary Westport Elementary
MRS. C’S RECIPES
12 oz. Cool Whip Free
January 2015
Children Who Received Treatment:
Wishing you a wonderful and joyous Easter on April 5th!
1 small box fat-free vanilla instant pudding mix
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks
Enjoy wonderful recipes provided by Mrs. Vivian Carissimo, also known as Mrs. C.
Whisk sour cream and milk until blended. Add pudding mix; whisk until pudding is dissolved. Add whipped topping and mix well. Spread half of filling over crust. Slice bananas and arrange over filling. Spread remaining filling over top of bananas.
VOLUNTEER TIP OF THE MONTH
Temporary Dentists Dr. Aaron Dannegger Dr. Brett Durbin Dr. Randi Green President & CEO Bonnie Keller Office Manager Emma Davis Dental Assistants Megan Lambert Kim Otradovec Part-Time Dental Assistants Jackie Malik
How to Clean Your Washing Machine Fill machine and then add 2 cups of bleach. Let sit one hour, then run cycle. While still wet, wipe down with a cloth to remove grime.
PAGE 7
Heart Beats
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Save the Date - May 5
th
1 Annual Give Ozarks Day st
Give Ozarks is the first day of a giving event for Springfield and the Ozarks in which nonprofits across southern Missouri will have the chance to raise funds, compete for prizes, and be a part of a one-day surge in generosity across our state through online fundraising hosted by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Mark your calendars to support RMHC of the Ozarks as we raise funds for the Tooth Truck and have some friendly competition with other nonprofits in the area from midnight to midnight on Tuesday, May 5, 2015. Donate at https://causemomentum.org/ agency/rmhcozarks Contact Amber Price at amber.price@RMHCozarks.org or 417-875-3541 for more information.
Save the Date - June 5th & 6th
All-Star Weekend It’s an ALL-STAR weekend June 5th & 6th, 2014. The 14th Annual Sertoma GRIN IRON CLASSIC (all-star high school football game) and the 4th Annual Sertoma GRIN ACTION CLASSIC (all-star high school volleyball tournament) will take place at Parkview High School in Springfield. RMHC of the Ozarks and the All-Star Smiles Sertoma Club are hosting this “All-Star Weekend” featuring Southwest Missouri’s all-stars, all graduated seniors. And…it all benefits the Tooth Truck! Volunteers are needed for both events, and we’d love for YOU to join us. If you are interested in helping, contact Brian Powers at brian.powers@RMHCozarks.org or at 417-8200764. Dates and times for volunteer shifts will be announced in April and featured in the May issue of Heartbeats.