Heart
BEATS SEPTEMBER 2015
2nd Annual Paint It Forward
On Friday, August 28, Obelisk Home presented the 2nd Annual Paint it Forward. The cocktail party and auction featured collaborative artwork created by local artists paired with children of families who have benefited from our two Ronald McDonald Houses. With the help of professional artists, Obelisk Home, our families and numerous generous supporters we raised $9,000 to support the mission and our programs. Special thanks to all involved and for a truly heartwarming event!
L to R: This year one of our artists was RMHC’s very own Share-A-Heart Champion and volunteer, TJ Slocum! We were thrilled that the Slocum family was able to attend the event to see TJ’s work on display! (Debbie, TJ and Randy Slocum); Two of our artists, Hunter & Gavin Brown, had their whole family at the event and were excited to see their final artwork. We couldn’t resist asking the family to partake in our selfie stick fun, along with House Manager, Megan Schussler; Local artist, Rebecca Burrell enjoyed sharing her creative process with Staci Holland and Bonnie Keller during the reception; Thank you to our wonderful servers from Alpha Delta Pi! We appreciate their dedication to our program and their willingness to help out with our events!
The Red Shoe Gala An Event Benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks
Get your red shoes ready and join us for our premier Red Shoe Gala on September 19th at the Missouri State University Ballroom. It will be an evening to remember with dinner, dancing, complimentary beer and wine, festive activities like the “Shoebox Surprise,” and musical guest, OWN Network Star & Recording Artist Jake Simpson! 100% of the proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks, helping children and families through Springfield’s two Ronald McDonald Houses and the Tooth Truck. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, visit PutYourRedShoesOn.org or call 417.875.3505.
Heart of the House Staff House Near Cox South
From The Happy Anniversary 1 Year
Alaina Arner, House near Cox Kate Fletcher, House near Cox Jami Jones, House at Mercy Angel Laukon, House at Mercy Tamara Maddox, House at Mercy Kirstin Terris, House at Mercy Rebecca Won, House at Mercy Bryson Starkey, Tooth Truck
Hannah Anderson Johnny Anderson Alaina Arner Haley Barnett Connie Benna John Blocker Maggie Bradley Tyler Brasfield Betty Breshears Nadean Burnett Ashton Canfield Dave Canfield Phillip Canfield Vivian Carissimo Evelyn Close Heather Cottle-Dillon Mariel Delgado Cruz Kathy Dennis Audrey Dlabach Jan Dooly Judy Duncan Diana Edgington Kate Fletcher Lexie Gambino Autumn Garner 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 Liz Hayes Katie Herman Charity Hightree Link Hill Zoe Hill Gracie Holt Kathy Jenkins Paula Johns Clayton Keller Kennedy Keller Savannah Keller Randi Kerr Betty Kniep Julia Kovacs Becky Lang Caroline Langley Brian Liu
Shawn Lowery Adrienne McCoy Sandra McNeive Amber Marmon Megan Marsh Brittany Means Eileen Meinsen Larry Meinsen Sandy Morris Jordan Myers Christian Nguyen Ana Ortiz Shayleigh Patterson Karla Peck Dani Peterson Kay Prost Bibiana Ramirez Kennedy Randles Kevin Richardson Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts Evan Roberts Noel Sandoval George Schlick Joan Schroeder Anne Schubert Gabe Siemens Debbie Slocum
House At Mercy Children’s Hospital Tyler Austin John Barron Josh Bell Allison Blacksher Michael Bohnert Allison Burkholder Jennie Crabbe Courtney Cramer Nick DeLaney Tonya DeLaney Megan Dwyer Sandy Emberton
Becky Farris Terry Greer Ann Griesemer Brenda Havens Carri Hummer Jessi Hummer Jenni Jacka Lillian Jacka Jami Jones Tyler Jones MaKenzie Judy Katelin Krusz
Bridget Laib Angel Laukon Angel Le Taylor Lee Tamara Maddox Barbara McBride Larry McBride Elaina Mihalik Rebekah Mitts Alyssa Mondeaux Abby Monsees Miranda Nelson
Randy Slocum T.J. Slocum Dearicka Smith Mary Smith Rawn Spearman Kim Stagner Brianna Steiert Brandon Taylor Karen Taylor Kelsey Taylor Kristina Taylor Rich Taylor Marcia Turner Melanie Turner Ava Uzzell Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell Abigail Weitzel Lucy Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Sara Westbrooks Sara Wilken Arin Williams Megan Zengel
Erin Parsons Pooja Patel Jonathan Price Chandler Saner Taylor Schmidt Mikaela Smith Amy Sullinger Serenity Sullinger Katelyn Sullivan Kirstin Terris Debbie Williams Rebecca Won
Welcome, New Volunteers To Houses Becky Farris, Bryan Liu, Erin Parsons, Jonathan Price, and Marcia Turner
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 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 Taylor Croy 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 Bailey Ghan Danielle Maez Hannah Major Danielle Walcher Melanie Ward
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
Family Dinner Spotlight Harris Family
September 1 Debbie Kinser
The Harris family provided three dinners this past June and are excited to continue supporting the Houses and our mission through the Family Dinner Program! Kelly recently shared a little of her family’s journey with the Ronald McDonald House. Enjoy! “My husband and I struggled for 8 years with infertility, we ran the gamut of treatments, suffered 1 still birth at 17.5 weeks and 5 miscarriages and had given up; deciding that our lives weren’t bad without children, and that maybe it wasn’t something we were meant to have in our lives. In May of 2013 we found out that we were pregnant again--and this time we made it to 24 weeks and 3 days before I delivered our little miracle baby, Levi. He weighed 1lb 12oz, was 13 inches long and was a fighter from the beginning. We spent 89 days in the NICU at Cox South. Initially we thought we might like staying so close on the weekends (I went back to work 2 weeks postpartum), and we went through the process to have a room at the Ronald McDonald House. We checked in the first weekend, enjoyed dinner with other families, but checked out late that Friday night because we were worried we were taking a room from someone who might live further from Springfield than we do, even though the staff assured us that wasn’t the case. Levi was released from the NICU on Christmas Eve 2013 and was cleared by all specialists within a month of his release. As far as we can tell, there are no lasting impacts of his prematurity that he will have to overcome. We have
September 4 Tyler Brasfield Pooja Patel September 5 Jessica Havener September 9 Haley Barnett September 13 Christian Nguyen September 14 Bob Fisher been incredibly blessed with this sweet boy, and we know that not everyone’s story is the same.
September 15 Melanie Ward
Brian and I feel called to help RMH. We know what a great relief the organizations provides to families like ours. Whether their child is in the NICU or at the hospital for something else, having a place to stay and at least one meal while there --- RMH is eliminating at least a few worries from their minds. We have been blessed in so many ways and if we can help families who have a sick child by providing a meal once or twice (or more if need be) then we are happy to do so! Honestly, we cannot wait to come serve and talk to the families again!”
September 17 Samantha Bornaman
June & July Dinner Groups RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
Aldersgate UMC Becky Vitt & Friends Cerner Si3 Church of Jesus Christ LDS Covenant Presbyterian Church Cox South ER First Baptist Church of Marshfield - Youth Gecko Hospitality Gendale Christian Church The Girlfriends The Glassman Family The Good Family The Harris Family
Home Depot Hyvee Dietitians Infused Catering Joan Schroeder Just Friends Kettle Cookers Knights of Columbus Knights Templar Little Caesar’s Pizza The Martinez Family The Maughan Family Oak Grove Assembly of God Ozark Dialysis
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Arvest Bank Ash Grove UMPC Battlefield UMC FedEx First Baptist Church of Marshfield - Youth The Golden’s The Green Family The Groovers Hillcrest Presbyterian Church The Hobbs Family
September Birthdays
Infused Catering Julie Gray & Friends Louise Morgan Mercy Corporate Health and Wellness Mercy Imaging Mercy Nursing Resources Mychelle & Jen Simply Delicious Catering Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ
September 18 Allie Dunton Evan Roberts Sheridan Thurman September 19 Mackenzie Kurth September 20 Kay Prost September 21 Terry Greer David Taylor
Second Baptist Church Springfield Catholic SRC Community Relations Union Hill Church of Christ The Weitzel Family Open September Dinner Dates: September 7, 26, & 27 Open October Dinner Dates: October 6, 8, 10, 16, 23, 24, 25, 30, & 31
September 22 Sandy Morris September 23 Taylor Croy Zoe Hill September 24 Anne Schubert September 26 Maggie Bradley Maddy Shepard
The Weitzel Family (3 dinners) Wellington Hills Friends The Wilson Family Open September Dinner Dates: September 3, 4, 7, 8,12, 15, 17, 19, 24 Open October Dinner Dates: October 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 21, 24, 27, 30, & 31
September 27 Kim Otradovec Jud Poppen Gabe Siemen
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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 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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Around the Houses Birthday Blessings for RMH Families & Children Sal Celebrates by Giving to Others Sal wanted to celebrate his fifth birthday by donating toys to the Ronald McDonald Houses. Earlier this year, his brother had heart surgery and Sal and his family stayed at a Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis where he first became familiar with the mission of RMHC. When Sal was delivering the presents to the House, a family had walked by and Sal instantly started handing them gifts. He was so excited after delivering gifts to the family that he asked to if he could come back and share more! Sure enough, later that day he returned with even more gifts for families and kids! The family was so touched by his young, giving heart that they made Sal thank you notes and asked us if we could send them to him. We are truly moved by the generosity of not only this young boy who is so eager to share his birthday gifts but also for the family to show him such appreciation.
Hannah Lyons Makes a Difference The Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Children’s Hospital recently received a visit from a very special donor, Hannah Lyons. At only 11 years old, Hannah already has a spirit of giving! Hannah recently celebrated her 11th birthday and she couldn’t think of anything she’d rather do than provide the Ronald McDonald House with donations that she’d requested instead of gifts. Hannah proudly presented her donation to the House following her birthday and posed for pictures with staff. Hannah’s birthday donation included two large boxes filled with pantry supplies, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, toys for the Tooth Truck, office supplies, etc. Hannah’s grandmother also contributed three large jugs of pop tabs and a cash donation was made in Hannah’s honor as well. Thank you, Hannah for your generosity and thoughtfulness—the families at Springfield’s two Ronald McDonald Houses appreciate it tremendously!
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Volunteer Spotlight Bridget Laib
Bridget Laib is a junior at Central High School. She started volunteering at the Mercy House in June 2015 and has already contributed over 50 hours of volunteer service! How did you hear about the Ronald McDonald House?
I heard about the Ronald McDonald House from my school counselor. She gave me a list of places I could volunteer and RMH really stood out to me. What is your favorite part about volunteering?
My favorite part about volunteering is when I see families around the House talking, laughing, or playing
with their children. What would you like to share with others thinking about being an RMH volunteer?
For people thinking about volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, they should know it’s a fun place to be, it’s a chance to meet new and interesting people, and it’s for a great cause that I’m happy I get to be a part of. What are your hobbies while not volunteering for the Ronald McDonald House?
Some of my hobbies include reading, hunting, shooting, and painting designs on my nails.
Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH STATS July 2015 What else would you like to share about yourself?
I’m a quiet person who works hard and loves spending time with the people who care about me most, like my family and friends.
20th Annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour Friday, November 20
Mark your calendars for the 20th Annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour! The event will be held on Friday, November 20, 2015 in an open house format. Eventgoers will have the opportunity to tour beautiful and unique homes decorated for the holidays, and enjoy delicious tea and elegant desserts prepared by Chef Roland at the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South. This year also introduces a new and exciting RMHC POP-UP MARKET featuring booths by local vendors where guests are offered an opportunity to engage in holiday shopping. The first 1,200 guests to purchase a ticket will receive a commemorative Cup O’Cheer china teacup and saucer designed by the team at BridgeBlue Sourcing Partners and Obelisk Home. Proceeds from the event benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks. If you are interested in volunteering for the event, contact Brian Powers at brian.powers@ RMHCozarks.org or 417-820-0764.
Families Served........39 Nights................... 318 Families from Missouri.................. 30 Families from Other States...............9 Year-To-Date Families Served...... 212 Program-to-Date Families Served... 9,092
HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL STATS July 2015 Families Served........52 Nights................... 300 Families from Missouri..................47 Families from Other States...............5 Year-To-Date Families Served...... 268 Program-to-Date Families Served... 1,239
Tickets will be available October 2nd and we look forward to welcoming you to our wonderful annual tradition! You can purchase your tickets at the Ronald McDonald Houses, Ellecor Design & Gifts, Gambles Gift Gallery, Jellybeans, Martin’s Floral & Home Décor, Me & My House, Obelisk Home, The Thicket, The Willow Branch and Wickman’s Garden Village.
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Heart
Tooth Talk
of the Back to School By Emma Davis Truck
Megan Blake Samantha Bornaman Chelsea Carroll Allie Dunton Matt Freihofer Jessica Havener Alex Krause Connie McCarter Micayla Miles Ashlee Robinson Zach Shaw Taylor Shireman Bryson Starkey Adam Stotts Melinda Thurman
Tooth Truck Wish List Markers and Colored Pencils Chapstick Matchbox Cars Headbands and Hair Accessories Keychains Superhero Themed Toys
Once Summer School has ended and many kids are taking time off to enjoy their break, the Tooth Truck often has the chance to connect with families who may not have had the opportunity to receive dental services during the school year. While treating patients through summer programs such as Salvation Army and the Boys & Girls Clubs, the Tooth Truck also receives invitations to participate in community outreach events. This summer we were able to attend a couple of back to school events allowing us to get a jumpstart on creating cavity-free smiles.
The Tooth Truck recently had a chance to visit the community of Wheaton, Missouri as part of a Week of Giving event through a local ministry. The Body of Christ Church was able to connect families in the community and surrounding area to medical and dental care as well as back-to- school supplies, haircuts and food pantry items on a massive scale. The Tooth Truck spent three days in Wheaton,
Top right: The Body of Christ Week of Giving event in Wheaton, MO was a huge success! Bottom right: The Tooth Truck had a blast participating in McDonald’s Dollar Day at the zoo!
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providing $11,927 worth of dental treatment to the children signed up through the Week of Giving event. The Tooth Truck traditionally wraps up the summer with the Victory Mission Back to School event in Springfield. Each year, just before the start of school, The Victory Mission hosts an event that serves the children of Springfield and provides countless school supplies to ensure each child has what he or she needs to be successful on the first day of school. The event provides backpacks, pencil boxes, notebooks, reading books and every other school supply imaginable. Community partners, including the Tooth Truck, were also in attendance to provide dental treatment, haircuts, and back-
to-school clothing. During this one-day event, the Tooth Truck was able to promote its program to families new to the area, providing nearly $3,000 in dental services. Each August we look forward to joining the crowd at Dickerson Park Zoo for McDonald’s Dollar Day. Attendees have the opportunity to tour the Tooth Truck, receive a new toothbrush and learn all about a mobile dental office. It was such a fun opportunity to share our message with members of the community and also connect with children who would otherwise may not receive dental care.
Welcome, New Volunteers The Tooth Truck team is happy to welcome Alex Krause to the volunteer family! Alex is a student at Missouri State University studying Elementary Education. She hopes by volunteering with the Tooth Truck she can encourage kids to feel confident about themselves and their bright smiles! After she finishes school Alex plans to move to Kansas City, find a job teaching, and start a family. She also hopes to one day start her own little ski school because she loves to waterski and can even ski backwards while holding one toe! Welcome Alex! We are so thrilled to have you!
Dental Appointments Provided.......................142 Year-to-Date Dental Appointments.............1,868 Program-to-Date Dental Appointments............ 44,593 Program-to-Date Value of Treatments........... $10,590,094
We are pleased to welcome Adam Stotts! Adam is a pre-dental student at Missouri State University, currently in his junior year. Adam’s passion for dentistry began after shadowing his uncle’s practice in his hometown of Wentzville. When he isn’t busy with school, Adam enjoys participating in outdoor activities such as hunting and playing sports. The Tooth Truck staff is delighted to have Adam join our volunteer family and can’t wait to see him inspire our patients to keep their smiles clean and healthy!
Children Who Received Treatment: Boys & Girls Town Boys & Girls Club - Musgrave Boys & Girls Club - Stalnaker Salvation Army
MRS. C’S RECIPES
STAFF
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies 2 tsp. vanilla
1 C. brown sugar
3 C. Quick Oats
1 C. low fat or whipped peanut butter
1 C. flour
¼ C honey
2 tsp baking soda
½ C. unsweetened applesauce
1 C. nonfat dry powder milk
July 2015 Children Treated............. 84
Welcome new volunteer Allie Dunton to our program! Allie is beginning her junior year of school as a pre-dental student at Evangel University. She is on the volleyball team at Evangel and looks forward to volunteering more once volleyball season comes to an end. In her free time Allie likes to watch movies and play with her cat (who she admits she “is obsessed with”). Welcome to the Tooth Truck, Allie!
3 egg whites
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks
President & CEO Bonnie Keller
Enjoy wonderful recipes provided by Mrs. Vivian Carissimo, also known as Mrs. C.
Mix egg whites & brown sugar together. Beat in peanut butter, applesauce, honey & vanilla. In separate bowl combine oats, flour dry milk & baking soda. Gradually add to peanut butter mixture until blended. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes on sprayed cookie sheet.
VOLUNTEER TIP OF THE MONTH How to Clean Your Gutters Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid will clean gutters of mold, build up, etc. Mix ½ small bottle in gallon bucket of water. Use spongemop and rub gutters thoroughly with mixture. Rinse with clean water and repeat if necessary.
Program Director Mindy Muñoz General Dentist Dr. Sarah Cimino Temporary Dentists Dr. Aaron Dannegger Dr. Brett Durbin Dr. Randi Green Office Manager Emma Davis Dental Assistants Megan Lambert Kim Otradovec Part-Time Dental Assistants Jackie Malik
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Heart Beats
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
RMHC Fall Volunteer Outing The Annual RMHC Fall Volunteer outing will be held on Friday October 9th at Rutledge Wilson Farm Park from 6 pm – 8 pm. Come and enjoy a campfire, food, hayrides, and a haunted trail while enjoying quality time with volunteers from the Houses and Tooth Truck! Admission for RMHC volunteers is FREE and guests are welcome to attend for a fee of $3 each. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information or to RSVP please contact Amber Campbell at 417-875-3501 or via email at Amber.Campbell@RMHCozarks.org. You can also RSVP with staff on your next shift at the Houses or on the Tooth Truck!