Heart Beats Newsletter, November 2015

Heart

BEATS NOVEMBER 2015

Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour

Friday, November 20, 2015 Don’t miss our 20th annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour on Friday, November 20th, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event has an open-house format so guests can set their own schedules to visit five beautiful homes decorated for the holidays, including the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South. Each $30 ticket includes a special Holiday Tea at the House, featuring elegant desserts by French Chef Roland Parny, as well as admission to our NEW POP-UP MARKET! The first 1,200 guests to purchase a ticket will also receive a fine china teacup and saucer, designed especially for this event by BridgeBlue Sourcing Partners and Obelisk Home.

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. Note: On November 20th, the

Snider Home, Larry & Brenda Snider

Erwin Home, Eldon & Ida Marie Erwin Fremont Hills Interior & Holiday Décor by Interior Makeovers by Ida Marie

only location to purchase tickets will be at the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South.

Special thanks to all of you who have volunteered to support our 20th annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour! It’s not too late to join the effort --- contact Brian Powers at 417-820-0764 or Brian.Powers@RMHCozarks.org to get involved.

Kofron Home, Joe & Anne Kofron

Natural Bridge Interior & Holiday Décor by Anne Kofron

Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks

Front Porch and Entryway Décor by Mears Floral Products, Designers Judy Mears and Kim Hardin Family Room Furnishings by Obelisk Home Family Room Holiday Décor by Me and My House South Dining Room Christmas Décor by The Willow Branch North Dining Room Christmas Décor by Martin’s Floral & Home Décor Dining Room Fresh Floral by The Flower Merchant Bedroom Décor by Pure & Simple Co. Interiors-Boutique-Gifts; Ellecor Design & Gifts; and Dillard’s Department Store Living Room Décor by Ellecor Design & Gifts Playroom Décor by Steve Roberson South Entry Décor by Martin’s Floral & Home Décor Hallway & Restroom Décor by Dillard’s Department Store

Chesterfield Village Interior & Holiday Décor by Brenda Snider

We are also grateful to the following sponsors for providing generous contributions that will support our Ronald McDonald Houses and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile:

Krittenbrink Home, Bill & Karen Krittenbrink

Highland Springs Interior Design Assistance by Linda Shaeffer, Interior Designs Holiday Décor by Judy Mears & Linda Shaeffer

This year’s NEW POP-UP MARKET, held at Remington’s Event Center (also a shuttle stop for a featured home on the Tour) will showcase dozens of local vendors with boutique items, beauty products, pottery, kitchenwares and more, all ready for your holiday shopping! Every vendor will also contribute an item for our POPUP MARKET RAFFLE, where you can place your raffle tickets with the items you want the most!

Learn more on the Cup O’Cheer page in the Events section on our website, RMHCozarks.org.

Heart of the House Staff House Near Cox South

From The Happy Anniversary 1 Year

Zach Shaw, Tooth Truck

5 Years

Betty Kniep, House near Cox South Amy Grubaugh, House near Cox South

20 Years

Jan Ricketts, House near Cox South

Johnny Anderson Alaina Arner Haley Barnett Connie Benna John Blocker Maggie Bradley Tyler Brasfield Betty Breshears Tram Bui Paula Bunch Nadean Burnett Ashton Canfield Dave Canfield Phillip Canfield Vivian Carissimo Susan Carter Evelyn Close 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

T.J. Slocum Dearicka Smith Mary Smith Rawn Spearman Noah Spigelman Kim Stagner Brianna Steiert Brandon Taylor Karen Taylor Kelsey Taylor Kristina Taylor Rich Taylor Lauren Teideman Linda Tenneson Ava Uzzell Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell Abigail Weitzel Lucy Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Travis Weitzel Sara Westbrooks Sara Wilken Arin Williams Megan Zengel

Caroline Langley Linda Lebow Shawn Lowery Misty Manes Adrienne McCoy Sandra McNeive Amber Marmon Brittany Means Eileen Meinsen Larry Meinsen Sandy Morris Jordan Myers Abby Neumann Christian Nguyen Ana Ortiz Karla Peck Dani Peterson Kay Prost Kennedy Randles Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts Evan Roberts George Schlick Joan Schroeder Anne Schubert Debbie Slocum Randy Slocum

House At Mercy Children’s Hospital Tyler Austin John Barron Josh Bell Allison Blacksher Michael Bohnert Allison Burkholder Jennie Crabbe Courtney Cramer Audrey Dlabach Megan Dwyer Sandy Emberton Becky Farris

Terry Greer Ann Griesemer Brenda Havens Carri Hummer Jessi Hummer Jenni Jacka Lillian Jacka Tyler Jones MaKenzie Judy Katelin Krusz Bridget Laib Angel Laukon

Chandler Saner Taylor Schmidt Mikaela Smith Amy Sullinger Serenity Sullinger Katelyn Sullivan Kirstin Terris Debbie Williams Rebecca Won

Angel Le Taylor Lee Barbara McBride Larry McBride Elaina Mihalik Rebekah Mitts Alyssa Mondeaux Abby Monsees Miranda Nelson Erin Parsons Pooja Patel Jonathan Price

Welcome, New Volunteers To Houses Tram Bui, Susan Carter, Noah Spigelman, Lauren Teideman and Linda Tenneson

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 Brian Powers Assistant House Managers Bethany Bishop Amy Crawford Bailey Ghan Hannah Major Melanie Ward

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH

Family Dinner Spotlight Knights of Columbus - Ozark #10200 It’s not too early to sign up for 2016 Family Dinner dates! We would love your group to be part of this wonderful program. To sign up for a meal at the House near Cox South, contact Amber Campbell (Amber.Campbell@RMHCozarks.org) or for the House at Mercy Children’s Hospital, contact Brian Powers (Brian.Powers@RMHCozarks.org).

November 5 Betty Kniep November 6 John Blocker November 8 Eileen Meinsen

When did you start providing meals for families at the Ronald McDonald House?

We’ve been involved with the program for 10 years.

What is your favorite thing about participating in the Family Dinner Program?

We enjoy providing a good home-cooked meal and getting to talk with families. We like getting to see kids all grown up when families return to the House too!

November 11 Jan Ricketts November 15 Brianna Steiert What would you like to say to other groups who are considering volunteering with the Family Dinner Program?

Do it with your heart. Try to make something for the families that you would like to eat. This is a great program and a great opportunity for groups to hang out with each other while serving families in their time of need.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH

Just Friends Kettle Cookers Knights of Columbus Knights Templar Kohl’s Lakeland LifePoint Church MoStateAFC MSU Pride Band Oak Grove Assembly of God Ozark Dialysis Pre-Health Professions Club Second Baptist Church

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Alpha Delta Pi Andrea Nikodim Ash Grove UMPC Battlefield UMC The Clotfelter Family & Little Caesars Drury Volunteer Corps East Sunshine Church of Christ Fair Grove NHS First Baptist Church of Reavisville Flowerama The Golden’s Hillcrest Presbyterian Church Julie Gray & Friends

Julie Pappenfort Louise Morgan Mercy Corporate Health and Wellness Mercy Imaging Mercy ROI MSU Freddy 3rd East Wing MSU Physical Therapy Students Mychelle & Jen SBU College of Nursing SBU Physical Therapy Students Second Baptist Small Group Take Charge Torch Club Turning Point Church

November 16 Joan Schroeder Meghan Zengel November 19 Julia Kovacs November 23 Karis Agnew Katelin Krusz November 27 Abigail Weitzel

October Dinner Groups Amy Wood & Family Becky Vitt & Friends But Love Goes On Forever Cassidy United Methodist Church Cerner Si3 Covenant Presbyterian Church Edith & Betty First Baptist Church of Reavisville First United Methodist Youth Glassman Family Glendale Christian Church Home Depot Hope Church Ladies Life Group

November 2 Brandon Taylor November 4 Elaina Mihalik

In this issue of Heart Beats, we want to share a little bit more about long-time Family Dinner Program volunteers, Knights of Columbus – Ozark #10200!

How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program?

A member has a nephew that volunteered for the organization and he told us about the volunteer opportunity.

November Birthdays

November 30 Clayton Keller Springfield Catholic The Girlfriends The Good Family The Simkins Family Union Hill Church of Christ United Healthcare Open November Dinner Dates: November 27 Open January Dinner Dates: January 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 15, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, & 31 Union Hill Church of Christ The Ward Family Wellington Hills Friends The Wilson Family Open December Dinner Dates: December 29 Open January Dinner Dates: January 1, 2, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 26, 29, & 30

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Wish List

Around the Houses Fall Blessings

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

Alpha Delta Pi members continue to share their artistic talents with the Houses with this festive fall décor! Thank you to Kate Fletcher for painting the three pumpkins with the Happy Fall message that greets our families, volunteers and guests upon arrival at the House near Cox South. We can’t wait to see the other items members are currently creating!

Farewell to Mercy House Manager,

After more than three years with the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Children’s Hospital, Alexis Rainwater has resigned from her position as House Manager. She will begin her new role with the Department of Corrections in mid-November and is excited for this new journey and opportunity. We are incredibly thankful for the leadership and service she has provided to the House Program and wish her all the best in her future endeavors!

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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Alexis Rainwater

House Programs Leadership Team: Staci Holland, Amber Campbell, Megan Schussler, Alexis Rainwater and Brian Powers

We are also excited to announce that Brian Powers has been promoted to the House Manager position at the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Children’s Hospital!

Brian has served as the Associate House Manager for the past two years, providing leadership for the volunteer programs at the Mercy House. As he begins his new role, he is accepting applications for the Associate House Manager position. For more information, contact Brian at Brian.Powers@RMHCozarks.org.

3rd Quarter 2015 Awards Congratulations to all of our Ronald McDonald House volunteers earning third quarter hourly awards. We are blessed beyond measure with more than 140 volunteers who contribute time and talents to further serve the mission of the Ronald McDonald Houses! Be sure to pick up your award at the Houses on your next shift!

25 HOURS

50 HOURS

100 HOURS

Tyler Austin Haley Barnett John Blocker Jennie Crabbe Liz Hayes Bridget Laib Shawn Lowery Noel Sandoval Dearicka Smith

Nadean Burnett Jennie Crabbe Mariel Cruz Gracie Holt Bridget Laib Shawn Lowery Karla Peck Evan Roberts

Jenni Jacka Angel Laukon Shawn Lowery Rebekah Mitts Lucy Weitzel

250 HOURS Megan Dwyer

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’T HOSPITAL

Volunteer Spotlight Jennie Crabbe

Jennie Crabbe has been volunteering at the House since February 2015. She brings lots of energy to each shift and brightens the House with her vibrant smile!

Let’s learn a little more about Jennie!

How did you hear about the Ronald McDonald House?

I heard about the organization on TV, and I saw information at McDonald’s. I have also participated in the Pop Tab Program for quite some time.

What is your favorite part about volunteering?

I love to get to know all the new people here. I also enjoy taking care of things around

the House—I know it makes a family’s day easier.

What would you like to share with others thinking about being an RMH volunteer?

It’s wonderful meeting the families that stay here. It is a very fun environment to volunteer in, even the cleaning!

Also, Alexis and Brian are really nice.

What are your hobbies while not volunteering for the Ronald McDonald House?

I play sports for Special Olympics and A Sporting Chance. I play basketball, softball, bowling, and track and field. I also play music, enjoy cooking and knit.

Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH STATS What else would you like to share about yourself?

I am part of Arc of the Ozarks.

I also volunteer for Victory Mission Food Pantry. I play the piano and do concerts with music therapy. I like talking to people and learning new things.

I hope to get a job one day.

September 2015 Families Served........48 Nights....................116 Families from Missouri..................43 Families from Other States...............5 Year-To-Date Families Served...... 289 Program-to-Date Families Served... 9,169

HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL STATS September 2015 Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving holiday!

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. ~ William Arthur Ward

Welcome New Assistant Manager,

Bethany Bishop

Please help us welcome our newest Assistant Manager at the Mercy House, Bethany Bishop! Bethany is originally from Wellsville, Missouri, but is currently a senior at Missouri State University. She is on track to graduate with her Bachelor of Science in Health Services in December 2015. After graduation, she plans to continue her education as she pursues a Masters Degree in Nonprofit Management.

Throughout her time at Missouri State University, Bethany has worked as the Leadership Student Specialist, interned with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks and held numerous leadership positions in various organizations. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching movies and sports, and hiking/running. Bethany is very excited to be part of the Assistant Manager team and is looking forward to all of the great experiences she will have with RMHC of the Ozarks!

Families Served........49 Nights................... 127 Families from Missouri..................48 Families from Other States...............1 Year-To-Date Families Served...... 342 Program-to-Date Families Served....1,313

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Heart

Tooth Talk

of the Giving Thanks for Healthy Smiles Truck By: Emma Davis

Cassidy Bartolotta Megan Blake Samantha Bornaman Chelsea Carroll Allie Dunton Matt Freihofer Sophie Harrington Jessica Havener Alex Krause Connie McCarter Caleb Murray Terre Redmon Ashlee Robinson Zach Shaw Taylor Shireman Micayla Shrimpton 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

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This time of year often brings to mind feelings of thankfulness, and we wanted to take a moment to share some of the many blessings we see on the Tooth Truck. The Tooth Truck team is consistently reminded of just how thankful we are to be a part of this amazing organization and the incredible people we have the opportunity to work alongside all year long. As a staff, we would not be able to fix cavity bugs, educate children on proper brushing, or instill a positive sense of self-worth if we didn’t have these crucial partners working alongside us.

It takes a lot of people to keep us up and running so we can create cavity-free smiles each week of the year. Our wonderful partners not only provide exceptional work, but believe 100% in our mission and go above and beyond to meet every need or challenge. From school nurses, to mechanics and equipment technicians, to computer gurus, to dental supply reps and volunteers, we have a tremendous network of advocates for the Tooth Truck.

A very special group is our beloved volunteers who contribute their time to the Tooth Truck, Healthy Smiles Academy and special events that occur throughout the year. They are the heart of our organization as they connect with our little patients and work alongside our staff to make a lasting difference in the dental health of at-risk children in our community. We had some of

Dental Assistant Megan, patient Ana and Dr. Sarah are happy and smiley on Ana’s last appointment day. She got to pick out her big prize and the confidence she clearly has from a bright beautiful smile will last a lifetime!

our volunteers share why they are thankful for the Tooth Truck: “I am thankful for my opportunity on the Tooth Truck because now I have something that drives me to give back to the community once I am a dentist.”- Micayla “I’m thankful for the opportunity to volunteer on the Tooth Truck because it allows me to give back to a type of organization that once provided my sister and me health care treatment when my mom was a single parent working two jobs to make ends meet.” - Ashlee “I am thankful because we get to help children feel more confident about themselves and their smiles.”

- Taylor

“I am thankful for the Tooth Truck and staff because they are dedicated to working with children and their families to provide a much needed service to our community.” – Megan “When I see so many little smiles that need a little extra care, it makes me so thankful there is some place they can go to get a smile fixed.” - Connie As the end of another year draws near, it is good to remember all of the ways in which we are blessed.

The Tooth Truck wishes our patients, their families, volunteers and school staff the happiest of Thanksgivings! May your holiday season be filled with wonderful memories, people and joy. As always, remember to smile!

Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks September 2015

Volunteer Ashlee, Office Manager Emma, and patient Hunter are all smiles about his healthy, bright smile while he chooses his special prize after his last visit to the Tooth Truck.

Children Treated............195 Dental Appointments Provided.......................369

Right: Volunteer Melinda, Dental Assistant Kim, and patient Dixie are radiant in pink and happy to share in the confidence of Dixie and her cavity free smile!

Year-to-Date Dental Appointments.............2,554

Welcome New Volunteer, Sophie Harrington The Tooth Truck is delighted to welcome Sophie Harrington to our volunteer family! Sophie is currently completing her sophomore year as a pre-dental student at Missouri State University. She first started volunteering with the Tooth Truck through the Healthy Smiles Academy assisting kids with brushing in a school setting. As soon as a regular volunteer shift became available on the Tooth Truck, Sophie was eager to sign up! In her free time, Sophie enjoys repurposing furniture/house decorations, hand lettering and strolling through the parks and city markets on Sunday mornings. We are excited to have Sophie as part of the Tooth Truck volunteer team!

Sophie helps two participants of the Healthy Smiles Academy on their first day of brushing at Watkins Elementary.

MRS. C’S RECIPES

Boys & Girls Town Pipkin Middle School Pittman Elementary Watkins Elementary Weller Elementary York Elementary

Program Director Mindy Muñoz

16 oz. jar picante sauce

This is great served with rice or in burritos, tacos or taco salad.

Children Who Received Treatment:

President & CEO Bonnie Keller

4, 4-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts, frozen

Pour picante sauce on top and cook on low for about 8 hours.

Program-to-Date Value of Treatments........... $10,784,499

STAFF

Mexican Crockpot Chicken Breasts

Place frozen chicken breasts in crockpot.

Program-to-Date Dental Appointments............ 45,279

Enjoy wonderful recipes provided

by Mrs. Vivian Carissimo, also known as Mrs. C.

General Dentist Dr. Sarah Cimino Temporary Dentists Dr. Aaron Dannegger Dr. Brett Durbin Dr. Randi Green Healthy Smiles Academy Program Manager Tamara Maddox

VOLUNTEER TIP OF THE MONTH

Office Manager Emma Davis

Touching Up Popcorn Ceilings

Dental Assistants Megan Lambert Kim Otradovec

To touch up popcorn ceilings, use a textured, pre-mixed paint.

Dab onto your ceiling with a small paintbrush. Texture is complete!

Sandy Morris, House volunteer, provides helpful tips for everyday needs. Enjoy this month’s Volunteer Tip!

Part-Time Dental Assistants Jackie Malik

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Heart Beats

949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257

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Exclusive Southern Living Cookbooks on Sale Now at Dillard’s!

Dillard’s at the Battlefield Mall in Springfield is joining stores across the country in offering the Exclusive Southern Living® Christmas Cookbook to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities through their 22nd annual holiday fundraiser. Since 1994, Dillard’s has supported RMHC® with a fundraiser benefiting the Ronald McDonald House® program. For the eighth time, Dillard’s is offering a special custom edition of the Southern Living Christmas Cookbook to benefit RMHC. This exclusive, 288-page hardbound cookbook is filled with more than 200 recipes and dozens of decoration ideas for Christmas, plus seasonal gatherings. This “must have” cookbook is only $10 and is available now in all Dillard’s stores nationwide, as well as online at www.dillards.com. You can also purchase your book at the Cup O’Cheer Pop-up Market at Remington’s Event Center on November 20th. Proceeds from the local sale of the cookbooks will benefit Springfield’s two Ronald McDonald Houses.