HB Dec 2017

Heart

BEATS

December 2017

Cup O’ Cheer Homes Tour Ronald McDonald House Charities® supporters gathered Friday, November 17 to make the 22nd Annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour a huge success!

Homeowners, Holiday Market merchants, Simply Delicious Catering and hundreds of volunteers worked enthusiastically to ensure our guests had a wonderful time. A special thank you to the many volunteers that generously spent their time serving delicious treats, greeting guests, working in homes and at the Holiday Market, driving shuttles, and more. This event would not be

possible without the thousands of hours you all commit to it.

We’re already looking forward to another great event next year, so mark your calendars now for the 2018 Cup O’Cheer to be held Friday, November 16, 2018!

Be sure to purchase your tickets early to ensure you receive a teacup and saucer. If you’d like to receive an email notification when tickets go on sale, please contact Kim Booth at Kim.Booth@RMHCozarks.org.

We are grateful to the following sponsors that have provided generous contributions that will support our Ronald McDonald Houses and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

Distinguished Sponsor:

Leadership Sponsor:

Foundation Sponsor

Supporting Sponsors:

Contributing Sponsors:

From The

Staff Happy

Anniversary 1 Year Kelsey Mitchell Andrew Cheray Cassandra Schwab

Heart of the House House Near Cox South Ann Adams Johnny Anderson Tyler Austin Haley Barnett John Blocker Maggie Bradley Zach Bailey Taylor Brower Nadean Burnett Grace Cain Ashton Canfield Dave Canfield Philip Canfield Jillian Carlile Susan Carter Nancy Clark Heather Cottle-Dillon Mikel Dashtipour Kathy Dennis Lynelle Dock Cheryl Douglas Blake Dowdy Judy Duncan Erica Elmer Wendy Elmer Clydene Freeman Calan Froula Madison Gibson

Becky Gillham Sharon Gillham Shawn Gott Amy Grubaugh Amber Guilliams Darren Harrelson Laura Harrelson Mackenzie Harrelson Cindy Harris John Hashagen Samantha Hensel Cliff HIll Karen Hill Gracie Holt Briana Jenkins Derek Johns Clayton Keller Randi Kerr Trot Kinser True Kinser Betty Kniep Victoria Kubitschek Becky Lang Shawn Lowery Rachel Marsh Adrienne McCoy Sandra McNeive Eileen Meinsen

Larry Meinsen Madison Mickan Kelsie Mitchell Sandy Morris Grant Musick Nolan Musick Jordan Myers Madison Noe Karla Peck LeRoy Peck Kay Prost Lexi Rawlings Beka Razor Lorinda Rehagen Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts Savanna Roberts Kendyl Rodman Joe Roushdi George Schlick Anne Schubert Debbie Slocum Randy Slocum T.J. Slocum Alyssa Smith Mary Smith Grace Stagner Kim Stagner

House At Mercy Kids Carolina Andrade Jane Bray Stephanie Bube Andrew Cheray Jennie Crabbe Sandy Emberton Becky Farris Gabriel Green Terry Greer Ann Griesemer Brenda Havens

Kaley Hawkinson Emma Hilburn Nicole Hitchcock Jenni Jacka Lillian Jacka Leah Jackson Shelby Jones Hannah Le Jennifer Lewis Morgan Lewis Brady Marshall

Hannah Stash Madeleine Sullivan Brandon Taylor Karen Taylor Kelsey Taylor Kristina Taylor Rich Taylor Linda Tenneson Aly Thomas Violet Turner Ava Uzzell Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell Garrett Volner Abigail Weitzel Lucy Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Travis Weitzel Sara Westbrooks James Winstead Meghan Zengel

Beth Mecca Jianna Mills Kiera Mills Krista Mills Kersten Mitchell Rebekah Mitts Alyssa Mondeaux Abby Monsees Tracie Nicholson Kate Okland Alyson O’Connor

Grace O’Neal Brian Pesek Sarah Polistico Karrington Prohaska Monica Quinn Kaylei Sadler Cassandra Schwab Erin Spieth Kate Steingraber Vanessa Strathmann Gabby Wilson

Welcome, New Volunteers To Houses We are thrilled to welcome the following volunteers to our Ronald McDonald Houses: Zach Bailey, Taylor Brower, John Blocker, Jillian Carlile, Leah Jackson, Derek Johns, Rachel Marsh and Madison Noe, Brady Marshall

RMHC Staff Heart Beats is published monthly for volunteers of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks and The Tooth Truck, Inc. Editor: Debbie Kinser ©RMHC 2017. 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 House logo, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, RMHC. 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 Cassie Franklin Savannah Keller Abby Neumann Chandler Saner Rebekkah Wall Sara Wilken

Ronald McDonald House at Mercy kids House Program Manager Ashley Burton Interim Program Assistant Julia Epps Assistant House Managers Amy Crawford Bailey Ghan Sydney Helms Kennedy Keller Savannah Keller Hannah Major Mandy Spurlock

Family Dinner Spotlight Let’s learn a little bit more about our Family Dinner Group, Arvest Bank.

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

We started preparing meals at RMH at the beginning of January 2016.

How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program?

I work for Arvest Bank and once a quarter we are able to sign up to volunteer to prepare the meal for that evening.

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

Cooking is one of my favorite things to do, and I love to help people. Even if it’s as simple as preparing a meal for them. It is one less thing that the parents have to worry about, and they can concentrate on spending time with their child, who is sick. It warms my heart to know the families are so appreciative of having a hot meal, and we always get a lot of compliments on how good the food is.

Do you have any favorite memories from your volunteer experience?

My teenage daughter, Kaylee, has volunteered with our group before. I love getting to spend time with her, especially when it’s time helping out other people. I also love getting to hang out with other Arvest associates who I don’t get to see on a daily basis. It’s nice getting to catch up with them while cooking the family meal.

What would you say to anyone considering volunteering for the Family Dinner Program?

I would say to go for it! Get a group of coworkers or friends together to volunteer, and make it a fun evening of spending time together! It’s a small time commitment that has a great impact on families who need the help.

Other comments?

I appreciate being able to work for a company who is very community focused and allows their employees to volunteer their time to help those in need.

Seven Layer Dip

Ingredients 1 1/2 lbs ground beef 16 oz can refried beans 4 c shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend 8 oz sour cream 1 c guacamole 1 c salsa 2.25 oz can black olives, chopped 1/2 c chopped tomatoes 1/2 c chopped green onions

Provided by Erin Ward at Arvest Bank

December 6 Sandy Emberton December 7 Adrienne McCoy Cliff Ricketts December 9 Larry Meinsen Grace Stagner

2. Spread the beans into the bottom of a 9x13 inch serving tray that is about 1 1/2 inches deep. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese on top of beans.

Sprinkle beef on top of cheese. Spread sour cream very slowly on top of beef. Spread guacamole on top of sour cream. Pour salsa over guacamole and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese. Sprinkle black olives, tomatoes, and green onions on top.

December 10 Jillian Carlile Ann Adams

3. You can serve this dish immediately, or refrigerate it overnight and serve cold. I think it tastes better at room temperature.

December 16 Jacinda Canfield Chandler Saner

Ronald McDonald House near Cox South Fremont Elementary Girl Scout Troop Glendale Christian Church Hillcrest Presbyterian Jha Cares Team Just Friends Knights of Columbus Knights Templar Lakeland Behavioral Health Systems Hannah and Kimberly Grisham Houlihan’s Jennifer Highfill Jessica Ensminger Journey Church Julie Gray and Friends Kayla Shelton Kelli Bossi Kelsea Chandler

December 12 Alyson O’Connor

December 17 Donna Powers December 19 Tristen Uzzell Melinda Thurman

Little Caesar’s Pizza National Heights Baptist Church Oak Grove Assembly of God Ozark Dialysis Parkcrest Baptist Second Baptist St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Youth Group The Girlfriends The Glassman Family

The Good Family The Hobbs Family The Taylor Family Union Hill Church of Christ Unity of Springfield

Lora Stafford Louise Morgan Mariah McAdams Marshfield High School NHS Mercy Catering MSU ASPT MSU Child Life Students Mychelle and Jen North Park Village

Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ Wellington Hills Friends

December 30 Brady Marshall

Open Dinner Dates:

December 31 Joe Roushdi

Open Dinner Dates: December 27

Ronald McDonald House at Mercy kids Arvest Bank Ash Grove UM-Presbyterian Bill and Andi Wise Chelsea Wilson East Sunshine Church of Christ Fair Grove High School- Amy Johnson Fed Ex Friendship Assembly of God

December 1 True Kinser Nadean Burnett

Directions 1. In a large skillet, brown ground beef. Set aside to drain and cool to room temperature.

November Dinner Groups Battlefield United Methodist Church Buffalo McDonald’s Cerner Si3 Chesterfield Ward Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Debbie Lane and Family Evergreeen Baptist Fordland Church of Christ Girls

December Birthdays

December 26, 28, and 31

December 21 Joanna Weitzel December 20 Brian Pesek December 25 Mary Smith Gabby Wilson

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Wish List

Around the Houses We have enjoyed decorating and preparing for the holidays at the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids! A special thank you to Jane Paul for giving generously of her time to decorate again this year, and to all the volunteers who helped.

The guests are enjoying the beautiful wreaths and ornaments!

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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Mission Moment The following is a letter written

by Madison Calton: In May 2017 my husband and I found out that we were expecting our second child.

We were stationed in Fort Hood, TX and my husband was about to deploy any day to Korea. I knew I would be going through the pregnancy alone along with our 2-yearold son.

In September, my son and I came up to Missouri to visit some family. While we were here, my water broke unexpectedly at 24 weeks pregnant. My family rushed me to Cox South where I was admitted on bedrest.

We sent a Red Cross

message to my husband’s unit and were able to get him home on emergency leave.

money on food and gas has helped us tremendously. We are extremely thankful.

After a couple weeks in the hospital, I developed an infection and had to have an emergency c-section. Our son Ezra was born on October 8th at only 25 weeks 4 days gestation. He weighed 2 pounds 2 ounces and was 13.25 inches long.

Timothy, Madison, Owen, and Ezra Calton

We are very blessed to be staying at the Ronald McDonald House during this time our son is in the NICU. Our home is in Texas and our families are over an hour away from the hospital. This allows us to have our own room and be able to visit our son at any time. Saving

Ronald McDonald Houses of the Ozarks

BNSF Railway spent an entire day at the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South helping to decorate for the holidays! In addition to decorating, the group helped to prepare the House for our annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour. We want to extend our many thanks for your hard work!

Volunteer Spotlight Aly Thomas

House Near Cox South Stats October 2017 Families Served............ 45

Aly has volunteered with the Ronald McDonald House since May. She has hit her 25-hour goal and plans to keep going! Let’s learn a little bit more about Aly. What is your favorite thing to do at the House?

I usually like to help around the kitchen. I also enjoy baking.

What do you enjoy in your free time?

I like to be with my friends and hang out and go do fun things.

Extracurricular activities?

I play tennis for Kickapoo and volleyball for Club Bear.

Do you volunteer anywhere else in the Springfield community?

I am interested in starting Medical Explorers.

How did you learn about the Ronald McDonald House?

I have a friend in Texas. Her brother stayed in one.

Do you a have any favorite memories?

One of my favorite memories was when I baked cookies here. A bunch of guests came down and I got to spend time with them.

Nights................................. 285 Families from Missouri................................ 32 Families from other states....................... 13 Year to date................... 326 Program to date..... 9,967

House At Mercy Kids Stats October 2017 Families Served............. 54 Nights................................ 298 Families from Missouri............................... 45 Families from other states......................... 9 Year to date................... 441 Program to date.... 2,290

What do you enjoy more about volunteering with our organization?

I just love helping others. Also, the staff is really nice and fun to talk to.

Thank you, Aly, for being such an awesome volunteer!

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Heart Tooth Talk of the Truck Megan Blake Corey Deatherage Luke Ellickson Sophie Harrington Chandler Hall Logan Harrod Christopher Heye Hailee Hosiner Ben Hughes Briana Isakson Susan Lemmon Kalyn Martin Connie McCarter Caleb Murray Melinda Thurman

December Birthdays December 1 Garret Craigmiles December 5 Connie McCarter December 17 Emma Davis December 18 Melinda Thurman December 25 Kirsten O’Brien

Tooth Truck Wish List

A Healthy Smiles Academy Graduate The Healthy Smiles Academy, the Tooth Truck’s daily in-school brushing program, has had an active start to the fall. The program has had a big impact on the oral health of children in early childhood and kindergarten classrooms throughout our community. Our staff loves catching up with graduates of the program, like Lucas, when we have the chance!

Lucas was a participant of the Healthy Smiles Academy last year as a kindergartener in the brand new Fremont Elementary School building. We asked Lucas about his experience and he said, “I liked brushing my teeth at school, it was fun.” He also told us that brushing his teeth at school made him enjoy brushing his teeth more at home. Often parents of Healthy Smiles Academy students express their appreciation for the program because it encourages proper brushing at home and makes it less of a struggle during the bedtime routine.

Each child in the Healthy Smiles Academy receives a brushing supply bag to take home filled with dental supplies, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, brushing worksheet, a brushing cling for their

bathroom mirror, and a two-minute brushing time. The two-minute brushing timer is a big hit with most of our participants, including Lucas!

Lucas did tell us that it was sometimes hard to remember to brush at the start of the program. He said, “Our teachers reminded us” during the first few days. Brushing after breakfast soon became a normal part of their day. Pretty soon the kids were reminding their teachers it was almost time to brush!

Another popular component of the Healthy Smiles Academy is DecayAway Dragon, our tooth brushing model. Lucas enjoyed brushing DecayAway Dragon’s teeth and commented,“ They were really really WHITE”! DecayAway Dragon has become the program’s mascot, and one of the most loved parts of the Healthy Smiles Academy! We asked Lucas how many times a day he thinks Decay Away Dragon’s teeth get brushed by students, and he said “probably three times a day”! That’s a great guess, Lucas! We truly enjoyed talking to Lucas about his experience and look forward to seeing his super star smile around Fremont each time we visit!

Action figures Matchbox cars Hair accessories (clips, headbands) Jewelry (necklaces, bracelets) Chapstick Handheld games DVDs for older children Outdoor toys (bubbles, sidewalk chalk, Frisbees, sports balls) Walmart gift cards Beanie Babies

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Lucas enjoys modeling all of the different dental tools and supplies he used when brushing as a part of the Healthy Smiles Academy.

Volunteer Welcomes The Tooth Truck would like to welcome three new volunteers this semester. Logan, Chandler, and Kalyn all recently started their volunteer experience on the Truck, and each one is proving to be an inspiring addition to the team!

Logan Harrod

Logan Harrod is all business as an MSU student and president of his fraternity. He hopes to pursue dental school in the future, and has great strengths in communicating with others! His communication skills shine brightly on the Tooth Truck as he interacts with patients, and really focuses on making them feel like the star of the Truck.

Chandler Hall

Chandler Hall is a recent graduate from College of the Ozarks and loves sports and dentistry! He is currently working as an assistant coach for Glendale High School’s basketball team. Chandler is also applying to dental school, and hopes to start very soon. His biggest passion about volunteering with the Tooth Truck is helping kids establish healthy oral hygiene habits!

Kalyn Martin

Kalyn Martin recently graduated from MSU with her bachelor’s degree in communications but is interested in continuing on to pursue dental hygiene school or dental school...still undecided she says! Kalyn has a passion for working with young kids, and hopes volunteering on the Tooth Truck will provide her with many opportunities to improve the self-esteem of local children. Seeing them smile is her biggest joy!

Welcome to the Tooth Truck guys! We are so blessed to have each of you, and our patients will be lucky to know you.

Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks October 2017 Children Treated......... 210 Dental Appointments provided........................... 363 Year to date dental Appointments............. 2,622 Program to date dental Appointments.......... 52,225 Program to date value of treatment....... $13,887,829 Children who received treatment: Boys & Girls Town Bowerman Elementary Carver Middle School Disney Elementary Harrison Elementary McBride Elementary Reed Middle School Sherwood Elementary Tampa Head Start Williams Elementary York Elementary

STAFF

President & CEO Bonnie Keller Program Director Mindy Muñoz General Dentist Dr. Sarah Cimino Community Dentists Dr. Raymond Burton Dr. Aaron Dannegger Dr. Brett Durbin Dr. Blake Keaster Dr. Misty Shelton Healthy Smiles Academy Program Manager Tamara Maddox Office Manager Emma Davis Dental Assistants Abbie Dohmen Megan Lambert Part-Time Dental Assistants Kristi Terry On Call Dental Assistants Amy Baker Chelsea Murray

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Heart Beats

949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

LifePoints Lift RMHC® of the Ozarks is celebrating the gift of life through “Life Points Lift” program coordinator, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks. Through hundreds of blood and apheresis donations over the past year, RMHC supporters contributed their LifePoints which resulted in RMHC ranking second place in the LifePoints Lift competition among 10 local charities. RMHC received an extra $1,000 prize! Thank you to everyone who supported such a great cause and extended your hearts into our community. We’re excited to get into the full swing of things for next year as our partnership with CBCO continues into 2018. We encourage you to donate as often as possible at a center near you.

Find out more at www.cbco.org/lifepoints-lift/.