Heart Beats Newsletter, May-June 2018

Heart

BEATS

MAY/JUNE 2018

29th Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner The 29th Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner was held on April 26th at the Old Towne Event Center in Republic. With the help of the Tooth Truck Inc., and Ronald McDonald House Charities Boards of Directors, we threw a big birthday party celebrating 30-15-5 — 30 years of the Cox House, 15 years of the Tooth Truck, and 5 years of the Mercy House. We had so much fun enjoying a delicious dinner and recognizing all of our amazing volunteers!

Congratulations to all of our volunteers who received an annual award! Check out all the fun photos and videos from the dinner on our Facebook page, www.facebook/ RMHCozarks. Thanks to all for attending this special event!

ANNUAL AWARDS Barbara L. Appleby Award Jennie Crabbe Loniel B Ford Award TJ Slocum Kevin D. Wallace Award Luke Ellickson Stephen K. Scott Award All-Star Smiles Sertoma Club Outstanding New Volunteer, Ronald McDonald Houses Marel Morris, Mercy House Ashley Grady, Cox House Outstanding New Volunteer, Tooth Truck Logan Harrod Outstanding Young Volunteer, Ronald McDonald Houses Brady Marshall, Mercy House Derek Johns, Cox House

RECOGNITION FOR YEARS OF SERVICE 5 Years of Service Lucy Weitzel, Cox House 15 Years of Service Ann Greisemer, Mercy & Cox Houses 30 Years of Service Sandy Emberton, Mercy & Cox Houses Joan Schroeder, Cox House

From The

Staff Happy

Anniversary 1 YEAR Aly Thomas, House near Cox South

10 YEARS Debbie Slocum, House near Cox South Randy Slocum, House near Cox South TJ Slocum, House near Cox South

Heart of the House House Near Cox South Ann Adams Johnny Anderson Tyler Austin Maggie Bradley Zach Bailey Sheila Boswell Chloe Bowers Nadean Burnett Ashton Canfield Dave Canfield Philip Canfield Jillian Carlile John Carr Terri Carr Susan Carter 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 Darren Harrelson Laura Harrelson Mackenzie Harrelson Cindy Harris Samantha Hensel 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 Mikalah Murrell Nolan Musick Jordan Myers Karla Peck LeRoy Peck Julie Prod Kay Prost Jessica Rawlings Lexi Rawlings Beka Razor Lorinda Rehagen Rebecca Reser Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts Savanna Roberts Joe Roushdi Timothy Schmelz Anne Schubert Emily Shepherd Debbie Slocum Randy Slocum T.J. Slocum

House At Mercy Kids Stephanie Bube Allison Burkholder Jennie Crabbe Kristin Custer Sandy Emberton Mason Gaspard Terry Greer Ann Griesemer Brenda Havens Kaley Hawkinson

Jenni Jacka Lillian Jacka Leah Jackson Shelby Jones Danielle Kelly Hannah Le Brady Marshall Becky Mathis Beth Mecca Kassie Medina

Jianna Mills Kiera Mills Krista Mills Kersten Mitchell Rebekah Mitts Alexis Mundell Tracie Nicholson Kate Okland Jamie Phariss Sarah Phillips

Alyssa Smith Mary Smith Grace Stagner Kim Stagner Hannah Stash Madeleine Sullivan Kaden Sumter Brandon Taylor Karen Taylor Kelsey Taylor Kristina Taylor Rich Taylor Linda Tenneson Aly Thomas Sharon Tillman Violet Turner Ava Uzzell Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell Garret Volner Abigail Weitzel Lucy Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Travis Weitzel James Winstead Meghan Zengel

Keely Richter Gabby Riegal Megan Siebert Erin Spieth Kate Steingraber Vanessa Strathmann Madeline Urhahn

Welcome, New Volunteers To Houses We are thrilled to welcome the following volunteers to our Ronald McDonald Houses: Chloe Bowers, John Carr, Terri Carr, Becky Mathis, Alexis Mundell, Kaden Sumter, Jessica Rawlins, Sharon Tillman and Timothy Schmelz.

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 Bailey Ghan Sydney Helms Kennedy Keller Savannah Keller Hannah Major Lacey Wildschuetz

Birthdays May 5 Kassie Medina May 15 Randy Slocum May 16 Savanna Roberts May 17 Stephanie Bube May 18 Nolan Musick May 20 Amber Price

Family Dinner Spotlight

May 21 Mikalah Murrell May 22 Bonnie Keller June 2 Trish Musick Alyssa Smith

Calhoun Family

June 3 Kaley Hawkinson

When did you start providing meals at the Ronald really needs to talk to someone. All you have to McDonald House? do is sit down and listen.

We started providing meals in January of this year.

Do you have any favorite memories from your volunteer experience?

How did you get involved with the Family Dinner We really are a close-knit family, so getting Program? together and providing dinner to other families We are all family to the Mercy House Program is really a great opportunity for us all to give Manager, Ashley, and thought this was such a back. great opportunity.

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

We love being able to sit down and talk to the families. It never fails that we find someone who

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

Get a group of your friends, families, coworkers, etc. together and just do it. You get back as much as you give and more!

June 4 Gracie Holt June 6 Rachel Marsh June 11 Leah Jackson June 13 Madison Gibson June 15 Laura Harrelson June 17 Melinda Fielder June 18 Ryan Blumenstock June 21 Hannah Le

April Dinner Groups

June 30 Brenda Havens

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH Barabara Economon But Love Goes on Forever Buttram Family Cerner Si3 Cox Hospital Mother Baby Unit Cox Hospital Pediatric Nurses Downtown Rotary Club of Springfield Fordland Church of Christ

Fremont Elementary Glendale Christian Church Just Friends Kerr Family Knights Templar Lamphear Family Little Caesar’s Missouri State University Cellular and Molecular Biology Society

Missouri State University Physician’s Assistant Students Oak Grove Assembly of God Ozark High School Future Career and Community Leaders of America Republic Middle School Second Baptist Church Southern Baptist University College of Nursing

The Girlfriends The Good Family Tiffany Maggard Union Hill Church of Christ Unity of Springfield University of Missouri Kansas City School of Pharmacy

Mercy College of Nursing MSU Child Life Student Association MU Medical School Mychelle & Jen St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church Teachers St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church Youth Group

Strafford McDonald’s The Goldens Torch Club Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ Wellington Hills Friends

Open Dates: June- 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, 11th, 17th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 26th, 27th, 29th

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS Ash Grove UMPC Calhoun Family Chelsea Wilson Christ Community Church East Sunshine Church of Christ First Christian ChurchRepublic Hillcrest Presbyterian Church

Houlihan’s Jordan Valley Figure Skating Club Joy Sleep Family Julie Pappenfort Kelley Carr & Family Kickapoo FCCLA Little Sunshine’s Playhouse Louise Morgan

Open Dates: June- 1st, 8th, 10th, 13th, 14th, 29th, 30th

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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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Mission Moment:

The Connolly Family After a stillbirth at 28 weeks a little over a year ago, Marissa and Peter were thrilled to find out they were pregnant with identical twin boys.

Two weeks after, they were told that one of the boys passed. While devastated by this news, they were determined to maintain this pregnancy so that Jack Michael could survive.

At only 25.5 weeks, Jack made his debut into this world weighing 1 lb 13 oz. He is doing well in the NICU with the support of his older sister

and two sets of grandparents staying close by at the Ronald McDonald House. Grandmother Boni wanted to share her thanks: “We can’t tell you how much this has meant to our family. Our story is just one of the many heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking stories that we have heard.

The volunteers are truly wonderful and have made a world of difference to us in this difficult time. Grateful and thanks to all of you.”

Volunteer Spotlight Emily Shepherd Emily Shepherd was the intern for the Spring 2018 Semester. She completed 300+ hours with the organization. Emily was a tremendous help to the House Near Cox South. Let’s learn more about her journey!

What is your favorite thing to do at the House?

I love running errands. I’ve gone grocery shopping, picked up stuff for events, gotten stuff for the office, picked up cookies and all other sorts of trips.

What do you enjoy in your free time?

I like hanging out with my friends, going to the movies, hiking, and going to Cardinals games!

Extracurricular activities?

I’m in Gamma Sigma Sigma, a sorority at MSU. How did you learn about the Ronald House?

Someone came to my elementary school and spoke about it. I also volunteered once at the Mercy House last year.

Do you have any favorite memories?

I really enjoyed pranking Laura Winstead on

Ronald McDonald Houses of the Ozarks her birthday. We wrapped her whole desk chair in gift wrap and covered her desk in Post-It Notes.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering with our organization?

I enjoy seeing the families grow. I love when they bring their babies back to see us.

Other comments?

It’s a great place to intern. You’re never doing the same thing day to day. You never know what’s going to happen. The staff is great to work with and you get to meet a lot of wonderful people.

House Near Cox South STATS April 2018 Families Served..............53 Nights.................................. 201 Families from Missouri................................ 37 Families from other states........................ 16 Year to date.....................157

Our reigning “Share a Heart” Champion TJ Slocum raised $13,710 this year!

Staff Stuff The House at Mercy Kids is excited to welcome a new Assistant Manager, Lacey Wildschuetz.

Lacey is a student at Missouri State University and studies Child and Family Development and Child Life. After serving as a volunteer for Cox Hospital’s Child Life department, Lacey became interested in working in a hospital setting. She is excited to begin serving families at Ronald McDonald House and especially working with House volunteers. She is originally from St. Charles, Missouri. She lives in Springfield with a roommate and her cat Opal. In her free time, Lacey enjoys painting, reading, and enjoying the outdoors. Lacey is also an intern at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks. After

completing her bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Lacey hopes to continue working with hospitalized children and their families.

The House near Cox South is sad to say goodbye to two Assistant Managers, Chandler Saner and Taylor Brower. Chandler just graduated from Mercy College of Nursing at SBU and accepted a position in the Emergency Room at Mercy Hospital. Taylor’s husband has been accepted to Seton Hall Law School and their family will be moving to New Jersey shortly. Congratulations and thank you for your dedication to the Ronald McDonald House!

Program to date.....10,224

House At Mercy Kids STATS April 2018 Families Served..............36 Nights...................................291 Families from Missouri................................35 Families from other states........................... 1 Year to date.....................176 Program to date......2,578

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Heart Tooth Talk of the Truck Megan Blake Tori Bridwell Stephanie Daniels Corey Deatherage Luke Ellickson Sophie Harrington Chandler Hall Logan Harrod Olivia Horton Hailee Hosiner Briana Isakson Susan Lemmon Locke McAllister Connie McCarter Caleb Murray Melinda Thurman

Happy Anniversary 1 YEAR

Luke Ellickson Jairus Burpo Kirsten O’Brien

Birthdays May 2 Brett Durbin May 3 Luke Ellickson June 22 Sophie Harrington June 28 Locke McAllister June 30 Tamra Thomas Caleb Murray

Tooth Truck Wish List 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 Winter hats and gloves

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Volunteering with the Healthy

Smiles Academy

By Chloe Williams, Spring Intern

Volunteering with the Healthy Smiles Academy was not my first choice for an internship for my senior capstone project, but deciding to go with it was something I wouldn’t change for the world. My name is Chloe Williams and I began volunteering for the Healthy Smiles Academy in January for my senior capstone project at Glendale High School. When I first started I didn’t realize I would learn so many skills that can help me as I leave high school for the real world.

I worked with Mindy Muñoz, the Program Director for the Tooth Truck and Healthy Smiles Academy, almost every Tuesday and Thursday for 4 months. We spent our time visiting the schools that participate in the academy, double checking paperwork and creating certificates for the students.

Mindy went with me on the first couple of visits to the different schools, but eventually I was given the trust to go out and do it on my own. While going to these different classrooms, I very quickly noticed that the teachers all have the same basic goal: to make sure their students carry on the habit

of brushing their teeth when they go home.

One of my favorite parts of being a volunteer was going to the different classrooms and talking with the teachers that help the kids brush their teeth. I loved getting to hear that their students are loving it, and that they look forward to brushing their teeth when they get to school. It makes me smile, even though I might not be doing much, that I am helping impact the lives of young children by simply providing supplies for them to brush their teeth with.

I am honored to be given the opportunity to spend these past four months interning for the Healthy Smiles Academy. It has allowed me to work on my communication skills, as well as see what kind of things it takes behind the scenes to run a program so impactful in the lives of children. I hope I will be able to continue to volunteer with the Healthy Smiles Academy and Tooth Truck after I graduate, as well as use what I have learned to better the community around me.

During her four months with the program, Chloe worked on a variety of projects, from conducting site visits, preparing supplies for new sites, and creating certificates for students completing the program.

All-Star Weekend

June 1st & 2nd It’s an ALL-STAR weekend June 1-2, 2018. The 17th Annual Sertoma GRIN IRON CLASSIC (all-star high school football game) and the 7th Annual Sertoma GRIN ACTION CLASSIC (all-star high school volleyball tournament) will take place at Parkview High School in Springfield. RMHC of the Ozarks, the SW MO Football Coaches Association, 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!

Thank you to everyone who has adopted a volunteer shift!

Welcome Tamra

The Tooth Truck is thrilled to welcome to its team as the Healthy Smiles Academy Program Manager. In this role, Tamra will work closely with school staff to establish a daily brushing routine for children by providing the tools and knowledge needed to keep their smiles healthy. She is excited to be a part of an organization that is so meaningful and loves seeing the pride participants feel through the program.

After staying home to raise her three sons, Tamra recently decided to return to school. She is currently attending OTC with a focus on elementary education. In her spare time, she enjoys running, biking, photography, traveling, and spending time with her husband and sons.

Stephanie

The Tooth Truck is excited to welcome to its volunteer team! Stephanie has immediately proven to be great with our little patients. Being a Mom herself, she has a lot of experience in making kids feel at ease and comfortable in their surroundings! She’s taking time out of her busy work day to volunteer with the Tooth Truck, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her! Welcome aboard, Stephanie!

April 2018 Children Treated:............... 101 Dental Appointments Provided:.................................. 173 Year to Date Dental Appointments:.....................961 Program to Date Dental Appointments:..............53,750 Program to Date Value of Treatment:... $14,766,545

Children who received treatment: Billings Schools Bingham Elementary Cassville Schools Clever Schools Great Circle Reed Middle School Walnut Grove School Watkins Elementary

Volunteer/Staff Thomas

Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks

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. Misty Shelton Office Manager Emma Davis Dental Assistants Abbie Dohmen Megan Lambert HSA Program Manager Tamra Thomas Part-Time Dental Assistants Kristi Terry On Call Dental Assistants Amy Baker Jackie Zuiderveld

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Heart Beats

949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257

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Mark your calendars for the 29th annual Web.com Tour’s Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper July 26th – 29th at Highland Springs Country Club.

The Ronald McDonald Houses of the Ozarks have received over $1,200,000 over the past 28 years, and more than half of the annual funding we receive is from the TLC Properties’ CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES TICKETS and people like you. The Sweepstakes program features 500 prizes valued at $25 each, giving each Sweepstakes ticketholder a 1 in 16 chance to win a prize. In addition, every ticketholder also has a 1 in 8,000 chance to win a 2018 Ford F150 Pickup Truck or $10,000 cash prize. Sweepstakes tickets are available NOW for $25 each.

One-hundred-percent of your purchase will benefit the children and families of our two Ronald McDonald Houses if you designate the Houses as your preferred charity. The Sweepstakes Ticket also serves as a grounds season pass for the tournament, July 26th – 29th.

Buy your tickets TODAY and help spread the word! They will make fantastic GIFTS! You can purchase tickets by contacting Kim Booth at 417-875-3505 or kim.booth@RMHCozarks.org OR purchase them at the Cox House.

The 25th Annual Share a Heart Campaign numbers are in, and we are pleased to announce that the campaign was able to raise over $101,000 from the generosity of our sponsors and the support of our community. Thank you to everyone who adopted a heart and shared your heart. By doing so, you are helping us expand the mission of the Ronald McDonald Houses.

Our reigning “Share a Heart” Champion TJ Slocum, also keeps his title, raising another $13,710 this year. TJ is a committed volunteer, and with the help of his parents, Randy and Debbie, continues to show his enthusiasm by selling more hearts than anyone each year. Since 2008, TJ has raised $101,441 for the Ronald McDonald Houses, and we are very grateful for his dedication. Good job, TJ!