Heart Beats Newsletter, May 2014

Heart

BEATS

25th Annual Volunteer Dinner!

#trendingnow@RMHC

The 25th Annual Volunteer Recognition dinner was held on Thursday, April 24th, at the beautiful Samuel Cedars Event Center located in Rogersville. With the help of the Tooth Truck Inc., and Ronald McDonald House CharitiesÂŽ Board of Directors, we celebrated the many accomplishments and dedication of over 140 volunteers who make it possible for us to serve children and families in the Ozarks! We laughed, we cried, but most of all we enjoyed our evening celebrating YOU, our volunteers.

MAY 2014

Congratulations to all of our Annual Award recipients! We are honored and blessed to have all of you in our RMHC family. Thank you for everything you do for the families, patients and children we serve every day.

Be sure to share your photos with us through social media using #rmhcvolunteerdinner!

Annual Awards Barbara L. Appleby Award:

Amy Grubaugh Loniel B. Ford Award: Angie Patrick Kevin D. Wallace Award: McKenzie Swan Outstanding Young Adult (Mercy House): Angel Le Outstanding New Volunteer (Cox House): Johnny Anderson Outstanding New Volunteer (Mercy House): Chandler Saner Outstanding New Volunteer (Tooth Truck): Kayla Maples

Special thanks to the following supporters for making the evening possible: RMHC Board of Directors Tooth Truck Board of Directors ADsmith Marketing & Advertising Beth’s Bake Shoppe Kathryn Whitney Photography Infused Catering Josh Campbell Photography Samuel Cedars Center Rick Gilmore, Repeat Performance Rose Advertising RSVPaint Springfield Hot Glass

1st Quarter 2014 Hourly Awards Congratulations to all volunteers who earned an hourly award in first quarter! If you were not at the dinner, be sure to pick up your award in the House offices or on the Tooth Truck.

25 Hours

Megan Blake Kathy Dennis Michaela Harris Taylor Klingenberg Kayla Love Kayla Maples Rebekah Mitts Austin Plute Lauren Routh Chandler Saner Marli Sims Kara Speights Jacob Smith Amy Sutton Amy Sullinger

50 Hours

Lauryn Allison Kayley Barnes Sarah Gutzke MaKenzie Judy Marc Propst Chandler Saner Rachel Schmeling Clayton Schwinke Mikaela Smith

100 Hours

Johnny Anderson Sarah Hansen Kennedy Keller Caroline Langley Connie McCarter McKenzie Swan

250 Hours

Philip Canfield

500 Hours

Karis Agnew Cliff Ricketts Brianna Steiert Sara Westbrooks

1000 Hours Ann Griesemer Sandy McNeive

2000 Hours Judy Duncan

From left to right: Brian Powers, Alexis Rainwater, Sandy Emberton, Joan Schroeder, Megan Schussler, Brent Stock, and Staci Holland.

25 YEARS OF SERVICE Gene & Betty Laytham Joan Schroeder Sandy Emberton

15 YEARS OF SERVICE Evelyn Close

10 YEARS OF SERVICE Kathy Jenkins

5 YEARS OF SERVICE Martha Brooks Sharon Gillham Darren Harrelson Laura Harrelson Mackenzie Harrelson Cliff Ricketts Kristina Taylor Brianna Steiert

Heart of the House Staff House Near Cox South

From The Happy Anniversary 1 Year

Kayla Maples –Tooth Truck Volunteer

Mother’s Day: You’re A Gift

We want to wish all of the Moms a joyous Mother’s Day. May your day be filled with love, hugs and special memories.

Mom, there are no words that can possibly express how much you mean to me and how much trust I feel for you.

You’ve given up so much for me, more than I deserve.

No matter how bad it gets, I can always count on your smile.

When you laugh, your eyes light up much like the stars in the night sky.

You’re my shoulder to cry on, my leg to lean on, that rope that holds me together so I don’t break.

I hope you know I love you, with every bit of my heart.

You’re not only a mother to me, you’re a friend, a companion, but most importantly…you’re a gift.

Written by: Kristi Gurney

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

Lori Aduddell Merideth Aduddell Miles Aduddell Scott Aduddell Lauryn Allison Ashley Ambrose Hannah Anderson Johnny Anderson Leslie Boman Oana Bozek Tyler Brasfield Martha Brooks Ashton Canfield Dave Canfield Phillip Canfield Vivian Carissimo Evelyn Close Heather Cottle-Dillon Kathy Dennis Audrey Dlabach Jan Dooly Judy Duncan Bill Duplisse

Nancy Duplisse Becky Gillham Sharon Gillham Shawn Gott Amy Grubaugh Darren Harrelson Laura Harrelson Mackenzie Harrelson Cindy Harris Kathy Jenkins Paula Johns Clayton Keller Crosby Keller Kennedy Keller Betty Kniep Marion Kraemer Zachary Kram Caroline Langley Sandra McNeive Eileen Meinsen Larry Meinsen Ashley Miller Sandy Morris

Nathan Nelson Christian Nguyen Paul O’neill Angela Patrick Dani Peterson Kay Prost Kathy Purvis Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts George Schlick Rachel Schmeling Joan Schroeder Anne Schubert Marli Sims Sue Sloan Debbie Slocum Randy Slocum T.J. Slocum Mary Smith Ashleigh Spalding Kara Speights Kim Stagner Alexis Stethem

House At Mercy Children’s Hospital Dana Ausburn Kayley Barnes John Barron Josh Bell Michael Bohnert Tynisha Brown Courtney Cramer Angela Dearing Megan Dwyer Pfifer Duerkop Sandy Emberton Laurie Feick Brittany Figaro

Debby Freiman Terry Greer Ann Griesemer Sarah Gutzke Chuck Guy Michaela Harris Brenda Havens Carri Hummer Jessi Hummer MaKenzie Judy Katelin Krusz Angel Le Barbara McBride

Larry McBride Jordan McMunn Rebekah Mitts Jared Nave Pooja Patel Austin Plute Marc Propst Karla Reed Lauren Routh Chandler Saner Amanda Schudy Kelli Showers Jacob Smith

Tina Stethem Brianna Steiert Brandon Taylor Karen Taylor Kelsey Taylor Kristina Taylor Rich Taylor Becky Tilton Katie Tohill Ava Uzzell Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell DeeLee Webster Abigail Weitzel Lucy Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Sara Westbrooks Danielle Wolford Amy Wood Marsha Wood

Mikaela Smith Paul Spiker Amy Sullinger Serenity Sullinger Katelyn Sullivan Amy Sutton Tammy Taylor Ashlee Tennis Ashley Toten David Vong Debbie Williams Megan Wilson

Welcome, New Volunteers To Houses

Tyler Brasfield, John Barron, Tynisha Brown, Courtney Cramer, Brittany Figaro, Katelin Krusz, Kelli Showers, Katelyn Sullivan, Alexis Stethem, Tina Stethem

RMHC Staff President & CEO Bonnie Keller House Program Director Staci Holland Tooth Truck Program Director Mindy Muñoz Director of Events Chris Louzader Project Manager Amber Price Assistant to the President Debbie Kinser Development Assistant Kim Booth Communications Assistant Karen Doman

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH House Manager Megan Schussler Associate House Manager Brent Stock Assistant House Managers Jacinda Canfield Adrianne Forster Brittany Gamble Angela Hammond Morgan Jensen Sheridan Thurman Randi Villines

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL House Manager Alexis Rainwater Associate House Manager Brian Powers Assistant House Managers Amber Campbell Amy Crawford Hannah Major Jill Stout Danielle Walcher

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

May Birthdays

Family Dinner

Spotlight

May 5 Sara Westbrooks

Famous Dave’s

Famous Dave’s: Pictured Hannah Owen

When did you start providing meals for families at the Ronald McDonald House? I began providing meals in the middle of summer 2013.

and listen to all of their stories. The fact that I get to help them out while knowing what they are going through makes the experience all the better!

How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program? My manager at the time told me about the program and asked if I would like to help out by catering a monthly dinner and sometimes take Wilbur, our restaurant’s mascot, along. Needless to say, I said yes; and here I am now!

Do you have any favorite memories? My favorite memory is when Wilbur and I got to visit a little boy in his hospital room. He was thrilled by the surprise and his entire family was very grateful. I will never forget the look on his face, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to do that.

What is your favorite thing about participating in the Family Dinner Program? My favorite thing about this program is that I get to help those in need. Even though I am providing something as simple as food, everyone is so appreciative of it. It’s also nice to connect with some of the people here

What would you like to say to other groups who are considering volunteering with the Family Dinner Program? Do it! This has been such a great experience for me and I am so grateful that I get to be a part of this program.

Give a Hand

May 11 Angel Le May 14 Danielle Walcher May 15 Courtney Cramer Randy Slocum May 20 Amber Price May 21 Amy Sullinger May 22 Bonnie Keller May 24 Sandy McNeive May 26 Angela Phillips

The 2014 Give A Hand Fundraiser started May 1st and runs through May 10th. With the wonderful help of our 63 area McDonald’s®, employees will be asking their customers to purchase a $1, $3 or $5 paper Hand, allowing them to show their support for Ronald McDonald House Charities. What’s a better way to kick off this beautiful Spring season than by helping local children and families heal and thrive! With the growth of our programs over the last two years (new Ronald McDonald House at Mercy and the Tooth Truck’s new In-School Tooth Brushing Program), additional help is certainly needed and greatly appreciated! Be sure to stop by McDonald’s May 1st – May 10th and purchase a Hand to support Ronald McDonald House Charities.

May 28 Brittany Gamble May 31 Laura Beaver

April Dinner Groups RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH Alpha Delta Pi Aubree Good & Family Battlefield United Methodist Church Chefs at Quail Creek Covenant Presbyterian Church Crighton, Olive, and Dunn Surgical Group First Christian Church of Ash Grove Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano Gina McClanahan Glendale Christian Church Greater Springfield Dental Hygienists Association

Home Depot Hy-Vee Jacinda Canfield Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Just Friends Knights of Columbus Knights Templar Kohl’s Associates in Action New Hope Baptist Church North Point Church Oak Grove Assembly of God Parkview National Honors Society

Second Baptist Church Springfield Catholic The Girlfriends Union Hill Church of Christ Victory Baptist Church Walmart of Nixa Wellspring Ministries Youth Group Open Dinner Dates: May 2, 4, 24, 29, 30, 31

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Ash Grove United Methodist-Presbyterian Church The Allen Family Child Life Student Association Clever United Methodist Church The Clotfelter Family and Little Caesar’s The Cramer Family Drury Student Volunteers East Sunshine Church of Christ Famous Dave’s FedEx The Golden’s

Hanley Community Group Hillcrest Presbyterian Church Kickapoo High School FCCLA Louise Morgan Mercy Business Risk Services MSU Athletic Trainers Student Association (twice) Mercy Central Access Mercy Corporate Health and Wellness Mercy Imaging MSU Woods House 4th Floor Mychelle Eckels

New Life Church Small Group Northside Christian Church (Jessica Clements Small Group) St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Youth Group Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ Wellington Hills Friends Open Dinner Dates: 5, 6, 11, 17, 24, 25

PAGE 3

Wish List

Around the House

HAPPY WHEELS WISH LIST Small bottles of lotion Mini hand sanitizers Activity books (crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word finder) Travel manicure sets Chapstick Individual packs of Kleenex Individually-packaged snacks (Goldfish, granola bars, Teddy Grahams, gum, mints, Lifesavers, etc.)

Small packs of crayons for the activity books 12-ounce water bottles

We received a HUGE donation from the Missouri State Fraternity and Sorority community.

They donated over 5,000 cleaning supplies for our TWO Ronald McDonald Houses! They collected donations as part of the Greek Week competitions and chose to support the Houses in this special way. It took more than 12 trips in cars, trucks and the House van to get all the supplies delivered. What an incredible donation! Thank you to the Missouri State Fraternity and Sorority community for supporting the Houses in this special way!

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 Laundry baskets Individually wrapped breakfast items White king sheets (fitted and flat) White standard-size pillowcases White bath & hand towels White wash cloths Detergent Stamps 8 1/2 x 11 Paper

PAGE 4

Easter Egg Hunt For Easter, we invited families from both Houses, as well as families that we met during our Happy Wheels visits, to come over

to the House near Cox South and participate in an Easter egg hunt.

We had numerous groups donate Easter baskets, candy and filled

Taste of Adventure

eggs, so we were able to make sure that the children had a great holiday experience even when away from home.

The 5th Annual Taste of Adventure, held on Thursday, April 3rd, was a great success!

This Great-Outdoors-themed event included wonderful food, music and games! Over the past five years, more than $275,000 has been raised to support the missions of our Ronald McDonald Houses and the Southern Missouri Fellowship of Christian Athletes!

We want to give a HUGE thank-you to all the volunteers who helped make the event possible.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH

Volunteer Spotlight Kathy Jenkins has been a volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South since July 2004.

Kathy became involved with the Ronald McDonald House when her daughter, Sam, had the opportunity to volunteer for extra credit at school. Nearly ten years later, Kathy has put in over 1,000 volunteer hours between her Thursday

evening shifts and volunteering for events. A couple of Kathy’s favorite things about volunteering at the House are getting to know all of the different families and working with the Thursday night volunteer crew. When Kathy isn’t volunteering her time at the House, she enjoys working out, baking, reading, singing in the church choir and

volunteering at Crosslines. We are so appreciative of Kathy’s dedication to our families and our organization.

Thank you for all you do!

Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks

STAFF STUFF

Welcome New Assistant Managers

To The House Near Cox South

Please welcome our two newest additions to our team. In April, Kayla Love and Karis Agnew joined our team of Assistant Managers at the House near Cox South. Both young women served as volunteers prior to their new roles.

Kayla’s favorite part about volunteering was interacting with the Family Dinner groups. Now as an Assistant Manager, she is looking forward to spending more time in the House and meeting more volunteers. She is originally from Buffalo, MO, and moved to Springfield to obtain her degree in occupational therapy. Kayla is currently a sophomore at OTC studying biological clinical sciences.

In her free time, she enjoys reading.

A little-known fact about Kayla is that she is a published author!

Karis has been volunteering at the House since spring of 2011. Her favorite memory from her time volunteering was when she put gifts for two children who were checking in with their family in their room. When they walked in for the first time, they were so excited to see that “Ronald McDonald” had left something just for them! Now as an Assistant Manager, she is looking forward to creating positive experiences for both families and volunteers. She is a freshman at Drury University studying psychology. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading and volunteering with kids. A littleknown fact about Karis is that while living in Iowa she was cast as an extra in the remake of the Children of the Corn movie.

At the end of May, we will be saying goodbye to one of our Assistant Managers, Randi Villines. Randi has served as an Assistant Manager since January 2012. She has graduated with her associate degree, and has accepted a position working as a scribe at Cox Hospital. She is also preparing for her upcoming wedding! Randi looks forward to coming back as a volunteer once she gets settled.

Congratulations to Assistant Manager Angela Hammond, who received her bachelor’s degree in professional writing with a minor in creative writing . We would also like to congratulate Assistant Manager Brittany Gamble, who received her bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology.

Charlie Dawn Davis Benefit Motorcycle Ride On April 13th, the 2nd Annual Charli Dawn Davis Benefit Motorcycle Ride started in Branson and ended at the House near Cox South! After staying at the House during Charli’s hospitalization, her family organized this ride to give back to the House that has given so much to them. About 50 motorcyles and more than 100 guests enjoyed great hamburgers, hot dogs and desserts prepared by Knights of Columbus. Rider fees, raffles and shirt sales along with a very generous donation of products from Family Dollar, made it a wonderful Sunday! Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this event!

HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH STATS March 2014 Families Served........ 51 Nights................... 300 Families from Missouri..................43 Families from Other States...............8 Year-To-Date Families Served........96 Program-to-Date Families Served... 8,609

HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL STATS March 2014 Families Served........55 Nights................... 145 Families from Missouri..................53 Families from Other States...............2 Year-To-Date Families Served...... 149 Program-to-Date Families Served...... 602

PAGE 5

Heart of the Truck Megan Blake Chelsea Carroll Sarah Hansen Linda Heslin Taylor Klingenberg Kayla Maples Connie McCarter Nick Moore Ashley Robinson Cody Sullivan McKenzie Swan Clayton Schwinke Gina Wyland

Tooth Talk A Lifetime

of Healthy Smiles The best way to prevent a cavity is to brush your teeth at least twice a day. All around us, there are children without the resources or knowledge to properly care for their teeth. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, fondly known as the Tooth Truck, is making strides to change this by growing its Brushing Program.

We recently extended the reach of this program into West Plains by uniting with their local Boys & Girls Club. Today, there are 200 children not only learning the importance of daily brushing, but practicing it in the club setting. The Tooth Truck ensures they have all the necessary supplies to brush each day at the club and the staff oversees the dayto-day logistics. In addition, children get to take home a care bag with enough supplies to brush and floss at home. The potential impact of this program is enormous. Our hope is these children will have fewer cavities as they grow because of these efforts.

A smile can say so much—what better way to make a lasting impact in the life of another than through the gift of a healthy smile.

Boys & Girls Club members make brushing part of their daily routine.

Tooth Truck Wish List Children’s DVDs Super Hero Themed Toys Toy Cars McDonald’s Toys Small Stuffed Animals Small Footballs, Baseballs, etc.

Coloring Books Hair Accessories

VOLUNTEER TIP OF THE MONTH Handy Household Tip of the Month

Submitted by Sandy Morris, Cox House Volunteer Sponges are great for cleaning, but they’re also great at holding onto germs. Microwave sponges on high for 2 minutes to kill most of the bacteria and germs on your nonmetal sponges.

PAGE 6

#ProblemSolved

Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks March 2014

Welcome,

Nick & Ashlee

The Tooth Truck volunteer program welcomed two new volunteers this month!

Nick Moore is a master’s student at MSU, where he is completing studies towards a future career in dentistry. Nick worked with the Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City previously when he completed his Eagle Scout project through Boy Scouts. Nick brings enthusiasm to each and every volunteer shift!

Ashlee Robinson joined the volunteer program as she continues her pre-dental studies at MSU. She has worked as a dental assistant in a children’s dental office back home in Jefferson City, and has a natural ability to connect with patients. Ashlee says that volunteering at MOMOM (a weekend event addressing dental needs at no cost to families) in Cape Girardeau, MO, this past year changed her life and made her fall even more in love with dentistry.

We are so excited to have you on board the Tooth Truck. Welcome, Nick and Ashlee!

Bingham Elementary Boys & Girls Town Billings School Willard School

STAFF Program Director Mindy Muñoz General Dentist Dr. Sarah Cimino

President & CEO Bonnie Keller Office Manager Emma Davis

Broccoli Salad

Combine broccoli, bacon, raisins and onions in a large bowl.

Mix mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar together and stir into the mixture. Refrigerate for several hours before serving. Makes 12-14 servings.

Children Who Received Treatment:

Temporary Dentists Dr. Bill Brell Pediatric Dentist Dr. Aaron Dannegger Dr. Randi Green

MRS. C’S RECIPES ½ lb. fresh bite-size broccoli 1/2 oz. real bacon ½ cup raisins ¼ cup chopped red onions 1 cup fat-free mayonnaise ¼ cup sugar 2 tablespoons vinegar

Children Treated.... 148 Dental Appointments Provided............... 305 Year-to-Date Dental Appointments........ 907 Program-to-Date Dental Appointments.... 39,896 Program-to-Date Value of Treatments... $9,292,700

Dental Assistants Megan Lambert Kim Otradovec Enjoy wonderful recipes provided

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

Part-Time Dental Assistant Whitney Bingle Kristi Terry

PAGE 7

Heart Beats

949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

15th Annual Rock’n Ribs May 9th– 10th DON’T miss ALL the fun at this year’s Rotary Rock’n Ribs BBQ Festival at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds on Friday, May 9th, and Saturday, May 10th!

This amazing annual event benefits Boys & Girls Town of Missouri, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, Ozark Trails Council – Boys Scouts of America, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile (fondly known as The Tooth Truck), Good Samaritan Boys Ranch, Ozarks Regional YMCA and Harmony House.

We still have some volunteer shifts to fill for the event! If you’re interested, please contact Brent Stock at 417-875-3501 or Brent.Stock@RMHCOzarks.org.

All-Star Weekend Mark your calendars for Friday, June 6th and Saturday, June 7th! It’s an ALL-STAR WEEKEND and we want you to join in on the fun during the 13th Annual Sertoma GRIN IRON CLASSIC and the 3rd Annual GRIN ACTION CLASSIC! Football and volleyball rosters are complete, and event planning is in full force to celebrate the area’s BEST in football and volleyball. This event is presented by the Heart of the Ozarks Sertoma Club and Delta Dental of Missouri, and hosted by RMHC of the Ozarks and the All-Star Smiles Sertoma Club to benefit the Tooth Truck! We’d LOVE to see your face in the crowd! Volunteers are needed for both events and we’d love for you to join us. If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Brent Stock at 417-875-3501 or Brent.Stock@RMHCOzarks.org.

Volunteer Schedules

Summer is upon us, and that means vacations and summer classes! Be sure to check your calendars and let us know if you have any changes to your regular volunteer shift at the Houses or on the Tooth Truck.

National Nurses Week

May 6–12

National Nurses Week is celebrated each year during the week of May 6th. We would like to thank each and every nurse we work with at our local hospitals, clinic and within the school systems. You play a vital role in our ability to fulfill our mission, and we appreciate all that you do for families, children and patients!