HeartBEATS
Kick off the holiday season with one of our favorite traditions! Volunteers are needed for the 27th Annual Cup O’ Cheer Homes Tour, Holiday Tea & Market on Friday, November 21, 2025, Guests will explore four beautifully decorated homes packed with festive inspiration and holiday cheer. This year also features a new venue for our Holiday Tea and Market: Fellowship Bible Church— offering a beautiful space for shopping, sipping, and celebrating together. Our savory and sweet bites will continue to be provided by our longtime partner, Simply Delicious! The Holiday Market features unique gifts from local vendors, and attendees will have the opportunity to bid on a wide array of silent auction items. As a special keepsake, the first 1,000 ticketholders will receive the 2025 Cup O’Cheer commemorative teacup and saucer. Friday, November 21, 2025 | 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
more details and to purchase tickets, use QR code at left or visit: https://rmhcozarks.org/events/cup-o-cheer/
Staff
Birthdays
July 6
Mindy Munoz
July 11
Sarah Seiden
August 4
Marisa Baese
August 5
Ashley French
August 19
Megan Mashburn
August 19
Bryon Oster
August 29
Danielle Harp
September 1
Debbie Kinser
September 16
Skylar Ball
Heart Beats is published monthly or bi-monthly for volunteers of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks and The Tooth Truck, Inc.
©2025 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.
2
A Message from the President & CEO
We are thrilled to bring back Heart Beats, our newsletter geared for Ronald McDonald House and Tooth Truck volunteers! For those newer to the organization, this newsletter is a great way to keep up with our programs, events, staff, and the heart of our mission delivery – our Volunteers!
It’s hard to believe we are already into the 4th quarter of 2025. We are grateful for the many ways you impact our families and Tooth Truck patients, whether face-to-face or working behind the scenes to ensure we provide everything possible to fulfill our mission.
Enjoy this issue of Heart Beats! There's much more to come next time, including a feature on the first year of the inaugural Red Shoe Society of the Ozarks.
A Night to Remember
On Friday, October 10th, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks hosted its 11th Annual Red Shoe Gala at the White River Conference Center— and it was an incredible success! Guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening filled with great food, live entertainment from Red Light Runner, exciting auction items, and the energy of a community coming together to support families in need.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and attendees, the event made a remarkable impact for the families we serve, raising a record $342,471! Stay tuned for the next issue of our newsletter, where we’ll share a full recap of the evening along with photos capturing the celebration.
presented by McDonald’s® of the Ozarks
Thank You, Dillard’s and Kendra Scott!
We are grateful for the generous support of two outstanding community partners.
On July 25, Dillard’s celebrated the Grand Opening of their new Battlefield Mall location by donating 10% of all sales from their Sneak Preview Premiere Night event to RMHC of the Ozarks – a gift of nearly $7,000!
Kendra Scott Jewelry hosted two “Kendra Gives Back” events at Battlefield Mall. On August 16, the RMHC of the Ozarks event raised $500. Alpha Delta Pi held a second event on September 20, raising $269.99 during its Family Weekend to benefit our Ronald McDonald House programs.
Thank you, Dillard’s and Kendra Scott, for making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families through your continued partnership!
Summer Volunteer Outing
What's better than a summer night at the ballpark? A summer night celebrating our amazing volunteers! This year, we were thrilled to treat our volunteers to a Springfield Cardinals game. We enjoyed all the essentials— hot dogs, good company, and a fun game. We even had a surprise visit from Louie! Our volunteers are the real MVPs. Thank you to everyone who joined us; we loved celebrating you!
From The Staff Heart of the House
House Near Cox South
Current Active Volunteers:
Terri Carr
Anniversary
1 Year
Tristin Adee - FCM
Marisa BaeseMercy House PM
Alexis Baker - FCM
Randell Boggs - Development Coordinator
Shantel DoyleCox House Volunteer
Alana FosterMercy House Volunteer
Ashley FrenchDirector of Philanthropy
Ben HeaneyCox House Volunteer
Chiquita HendrickMercy House Volunteer
Joslyn MagersCox House Volunteer
Don NanceCox House Volunteer
Kathy RiceMercy House Volunteer
Cora WehrMercy House Volunteer
2 Years
Samantha BallMercy House Volunteer
Skylar Ball - FCM
Aly BrownMercy House Volunteer
Tristen FaillaMercy House Volunteer
Danielle HarpCox House PM
Carol HarrisMercy House Volunteer
Zachary McCubbinsMercy House Volunteer
Alexandra RossMercy House Volunteer
Crystal SchneiderCox House Volunteer
Jessica Stewart - FCM
Molly StoodMercy House Volunteer
Makayla Wise - FCM
3 Years
Austin Gormley - FCM
Jennifer Grooms - FCM
Olivia Cason
Barry Chole
Sunjaya Colton
Salem Cox
Conner Dalton
Sandy Davis
Blake Dowdy
Shantel Doyle
Vanessa Goetz
Amy Grubaugh
Ni Hnem
Briana Jenkins
Regina Marshall
Eileen Meinsen
Larry Meinsen
Morgan Mitchell
Don Nance
Donna Patterson
Sandy Phillips
Kailey Plaskett
Brenda Podewitz
Beka Rasor
Becky Reser
Hailli Richards
Crystal Schneider
Welcome, New Volunteers to the Cox House:
Allison Skidmore
Randy Slocum
Grace Stagner
Kim Stagner
Ivy Starks
Gail Sours
Daniel Vizena
Paul Walley
Kellie Wirtz
Abigail Weitzel
Joanna Weitzel
Scott Weitzel
Travis Weitzel
Sunjaya Colton, Salem Cox, Conner Dalton, Ni Hnem, Sandy Phillips, Hailli Richards, Allison Skidmore, Daniel Vizena, Jenna Zollner
House At Mercy Kids
Current Active Volunteers:
Samantha Ball
Aly Brown
Sandy Emberton
Tristian Failla
Alana Foster
Ann Griesemer
Sarah Han
Carol Harris
Chiquita Hendrick
Karen Hill
Danica Isbell
Stori Johnson
Zachary McCubbins
Alexandra Ross
Barb Ruark
Kathy Rice
Molly Stood
Tori Tomlin
Cora Wehr
Welcome, New Volunteers to the House at Mercy Kids: Alana Foster, Karen Hill, Barb Ruark, Cora Wehr
RMHC Staff
President & CEO
Bonnie Keller
Director of Finance & Administration
Debbie Kinser
Tooth Truck Program Director
Mindy Muñoz
Director of Philanthropy
Ashley French
House Program Director
Justin Wilson
Development Assistant
Kim Booth
Development Coordinator
Randell Boggs
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
NEAR COX SOUTH
Program Manager
Danielle Harp
Associate Program Manager
Baylor Hodges
House Program Assistant, Austin Gormley
Family Care Managers
Tristan Adee
Lindsey Allen
Alexis Baker
Erin Buff
Austin Gormley
Anna Majerus
Makayla Martin-Wise
Jessica Steward
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS
Program Manager
Marisa Baese
Associate Program Manager
Megan Mashburn
Family Care Managers
Lindsey Allen
Skylar Ball
Jennifer Grooms
Julie Holt
Anna Majerus
Makayla Martin-Wise
Jack Osborn
FAMILY DINNER SPOTLIGHT
S&S Heating and Air
When did your group start providing meals for families at the Ronald McDonald House?
2024
How did you get involved with the Meals from the Heart Program?
We felt like this was an organization that we could make a difference with. Also, many of our employees have needed the House and it was clear how much it is needed.
What is your favorite thing about participating in the Meals from the Heart program?
Being there for other families in such a tough time is an honor by itself and being able to do this as a group brings out the community spirit we hope to express.
Many of our employees had to turn to the program and it's clear just how much it has been needed.
Do you have any favorite memories?
Watching the families enjoy our cooking. Being able to bring in food that isn't takeout and being there to see the families get to go home!
What would you say to other groups who are considering volunteering?
Just do it! We did and we are absolutely coming back!
DINNER GROUPS!
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
American College of Healthcare
(MO-ACHE)
Annie Uhrlauv
Arlo Bank
Awaken Church
Castlewood Senior Living
Central Bank
Cox Acute Therapy
Cox Health Dieticians
Cares
Hamilton Family Heart of New Start
Jack Henry
LDS Church
Lifepoint Church/Penland Group
Little Caesars
Mammoth Springs Church of Christ
Marshfield McDonalds
MSU Radiography Club
New Start Church
Nixa Urgent Care Nova
Nuventure Farms
Oak Grove Assembly On Angels’ Wings Ozark
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS
Grider Family
We've got several opportunities for you and your friends, organization, or family to adopt one of our open family dinner dates,. Be sure to check our website for the most current openings. https://rmhcozarks.org/volunteers/meals-from-the-heart/ COX: 11/1, 11/2, 11/8, 11/18, 11/23, 11/25, 11/28, 11/29, 11/30, 12/5, 12/6, 12/7, 12/13, 12/15, 12/16, 12/19, 12/21, 12/23, 12/26, 12/27, 12/28, 12/29, 12/30, 12/31
MERCY: 11/2, 11/3, 11/5, 11/12, 11/15, 11/17, 11/19, 11/20, 11/22, 11/23, 11/24, 11/25, 11/29, 11/30, 12/1, 12/3, 12/5, 12/6, 12/7, 12/14, 12/15, 12/17, 12/19, 12/20, 12/21, 12/22, 12/23, 12/26, 12/27 12/28, 12/29, 12/30, 12/31
Around the Houses
HOUSE
WISH LIST
Food Items
Shelf stable milk
K-Cups
Individual coffee creamer
Individually wrapped snacks
Canned soda
Bottled water
Gift Cards
Gas cards
Walmart Amazon Target
Family Items
Beauty gift sets for women
Body wash sets for men
Adult and child activity
books
Travel coffee mugs
Deodorant
Fleece throw blankets
Small gifts for children
Gifts for teens
Miscellaneous
Items
White Queen fitted sheets
White matching bath towels
Bakeware
Cookie sheets
Set of pots and pans
Daily planners
Lip balm
Small bottles of lotion
Crayons
Blank note cards
Notebooks
Board games
Rubik’s cubes and mind
puzzles
Playing cards
Travel-size hand sanitizer
Travel manicure sets
Individual packs of tissues
On-the-go drink mixes
Small stuffed animals
Sweatpants (all sizes)
Boys, Girls, Mens and Womens Underwear (new and unopened) – all sizes
A Night at the Movies
We know how important simple moments of togetherness are for our families, and that's why we were so excited to relaunch Family Movie Night at the Mercy House this past August!
We now plan to host this special monthly event to provide a fun, low-stress escape for everyone staying with us. We transform our common area into a cozy cinema, complete with curtains drawn, lights dimmed, and the essential movie snacks: popcorn and classic theater candy.
The first two showings—the action-packed Thunderbolts: The New Avengers and the laughout-loud The Bad Guys 2—were a huge success. Seeing our families relax and enjoy a "normal" night of fun is what the Ronald McDonald House mission is all about!
Cultivating Connections for Families
We're so excited to share a new initiative designed to help our families find support and build community: "Cultivating Connections!"
Launched in September at the Mercy House, this special time offers our overnight and day-use families a chance to connect with one another in a relaxed setting. Created and led by our fantastic Fall intern, Molly Stood, the group is a casual space for families to share stories—both about their hospital journey and life back home—while finding comfort in shared experiences.
Our very first meeting had a wonderful turnout of three families who enjoyed conversation, shared their hopes, and made genuine connections. Families walked away with a smile and a small gift, including an RMHC-stamped notebook, positive stickers, and an RMHC bracelet.
The positive energy was inspiring, and we can’t wait to expand this important support time to the Cox House, too!
Celebrating Our NICU Heroes
Saying Thank You During NICU Awareness Month
In September, we were proud to recognize the incredible staff who dedicate themselves to caring for the most fragile infants and their families. To celebrate Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Awareness Month, we showed our gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals at Mercy Kids and Cox South Hospitals.
As a small token of appreciation, we provided a special pin and elastic band to all NICU staff. This yearly recognition highlights the inspiring work they do. Their dedication, compassionate care, and commitment to the well-being of our community is the reason so many of our families receive the quality care and support they need. Thank you, NICU staff, for all you do!
Summer Work
This summer, both Houses were incredibly lucky to have an amazing group of students join us from the Summer Work program! For six weeks, they tackled every challenge we had for them, from redoing all the mulch at the Cox House to deep cleaning and organizing at Mercy and lots of little tasks in-between.
Beyond all the hard work, we watched them gain new skills that will be a huge asset as they begin their careers. The Houses feel a little quieter now without them, but our hearts are full of gratitude for everything they did.
HAPPY WHEELS WISH LIST
Small bottles of lotion
Mini hand sanitizers
Activity books (crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word finder)
Small packs of crayons
Travel manicure sets
Chapstick
Individual packs of Kleenex
Individually-packaged snacks (Goldfish, granola bars, Teddy Grahams, gum, mints, Lifesavers, etc.)
12-ounce water bottles
Individually-wrapped small toys
Staff Stuff
Welcome to our new Family Care Managers
Alexis, Tristin, Anna, Lindsey, & Erin!
We have some new Family Care Manager (FCM) faces at both Houses. Alexis Baker and Tristin Adee both joined our team in July of 2024. More recently, Anna Majerus joined our team in February, Lindsey Allen in March, and Erin Buff in July of 2025. We have an amazing team to introduce!
Alexis is a homeschool mom of three who loves baking and drinking 7Brew coffee. She loves using her experience as a NICU mom herself to support the families who walk through the door. Tristin is a counseling grad student at Evangel University. In his spare time
he enjoys rock climbing and paddle boarding with his dog Kevin.
Anna is married and a mom of three little girls. She is a full-time student and considers it a privilege to love on the families at Ronald McDonald House. She likes doing home beautifying projects and feels most at peace outside!
Lindsey is a married mom of two boys and one girl. She loves to cook and volunteered as a House dinner group prior to joining our team as an FCM!
She can be found wearing a smile and helping families at both of our Houses. Erin is a mom of an adult son and teenage daughter as well as three fur babies. She works full-time at Mercy in Therapy Services. In her spare time, she enjoys watching her daughter play sports and thrift shopping.
We Have Some New Faces on our Program and Development teams!
We'd love to introduce them and give them a chance to share a little about themselves. We asked them a few questions, and here's what they had to say:
Marisa Baese
Program Manager at the House at Mercy Kids since August 2024
Give us a brief description of your role in the organization: As the Program Manager at Mercy Kids, I get to support our families in different ways every day and work alongside an incredible team of individuals who understand our "why"!
What are two of your favorite things you get to do in your position?
I love to meet with families each month to learn more about their time with us and the role we've played in their journey. I also love to bring coffee to our hospital units each week to thank the pediatric teams who help connect families with us.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? Three-way tie between the Pyramids of Egypt, Croatia, and Costa Rica!
Baylor Hodges
Associate Program Manager at the House near Cox South since April 2025
Give us a brief description of your role in the organization: I take care of all things Volunteers and Meals from the Heart here at the Cox House.
Tristin
Alexis Anna
Lindsey Erin
We Have Some New Faces (cont.)
What are two of your favorite things you get to do in your position?
One of my favorite parts of this role is checking in with families at the hospital—I love making sure they feel cared for both at the House and in their hospital room. I also get a weird amount of joy from filling the Meals from the Heart calendar. A month with no open dinner slots? That’s what I call a win!
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Barcelona, Spain—because little me always dreamed of being a Cheetah Girl. If you know, you know.
Austin Gormley
House Program Assistant since March 2025
Give us a brief description of your role in the organization: I help with many things around the house, whether that be cleaning common areas, rooms, or making sure things around the house are restocked! I also help with the process of getting families checked in and making sure that families staying with us are taken care of. I help with volunteers and show them how things work around the House.
What are two of your favorite things you get to do in your position?
I love being able to help the families with whatever they need. I just want them to know that we are here for them in their time of need and if we are able to take some of their worries away, I would want nothing more than that. I also love spending time with our volunteers and getting to know them! We have volunteers from all kinds of different schools and programs. I love learning about the people offering help in the House!
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? If I could go anywhere in the world, it would probably be Japan during the springtime to see the cherry blossom trees in full bloom. It would be quite the beautiful sight to behold, I am sure.
Randell Boggs
Development Coordinator since July 2024
Give us a brief description of your role in the organization:
As the Development Coordinator on our awesome Development team (yes, I am biased), I help plan and execute our fundraising events, coordinate our social media, and handle some behind-the-scenes administrative tasks. I’m also an unofficial problem-solver (I love a challenge)—whether it’s tech hiccups, MacGyver-ing something (if you are under 40, Google it) , or removing the occasional stuck shower curtain liner from a washing machine, I’m happy to help if you need a “jack of all trades, master of none.”
What are two of your favorite things you get to do in your position?
I love getting to read the stories of our Share a Heart Families as I help prepare them for our annual campaign. I also love our big events! It is amazing to watch our entire team come together to represent RMHC well and pull off amazing experiences for those who attend.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I have been to the country of Panama many times on mission trips and have made many friends down there, but my number one destination I have never been to is Ireland!
Justin Wilson
House Program Director since July 2024
Give us a brief description of your role in the organization:
As the House Program Director, I am responsible for the smooth and efficient operation of both of our Springfield Ronald McDonald Houses. My role involves managing the day-to-day logistics of the Houses and our programs, overseeing the facilities, leading our dedicated program staff, and ensuring that all policies and procedures are followed to provide a consistent, high-quality experience for every family who stays with us.
What are two of your favorite things you get to do in your position?
One of my favorite things is watching a family's shoulders visibly drop the moment they realize they're finally home. It's a privilege to remove just a few of their worries and see them gain the peace and rest they need to focus entirely on their child's healing. I also love seeing the community of support that forms within our walls. Whether it's a family sharing a cup of coffee with another who understands their journey, or a dedicated volunteer arriving to cook dinner, witnessing that unconditional kindness and connection is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Antarctica! I love the idea of traveling to a place that is very remote and untouched.
Heart of the Truck Tooth Talk Tooth Truck Team
Anniversaries
1 Year
Brayden Pierce
Jack Scannell
Kaylee Ludwig
McKenzi Swick
Presley Probert
Samara Sims
Will Conley
April Womack
Mellissa Glass
July 3
Megan Burk-Sanders
July 4
Madi Noe
July 6
Mindy Muñoz
July 10
Dr. Sarah Cimino
Kia Gould
July 16
Rebekah Paredes
August 29
Mellissa Glass
September 4
Presley Probert
September 28
Kylee Bradshaw
The Tooth Truck has welcomed some new members to the team! As we continue our mission to provide essential dental care to children in our community, we've brought on some incredible individuals to help us make an even bigger impact. We wanted to take a moment to get to know each Tooth Truck team member a little better by asking them a series of questions.
Dr. Sarah Cimino,
Tooth Truck General Dentist since February 2011
What are two of your favorite things you get to do in your position:
I love getting to fix chipped front teeth, because it is something that has an immediate impact on a child's selfconfidence! I also love explaining a procedure to kids in terms they understand and can relate to and then watch as they explain to another child how easy and fun going to the dentist is.
What is the funniest thing a patient/ brusher has said/asked you?
I was washing out a cavity on a little guy and I said to my assistant that the pulp (nerve of the tooth) looked really healthy on the x-ray. Without missing a beat the patient said, "Yep, I drink a lot of orange juice WITH pulp so that's why it's so healthy!"
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
On my bucket list is to see the Northern Lights in Iceland.
Megan BurkSanders,
Full-Time Dental Assistant since May 2009
What are two of your favorite things you get to do in your position: Spending time with the kiddos we see,
getting to know little bits about them and showing them x-rays when taken. Most of them think it’s pretty neat to see the insides of and in between their own teeth!
Tell us something that might surprise us about you?
When I was in school to do what I do, I didn’t think I wanted to work with kidsbut let me explain. I had feared, before working with kids daily, that I would have to ‘make’ them do something they didn’t want to do in a dental setting. The great thing about our environment is that we do not have this aspect, as we never see a child who doesn’t want to be seen. Most kids are excited to come on the Tooth Truck, and on the occasion that one might not be, we spend a few minutes showing them what we are going to do, and if that doesn’t help, they simply get to go back to class. Fear 100% eliminated, making it fun and smooth sailing for both of us.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
An easier question for me would probably be where wouldn’t I go? There are SO many amazing places and things to see in this world, I would literally love to see just about ALL of it!
Rebekah Paredes,
Full-Time Dental Assistant on the Tooth Truck since January 2025.
What are two favorite things you get to do in your position:
I enjoy explaining oral hygiene to our young patients, so they know how to
better care for their teeth. I also really like traveling to different schools week after week.
What is the funniest thing a brusher has said to you?
After repairing some unhealthy teeth which required numbing medicine, a little patient stated, “I can't feel my face”.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would love to visit either Jerusalem or Italy (or both).
Mellissa Glass,
Tooth Truck Office Coordinator since September 2024
Tell the reader a brief description of your role in the organization I get to work with school nurses and organize our visits to their school to see kids that might not otherwise get much needed dental care. This includes processing applications, scheduling appts, and helping the kids feel comfortable coming to the Tooth Truck.
What are two of your favorite things you get to do in your position
I enjoy learning every aspect of a dental office and LOVE getting to know the kids! They have the best conversations!
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
This changes as I see and learn about new places in the world. Currently, I would really like to go to Iceland! It looks absolutely beautiful!
April
Womack,
Healthy Smiles Academy Program Manager since September 2024
Tell the reader a brief description of your role in the organization:
The Healthy Smiles Academy Manager recruits classrooms to participate in the in-classroom toothbrushing program. I enjoy modeling proper brushing, maintaining supplies for each classroom, and teaching dental hygiene lessons.
What are two of your favorite things you get to do in your position: My favorite part of this position is getting to interact with children at the various schools and centers. On the first day of a launch, I get to read a children’s book about the importance of brushing your teeth. Reading books to children is one of my favorite things.
What is the funniest thing a patient/ brusher has said/asked you? When I visit classrooms, I wear a tooth costume. Most of the students call me the Tooth Fairy. I reassure them that I am only the Tooth Teacher.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
If I could go anywhere in the world, it would be to the beach. I love the ocean.
We are so fortunate to have this incredible group of team members positively impacting our patients and brushers on a daily basis.
Heart Beats
949 E. Primrose Street
Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
MISSION MOMENT
Shannon and Matthew Perry found themselves at Mercy Hospital when their daughter arrived early on June 20th. Sweet baby Charlotte was born at 34 weeks and 1 day weighing 4 lbs. and 6 oz.
At first Charlotte needed some common NICU support with CPAP, a central line, a feeding tube, and warming bed. After just a few days she graduated to high-flow cannula, started breastfeeding, and got moved to a biggirl crib.
The new Perry parents said RMH has been the biggest blessing. “Living an hour and a half away [in Waynesville] …I couldn’t imagine being that far away from her. We have family that live close but even a drive to Ozark seems like too much right now. Being just a floor above is really
The Perry Family
comforting, knowing that she’s right there and we can just walk down and see her whenever we want.”
“We feel very well taken care of. We don’t have to worry about going grocery shopping, which takes an hour and a half, which is the gap we have between seeing her [touch times]. We get fed really well, which is important because we’re not sleeping as much as we’d like, so having good food is really important for us. We’re really grateful for that.”
The Perry family went home on Saturday, July 5th and recently updated us on how well Charlotte is doing. At three months old, she now weighs 10 lbs.! Mom and Dad are so proud of their sweet growing girl. Way to go, Charlotte!