Heartbeats September/October 2023

SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2023

HeartBEATS

YOU’RE INVITED!

Get your red shoes ready and join us for the 9th ANNUAL RED

SHOE GALA

Friday, October 20 • 6:00pm

The White River Conference Center

The 9th Annual Red Shoe Gala will be an evening to remember and loaded with fun! Join us for dinner, dancing, and festivities including the Red Shoe Cam, “Shoebox Surprise”, Selfie Mirror Photo Booth, ShowStopper 360 Spin Booth, Red Shoe Contest, Adopt a Family Program, and entertainment by Springfield’s ultimate rock band, Red Light Runner!

Red Light Runner is a collaboration of musicians from some of Springfield’s premier bands, including the remaining Smokey Folk members, Drew Beine and David Pyck, Steven Sparks (formerly of Mood Ring Circus), Richie Allen (formerly of Pearl Nation) and Nick Archambault (formerly of Luna J). Their music is meant for die-hard music fans of the last 50 years, and we are thrilled to welcome them to the stage this year!

Each Red Shoe Gala ticket includes dinner, gift bag, entertainment and more! Event sponsorships are available at various levels. Each sponsorship package includes tickets, and special recognition. 100% of the

proceeds from the Red Shoe Gala will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks, helping children and families through Springfield’s two Ronald McDonald Houses and the Tooth Truck (our Ronald McDonald Care Mobile). This event would not be possible without the many volunteers who have committed to working with us this year.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available by calling Kim Booth at 417-875-3505 or visiting PutYourRedShoesOn.org.

So, join us and PUT YOUR RED SHOES ON to provide help and hope to those who need it most.

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

Thank you, Volunteers!

34th Annual Price Cutter Charity Championship Presented by Dr. Pepper

Thank you to all the volunteers who contributed their time on behalf of our Ronald McDonald Houses to the Price Cutter Charity Championship. From selling sweepstakes tickets at Price Cutters to stuffing envelopes and entering tickets in the database to working at the tournament at Highland Springs, we couldn’t have done it without you! We are proud to be one of over 50 local charities that benefit from this event each year and will announce our proceeds in the next edition of Heart Beats.

Thank you, volunteers!

Alexandra Ross

Bob Williams

Brenda Podewitz

Cindy Harris

Clayton Keller

Crystal Schneider

Debbie Slocum

Debbie Williams

Gail Sours

Judy Weekley

Karla Peck

Merisalu Santos

Praise Santos

Randy Slocum

Sandy Davis

Shawn Gott

Sondra Rader

Teah Thomason

Terri Carr

TJ Slocum

A “Step” In the Right Direction

After having to take a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, K And C Stepping Stones is back to volunteering weekly at the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South. This group, which is made up of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, help us by carrying out a variety of tasks, such as disinfecting and reorganizing our Playroom, stocking our Coca-Cola vending machine and helping our events staff with assembling mailers and more!

The Stepping Stones volunteers are an asset to the Ronald McDonald House, as they provide much-needed assistance to the staff and a spirit of joy to the House. We are so grateful for their support!

The group pictured here is just the first of many to serve here!

(Pictured Left to Right: Lisa, Robin, and Sonya)

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.

©2023 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.

President & CEO

Bonnie Keller

Vice President

Debbie Kinser

Tooth Truck Program Director

Mindy Muñoz

Development Assistant

Kim Booth

Development Coordinator

Katie Serangeli

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH

Program Manager

Danielle Harp

Associate Program Manager

Lindsey Kimes

Family Care Managers

Laura Benowitz

Austin Gormley

Jennifer Grooms

Makayla Martin

Megan Mashburn

Grace Richter

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS

Program Manager

Justin Wilson

Associate Program Manager

Breanna Wilson

Family Care Managers

Samantha Ball

Skylar Ball

Julie Holt

Savannah Keller

Jack Osborn

Makayla Martin Wise

Representing RMHC Community-Wide

Over the last several months, staff at both Houses have attended several local conferences sharing the mission of RMHC.

Our Associate Program Managers Breanna Wilson and Lindsey Kimes first had the privilege of representing the Ronald McDonald House at Ozark Technical Center’s Annual Picnic Day. They were able to talk with multiple students, businesses, and student organizations around campus about how they can get involved with RMHC. It was truly a great time, and we can’t wait to see how this propels our volunteer program forward.

Next, Lindsey attended a volunteer fair at the Library Center where she was able to talk to multiple people about our volunteer opportunities here at RMHC. We have already seen new volunteers come from this event!

Up next, Breanna and Lindsey had the privilege of representing Ronald McDonald House at Cox Hospital’s 2023 Pediatrics Conference. They had the opportunity to discuss all things RMHC to the hospital staff and the units that we partner with the most. They had three main goals for the conference.

1) Inform everyone of our mission and encourage them to seek out families that could use RMHC as a resource.

2) Share our volunteer opportunities and how these can contribute to their STAR Ladder Profile.

3) Inspire them in the incredible work and impact they carry out in their career every single day.

We cannot wait to see how our presence at the Cox Peds Conference builds upon our already outstanding relationship with the hospital staff.

Next, Danielle and Lindsey attended the Case Management Vendor Fair. We were able to share information about RMHC with all Cox staff. Just in the short time we were there, we talked to over 200 employees and got several signed up for volunteering to get their STAR Ladder hours as well as family dinner groups. Finally, on October 1st, Justin, Breanna, Danielle, and Lindsey attended the Mercy NICU 40th Anniversary and Family Reunion event. They enjoyed connecting with some of our alumni Ronald McDonald House families!

Mercy and CoxHealth do a phenomenal job taking care of those in need, and we are so thankful to know that our families are in the best care.

From The Staff Heart of the House

House Near Cox South

Current Active Volunteers:

Reagan Hill

Hailey Rehkop

Ivy Starks

Megan Mashburn

34 YEARS

Bonnie Keller

Terri Carr

Barry Chole

Sandy Davis

Kathy Dennis

Blake Dowdy

Amy Grubaugh

Dorothy Harlan

Carol Harris

Briana Jenkins

Ginny Lohkamp

Regina Marshall

Larry Meinsen

Brenda Podewitz

Kay Prost

Beka Rasor

Becky Reser

Ashley Rosetta

Crystal Schneider

Anne Schubert

Randy Slocum

Grace Stagner

Kim Stagner

Gail Sours

Karen Taylor

Kellie Wirtz

Abigail Weitzel

Joanna Weitzel

Scott Weitzel

Travis Weitzel

Welcome new Volunteers to the House near Cox South: Reagan Hill, Ginny Lohkamp, and Hailey Rehkop!

Welcome back to the House near Cox South: Briana Jenkins!

House At Mercy Kids

Current Active Volunteers:

Deborah Ehie

Sandy Emberton

Arlena Gauldin

Ann Griesemer

Sarah Han

Stori Johnson

Zachary McCubbins

Alexandra Ross

Sheridan Sellers

Jessica Steward

Molly Stood

Tori Tomlin

Nicholas Vollano

Welcome new Volunteers to the House at Mercy Kids: Sheridan Sellers and Tori Tomlin!

Dinner Group Recipe

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pull Apart Rolls (serves 12)

Prepared and Served by the Girlfriends to the Families Staying at the House Near Cox South

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 package Hawaiian Rolls

• 1 lb. thinly sliced deli chicken

• 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled

• 12 slices colby jack cheese

• 1/3 cup ranch

• ½ cup butter

• 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh chives

• 1 teaspoon garlic salt

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 2 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Using a serrated knife, cut through the middle of the rolls. Place the bottoms side by side on the pan. Set the tops aside.

3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt together the softened butter, chives, garlic salt, and onion powder.

4. Brush the bottoms of the sliced rolls with about ½ of the seasoned butter.

5. Layer ½ of the cheese on the bottom, then arrange the chicken and bacon crumbles over the cheese.

6. Drizzle with ranch. Top with the final layer of cheese.

7. Brush liberally with butter mixture. Place the tops on the cheese.

8. Brush the remaining seasoned butter on top and sides. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.

9. Cover loosely with foil. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden.

Ceilia Britey

Family Dinner Spotlight

The Foundations Class at Park Crest Baptist Church

Over the past six years, Park Crest Baptist Church has been faithfully providing monthly meals to the families staying with us at the House Near Cox South. Even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the church found ways to have meals catered and delivered to our Ronald McDonald House families. We’re so thankful for their dedication in service to our mission at RMHC, and our families greatly appreciate the community and fellowship they get to experience when Park Crest Baptist Church is at the House.

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

Our group is a grow group (Sunday School class) at Park Crest Baptist Church and have been providing meals at Ronald McDonald House since 2017. Over time, members have come and gone from the group, but we have stayed consistent in providing meals to the families at the Ronald McDonald House. Our current leaders have served since 2018 and enjoy getting new members involved in this ministry.

How did you get involved with the Family Dinner Program?

Originally, in 2017, one of our church members had a connection with Ronald McDonald House through school. She heard about the opportunity to have groups provide these meals and our group agreed that this would be a great outreach. We continue to be involved every month because of the difference we are making for these families by providing one simple meal.

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

Being able to interact with the families that are in the House at dinner time. We are able to love and support them, not just providing them with a meal while they’re away from home, but by listening to them and praying for them.

What would you say to anyone considering volunteering for the Family Dinner Program? This is a simple way to provide love and support to families who may or may not have any support while they are away from home with a child in the hospital. It’s a great opportunity to serve others and show the love of Christ.

Dinner Groups!

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH

Anderson Family Awaken Church

Brylee Welch

CHASEE

Cherokee Middle School Junior National Honors Society

Christa Teachout

Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day

Saints - Chesterfield

CNH Reman

Cox Pediatrics Team

Cox Urgent Care Team

Birthdays

August 14th

Kathy Dennis

August 15th

Blake Dowdy

August 19th

Megan Mashburn

August 20th

Ginny Lohkamp

August 22nd

Stori Johnson

August 26th

Brad Risby

Tori Tomlin

August 29th

Danielle Harp

August 31st

Laura Benowitz

September 6th

Regina Marshall

September 9th

Jennifer Murray

September 20th

Kay Prost

September 21st

David Taylor

September 22nd

The Girlfriends Hamilton Family

Jack Henry

The Lime Canary

Little Caesars

Lydia Martinez

Martha Rasey

Martin Center Registration

Melissa Dallas

Neuro Trauma Nurses

Nixa General Baptist - Ladies Bible Study

Oak Grove Assembly of God

Old Missouri Bank Loan Operators

Oracle Park Crest Baptist Church

Foundations Class

Pat Moore-Cook

Phoenix Homecare and Hospice

Precious Moments But Love Goes

On Forever

Preston Luxury Living

Pyatt Dental

Settle Family

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS

Mercy Wound Care & Hyperbaric

Houlihan’s

Jeanie Bransteter

Hive Minded Marketing

Mercy-NICU

Pasta Express

State Farm - Jordan Heinz Agency

Mercy Core Lab

Mueller Family

Mercy Managed Care

Beta Sigma Phi-Alpha Chapter

O’Reilly Hospitality Management

Mid-Missouri Bank

WINS Affinity Group

Bambinos

TelComm Credit Union

Mercy Hospital - 3E ICU

Lois Hirschler

TownePlace Suites Outreach

Ziggie’s Cafe

Bolton’s General Store

Rooster’s BBQ

Bricktown Brewery

Smiley Family Covey Family

Mercy Pre-Reg Team

Kamryn Hessington

Jenny Hill

Derick & Joann Hobbs

Gracie’s Bridal

Sanchez Family Top Tier Kitchen

Mercy - 7A Oncology

Werhan Family

The Longwells & Pinkleys

DRG Validation

Bambino’s Italian Cafe

Hesington Family

Cox Family

Jacob Hesington

Brylee Welch

Cheryl Combs & Family

Gina McClanahan

Jack Henry Wilson Family

Mercy Core Lab

Will Black & Family

Elliott, Robinson, & Company

Spring Net

Sunrise Rotary

Team Janet

Union Hill Church of Christ

United Healthcare Wisdom Plus

OPEN DINNER

DATES:

Sandy Davis

September 24th

Anne Schubert

September 28th

Shane Cloud

Flyfisherman @ The Crossing Arvest Bank

Ball Family

Mercy Epic Misison Control

Mercy Administration

VOLUNTEER AWARDS

Ivy Starks, Crystal Schneider, Regina Marshal, Sondra Radar, Zach McCubbins, Alexandra Ross, and Michelle Litton were awarded an RMHC Lapel Pin for their 25 hours of service.

Michelle Litton & Ginny Lohkamp were awarded an RMHC mug for their 50 hours of service.

Scott Weitzel was awarded an RMHC Pin with 1 Diamond and 2 Rubies for his 1,500 hours of service.

Around the Houses

City Utilities, Taste of the World

2023 RMHC Conference of

the Americas

City Utilities of Springfield hosted their annual Taste of the World Lunch this summer, with all proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks (RMHC). This event is a chance for CU employees, past and present, to showcase foods that represent their cultures. This year, attendees had the opportunity to sample delectable dishes from Kenya to Mexico. The proceeds from this event totaling $1509.00, as well as many others throughout the year, will be presented to RMHC at the end of 2023. Thank you, City Utilities, for selecting Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks as their 2023 employee charity, and for their continued support for the families of sick or injured children. 6

Several of our team members had the great privilege of attending the RMHC Conference of the Americas July 30 – August 2 in Chicago. This event brings together staff, volunteers and board members from RMHC chapters across the western hemisphere and provides an invaluable opportunity to network and learn from other RMHC organizations. Time was spent learning and discussing hospitality practices, innovative service strategies, fund development and marketing, effective infectious disease control, as well as supporting families on their healthcare journey, just to name a few. We look forward to applying what was learned for the benefit of the children and families we serve as we strive to always be improving the RMHC and Tooth Truck experiences.

Family Creates Memories at Ronald McDonald House Craft Hour

Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids hosted a “Craft Hour” this summer for the families and children staying with us. The event was a great opportunity for families to come together and create something special, while also getting a much-needed break from the stress of their child’s hospital stay.

One of the families who participated in the Craft Hour was the Landrys. They were staying at the House while their son, Draco, was admitted to the NICU after being born prematurely. Draco’s parents, Mandy and Jese, along with siblings, Nolyn, Kynsly, Linkyn, Jese Jr. and Jack enjoyed painting rocks, making paper-bag puppets and assembling friendship bracelets. They each took the time to personalize every item to their liking all while enjoying each other’s company.

“The craft hour was a great way to take a break from everything and just focus on spending time with my family,” said Mandy. “It was also a great way to create something that will help us remember our time here at RMHC.”

The Craft Hour is just one of the many ways that our Houses support families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. It helps remind all of us that even through the hardships, there are still opportunities to find joy and laughter.

Bank of America Volunteers Make a Difference at the House near Cox

A group of associates from Bank of America volunteered at the House near Cox at the end of August. They jumped right in to help anywhere needed by making dinner, loading recycling and donations, decorating for the fall season, and pulling weeds. Our Family Care Manager, Makayla, took the time to give the volunteers a tour of the House and share the organization’s mission with them. The associates were amazed at the scope of work that RMHC does to help families in need. For some of the volunteers, their efforts held a special meaning. They had previously utilized the House’s services during their own personal time of need. The volunteers’ hard work made a real difference at the House near Cox. They helped to make our “home-away-from-home” a more welcoming and comfortable place for families to stay.

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

Welcome Danielle Henson

Please join us in welcoming Danielle Henson as our newest Family Care Manager at both the House near Cox South and the House at Mercy Kids! Danielle started volunteering for RMHC, helping with our Coffee on the House Program in our partnering units at the Cox South Hospital. She then officially joined our FCM Team in June. Danielle is going to be our “pinch hitter,” for when either House is needing shifts covered. Outside of RMHC, Danielle works at Mama Jeans, and she is also a stylist and cosmetologist. We can’t wait to see where this new step in her RMHC career takes her!

Mission Moment

The Johnston Family

Lyndsey and Zachary Johnston welcomed their second child, Sawyer, into their family on May 14, 2023. Sawyer was born at 34 weeks and weighed 5lbs and 3oz. The couple anticipated meeting Sawyer early because their daughter, Zoey, was born prematurely at over 35 weeks in October 2020. After Sawyer was born, he was admitted to the NICU.

Lyndsey and Zachary checked into the Ronald McDonald House after Lyndsey was discharged. Ten years ago, Lyndsey volunteered with her Honors Society group to make dinner at the Mercy House, but she didn’t realize at the time what RMHC did for families. After checking in and learning more about the House, they were surprised and overwhelmed at all the resources. They were relieved to have a place to stay near the NICU that also provided them with meals. They loved not having to make the trip to get food so they could spend more time with Sawyer.

Big Sister Zoey stayed with her grandparents and frequently visited her parents while they stayed at the House. Lyndsey said, “It is nice to feel like I don’t have to pick which kid I’m going to see each day.” While Zoey loved playing in the playroom for hours on end, her favorite part was the snacks. Lyndsey said, “She walked through the door every time she visited and said, ‘I’m going to get a cheese stick.’”

Sawyer did well while he was in the NICU, and the doctors said that having his family with him helped to keep him on track. Sawyer was able keep his weight and temperature up on his own and was able to go home in late May.

The Ronald McDonald House was a lifesaver for Lyndsey and Zachary during a difficult time. They are grateful for the resources and support the Houses provide to families like theirs.

Welcome Skylar Ball

We are excited to welcome Skylar Ball to the Family Care Manager team at the House at Mercy Kids! Skylar is a black belt in karate and is attending Missouri S&T to attain her degree in Petroleum Engineering. She is passionate about helping families and is eager to use her skills and experience to make a difference in the lives of families calling Ronald McDonald House their “home-away-from-home”.

Skylar’s sister Samantha is also a Family Care Manager at the House at Mercy Kids. When an opening became available on the team, Samantha highly recommended Skylar for the position. Skylar is thrilled to follow in her sister’s footsteps and work alongside her to provide support to families in need.

We are confident that Skylar will be a valuable asset to the Family Care Manager team at the House at Mercy Kids. She is a talented and dedicated individual with a passion for helping others. We are excited to have her on board.

House Volunteer Spotlight

Sheridan

What is your favorite thing to do in the House? I spend most of my time cleaning and tidying around the house, so that is my favorite thing. Anything I can do to be helpful is what I look forward to the most.

What do you enjoy in your free time?

When I have time away from schoolwork, I enjoy anything active (going to the gym, running, cycling, hiking), watercolor painting (I make watercolor greeting cards), and cooking/baking.

How did you learn about the Ronald McDonald House?

I’ve known about RMHC for a long time by seeing signs around town, but I learned more of what they actually do when my cousin and his family stayed at one in St. Louis while their son was on ECMO from his lungs being underdeveloped when he was born. It was a blessing for them to have a place they could

reside while going through such a difficult and tragic time. When looking for a place to volunteer a few months ago, I knew RMHC was a place I wanted to try and get involved with.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering with our organization?

Apart from tidying things around the house, I have enjoyed meeting people who care deeply about those that walk through their doors and who have a heart to help others. I am glad to be a part of something that impacts people in such a positive way. My hope is that I can further this effect through my volunteering efforts.

What is a fun fact not many people would know about you?

I hate coffee. Coming from a family of coffee lovers (my dad roasts his own) I have tried so hard to like it but just can’t do it. Chai lattes are my best friend!

Farewell Madison Mickan

We are sad to see Madison Mickan go after her dedicated service to the Ronald McDonald House. Madison has been a valuable member of our Family Care Manager team at the House at Mercy Kids, providing compassionate care to our families and making a difference in their lives.

Madison’s positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond made her a beloved member of the team. She was always willing to help out, whether it was cleaning a room, assembling family gifts or just lending a listening ear to a family. We will miss her greatly.

The Happy Wheels Program Carries on with a New Volunteer

We are saying farewell to two of our beloved, longstanding volunteers, Kay Prost and Kathy Dennis, who have been instrumental in carrying out the Happy Wheels Program at the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South. Their hard work and dedication have allowed RMHC to visit with families in need and bring our mission directly to those we serve.

Our Happy Wheels Program delivers care bags to families and children at the Cox South Hospital and Mercy Kids Hospital who could benefit from the Ronald McDonald House. These care bags contain basic necessity items and fun activities that bring smiles to parents and kids when they need them the most.

For many years now, Kay Prost and Kathy Dennis have been volunteering their time to deliver

Happy Wheels care bags to families. They have gone above and beyond to make sure that every family feels welcome and supported.

Although they are retiring from Happy Wheels, they are leaving the program in good hands. Volunteer, Ginny Lohkamp, has stepped up to take over the program. Ginny’s bright personality and gentle touch will help to carry on the purpose of the Happy Wheels Program.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks is grateful to Kay, Kathy and Ginny for their dedication to the Happy Wheels Program. If you’re interested in helping Ginny and the Ronald McDonald House brighten the day of a sick child, please check out our Happy Wheels Wish List on our website!

We are excited for Madison’s new journey as a nurse at Cox Hospital in Springfield. We know she will be a great asset, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Heart of the Truck

Katie Baird

Patch Clay

McKenna Courtney

Emily Dunn

Anna Gunderman

Jennifer Hardy

Birthdays

September 21

Ashton Hartweg

Tooth Talk

Welcome Back, Healthy Smiles Academy

As a new school year begins, we could not be happier to share we have reintroduced the Healthy Smiles Academy (HSA) to children in our community. HSA was first implemented in 2011 with a simple idea: if children brush their teeth each day in the school setting, they should have fewer cavities as they grow. The program is designed to allow each teacher to choose how brushing would work best in their day. Our team provides all the supplies needed for daily brushing, plus support to help kids establish a good brushing routine. We also seek out every opportunity to encourage kids as they brush and watch their confidence grow!

STAFF

PRESIDENT & CEO

Bonnie Keller

PROGRAM DIRECTOR-

RONALD MCDONALD CARE MOBILE

Mindy Muñoz

HEALTHY SMILES ACADEMY

PROGRAM MANAGER

Ashton Hartweg

GENERAL DENTIST

Dr. Sarah Cimino

COMMUNITY DENTISTS

Dr. Aaron Dannegger

Dr. Brett Durbin

Dr. Misty Shelton

DENTAL ASSISTANTS

Megan Sanders

Kassidy Tuttle

PART-TIME DENTAL ASSISTANT

Amanda Honor

OFFICE COORDINATOR

Joscelyn Flores

VOLUNTEERS

Patch Clay

Emily Dunn

Jennifer Hardy

While our initial focus was to work with pre-school and kindergarten aged children, we were able to grow into classes with older populations and special needs rooms at many schools. We heard incredible feedback from parents about improvements in a child’s nightly brushing and comfort level when visiting the dentist.

Teachers shared HSA had become a natural part of their day and students looked forward to brushing (even directing substitute teachers on the process). A total of 12,741 children had participated in the Healthy Smiles Academy by the Spring of 2020 when the program was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

So as the 2023-2024 school year embarks, we will be entering classrooms equipped with toothbrushes, toothpaste, DecayAway Dragon, and a lot of excitement about healthy teeth! HSA relies on volunteer support to work in classrooms during the first few days at each site. They work alongside kids through each step of brushing to help everything go smoothly and to give positive reinforcement. If you like helping kids, we would love to speak with you about being a part of this incredible program. Reach out to HSA Program Manager, Ashton at ashton. hartweg@toothtruck.org. Welcome back, Healthy Smiles Academy!

We love to see a child’s self-confidence grow as they participate in HSA

Volunteers are crucial to help guide participants through the steps of brushing in the classroom

Volunteer Welcomes Ashton

The Tooth Truck welcomes Ashton Hartweg to lead the Healthy Smiles Academy within schools. Ashton lives on a small hobby farm with her husband and six children. She enjoys homesteading, gardening, and working with their wide variety of animals. She also loves watching outdoor movies at home with her family, listening to live music, and antiquing in her spare time. Although she has worked in the dental field for over 13 years, Ashton is particularly excited about managing the Healthy Smiles Academy because of the program’s proven success within the community. She believes it will help children feel more confident in taking care of their teeth and, overall, improve their health and happiness. We are so excited to have Ashton!

Jewelry

Action figures

Matchbox cars

Hair accessories

(clips, headbands)

Chapstick

Clorox Wipes

Handheld games

Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks

July 2023

Children Treated: ............... 38

Dental Appointments Provided: 50

Year to Date Dental Appointments: .............1,523

Program to Date Dental Appointments: ...........66,328

Program to Date Value of Treatment: ......$22.7 million

(necklaces, bracelets)

DVDs for older children

Outdoor toys

(bubbles, sidewalk chalk, Frisbees, sports balls)

Walmart gift cards

Beanie Babies

DecayAway Dragon is a special mascot who visits each classroom to support good brushing technique

Heart Beats

949 E. Primrose Street

Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Cup O’Cheer to Return in 2024!

With the fall season almost here, thoughts naturally go to our annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour, Holiday Tea & Market. We are so excited to announce that the event will return on November 22, 2024! Even though that’s more than a year away, be sure to mark your calendars and make plans to join us!

We have beautiful homes lined up for our Holiday Homes Tour and our special cups are already on hand! We’ve got some new partnerships to share next year, and we will keep you in the loop along the way. There are so many cherished memories from previous Cup O’Cheer events, and we look forward to creating many more with family and friends. One of our special memories is working with over 200 volunteers to make this event possible!