April 6th
Angie Patrick
April 20th
Jack Osborn
May 4th
Carrie Brown
May 11th
Makayla Martin
May 14th
Don Nance
May 15th
Randy Slocum
May 17th
Joslyn Magers
May 18th
Sarah Han
May 22nd
Bonnie Keller
June 3rd
James Doherty
June 11th
Kasey Giddens
June 21st
Zach McCubbins
June 25th
Marita Pemberton
Your
On Friday, October 2, friends of Ronald McDonald House and the Tooth Truck will put on their red shoes for an evening of dinner, dancing, mission, and fun at the Red Shoe Gala, presented for the 12th year by McDonald's of the Ozarks
We are thrilled to welcome Red Light Runner back to the stage this year. They’ll be playing the biggest hits from well known bands — guaranteed to get you out of your seats and on your feet with some of the most challenging songs to ever hit a playlist.
The night’s festivities will include the Red Shoe Cam, “Shoebox Surprise”, Champagne Wall, Bourbon Lounge, Selfie Mirror Photo Booth, ShowStopper 360 Spin Booth, Red Shoe Contest, Adopt a Family Program, Live Auction, and more.
All proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks, supporting children and families through Springfield’s two Ronald McDonald Houses and the Tooth Truck (our Ronald McDonald Care Mobile). We invite you to join us and PUT YOUR RED SHOES ON to provide help and hope to those who need it most. For tickets and more information, visit: https://rmhcozarks.org/events/red-shoe-gala/
is coming Friday, November 20, 2026!
Preparations are underway for the 2026 Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour, Holiday Tea & Market. This year’s Tour will feature five diverse and beautifully decorated homes that are sure to wow and inspire visitors. The Holiday Tea & Market will be held at Life360 Church and will once again include a great lineup of vendors. Tea and desserts will be provided by Simply Delicious. Be sure to check the Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks Facebook page and RMHCozarks.org for additional information and ticket sales.
This event is only possible thanks to our incredible volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering at this year’s event, contact Volunteer Coordinator Baylor Hodges at baylor. hodges@rmhcozarks.org.
Current Active Volunteers:
Lynette Brady
Terri Carr
Jude Daves
1 year
Baylor Hodges Volunteer Coordinator
2 Years
Ben Heaney
Cox House Volunteer
8 years
Jack Osborn
Family Care Manager
24 Years
Ann Griesemer
Mercy House Volunteer
33 years
Debbie Kinser
Director of Finance and Administration
Shantel Doyle
Vanessa Goetz
Amy Grubaugh
Jake Johnson
Nick Johnson
Landon McMillen
Eileen Meinsen
Larry Meinsen
Don Nance
Gabriella Norcross
Brenda Podewitz
Beka Rasor
Becky Reser
Crystal Schneider
Jullian Schroeder
Current Active Volunteers:
Samantha Ball
Aly Brown
Cyndi Bussen
Olyvia Comer
Sandy Emberton
Tristian Failla
Alana Foster
Ann Griesemer
Sarah Han
Carol Harris
Tamika Hawkins
Chiquita Hendrick
Julia Herigodt
Zachary McCubbins
Alexandra Ross
Barb Ruark
Randy Slocum
Adriana Smith
Grace Stagner
Kim Stagner
Scott Weitzel
Travis Weitzel
Kathy Rice
Maddie Schmidt
Grayden Schmitz
Molly Stood
Sarah Wilkerson
Welcome, NewVolunteer to the House at Mercy Kids: Sarah Wilkerson
President & CEO
Bonnie Keller
Director of Finance & Administration
Debbie Kinser
Tooth Truck Program Director
Mindy Muñoz
Director of Philanthropy
Ashley French
Director of Programs
Rachel Tripp
Development Assistant
Kim Booth
Development Coordinator
Randell Boggs
Volunteer Coordinator
Baylor Hodges
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
NEAR COX SOUTH
Program Manager
Laura Winstead
House Program Assistant
Austin Gormley
Family Care Managers
Alexis Baker
Anna Majerus
Brooke Gonzalez
Kendra Henley
Lindsey Allen
Lorna Schudy
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS
House Program Assistant
Makayla Martin
Family Care Managers
Lindsey Allen
Skylar Ball
Jennifer Grooms
Julie Holt
Jack Osborn
Zach McCubbins
Kendra Henley
Brooke Gonzalez
When did your group start providing meals for families at the Ronald McDonald House?
Julie & Friends have been serving since 2010.
How did you get involved with the Meals from the Heart Program?
We are a group of friends from all walks of life. The group has ebbed and flowed over the years due to work and family schedules, and even a few have moved out of the area, but we have friends who have experienced RMH services personally, those who love to bake and even grill, those who like to prep or clean up, those who give financially, those who donate groceries, and all who have a servant’s heart.
What is your favorite thing about participating in the Meals from the Heart program?
Through the years we have made countless meals, cleaned out the
fridge, gone through canned and boxed foods looking for expiration dates, made beds, sanitized the play area toys, washed windows, sorted pop can tabs, organized cupboards BUT the task we are most honored to perform.... listening, visiting, encouraging, sharing pictures, hugging, laughing, praying with and being present with the guests.
Big Whiskey’s Central Bank
Chartwells
Cox Health IT
Glendale FCCLA
Hamilton Family
Heart of New Start
RONALD
Bambinos
Bricktown Brewery
High Street Church
Myers Industries/Buckhorn
Oak Grove Assembly of God
On Angel’s Wings
Pappo’s Pizzeria
Parkcrest Baptist Church
Pizza Ranch
Buffalo Church of Christ
Courageous Church
Drury Exercise Physiology Club
Emmaus House Church
High Street Church
Jordan Heinz State Farm
Julie Pappenfort
Kamryn Hesington
Katy Hammen
Keep Supply
Labor & Delivery New Graduates
Mary Lou Webb
Megan Welch
Mercy Clinic- Facial Plastic Surgery
Mercy Oncology 7A
Mercy PEDS and PICU Nurses
Mercy Pre Registration Team
Mercy Regional Resource Nurses
Mercy VBO Department
MSU CLSA
NOVA
On Angel’s Wings
Adults and kids alike. We are humbled every meal we serve; it doesn't matter what the meal is.
What would you say to other groups who are considering volunteering?
If you are considering being a part of the Meals from the Heart Program, just do it!!! There is absolutely no downside.
Pyatt Dental
Shelley Mosley
Team Janet
Team Mayor McCheese
Team Mighty Millie
Union Hill Church of Christ
Zion Lutheran
Pasta Express
Pizza Ranch
Renewal by Andersen
SBU Nursing
Springfield Catholic NHS
Towneplace Suites
Women and Children Residency Class
Ziggies Café
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-fromthe-heart/
COX: 7/30, 7/31, 8/1, 8/3, 8/6, 8/8, 8/9, 8/10, 8/11, 8/12, 8/16, 8/17, 8/18, 8/19, 8/23, 8/25, 8/25, 8/27, 8/28, 8/29, 8/30, 8/31, 9/1, 9/2, 9/3, 9/5, 9/6, 9/7, 9/9, 9/12, 9/13, 9/14, 9/15, 9/16, 9/21, 9/22, 9/25, 9/26, 9/27, 9/29, 9/30
MERCY: 7/30, 8/1, 8/2, 8/3, 8/4, 8/5, 8/7, 8/9, 8/10, 8/12, 8/15, 8/16, 8/17, 8/18, 8/19, 8/20, 8/21, 8/23, 8/24, 8/25, 8/29, 9/2, 9/4, 9/5, 9/9, 9/13, 9/18, 9/19, 9/20, 9/24, 9/26, 9/27, 9/30
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
We are excited to share that our kitchen at the Ronald McDonald House ner Cox South Hospital is once again open to Meals from the Heart groups, bringing families, volunteers, and the community together around the table. We recently celebrated the reopening of the newly renovated kitchen with a staff breakfast. It was a wonderful opportunity to gather as a team, learn how the new space functions, get familiar with where everything is located, and celebrate this exciting addition to the House together.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, the kitchen has also been stocked with many of the items purchased from our Kitchen Wish List, helping ensure families and volunteers have the tools and supplies they need.
Recently, one of our guest families put the new kitchen to good use by baking homemade banana bread muffins. As the warm aroma drifted through the House, it created a comforting reminder of home for everyone staying here.
Whether it's a volunteer-prepared dinner, a family recipe being shared, a staff gathering, or a thoughtful donation from a supporter, the kitchen is much more than a place to prepare food. It's a space where connections are built, memories are made, and families can find a sense of normalcy during challenging times.
We’re excited to shine this month’s Volunteer Spotlight on Joslyn Magers, a dedicated volunteer who has been sharing her time and talents with Ronald McDonald House Charities for the past two years.
Joslyn is currently a junior in college pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences with an emphasis in Human Health Sciences and a minor in Chemistry. She plans to apply to dental school next summer and already puts her passion for helping children into practice through her work as a pediatric dental assistant. Beyond Ronald McDonald House, Joslyn also volunteers with the Tooth Truck and Healthy Smiles Academy, reflecting her commitment to serving families and improving children’s health throughout our community.
When asked why she chose to volunteer with RMHC, Joslyn shared that she was drawn to our mission of providing families with a safe, comfortable place to stay during some of life’s most challenging moments. Her compassion for children
and families shines through in everything she does.
One of Joslyn’s favorite volunteer opportunities in her work with the Cox House is Happy Wheels. She loves putting together activity bags and thoughtfully selecting items with each patient in mind. Knowing that something as simple as a fun activity or small surprise can brighten a child’s day makes the experience especially meaningful to her. She finds it incredibly rewarding to help create moments of joy and comfort for families when they need it most.
Outside of school, work, and volunteering, Joslyn enjoys staying active through hot Pilates, spending time with friends and family, and taking walks with her Labrador puppy, Finley, who keeps her busy and entertained.
We are so grateful for Joslyn’s kind heart, positive attitude, and dedication to serving the families who call RMHC a home away from home. Volunteers like Joslyn help make our mission possible every day, and we are thankful to have her as part of the RMHC family.
We all know the power of a snack to keep you going, and our “Grab N Go” snack area is a lifeline for many families. A midmorning granola bar, a yogurt to consume on the walk to the unit, or a late-night popcorn treat all provide a moment of relief and comfort.
Our families know firsthand the impact and the assurance our fully stocked snack shelves provide. One overnight family generously donated a countertop full of goodies, before they even checked out! Megan and James Mullins checked in with us on April 11th and have found support in our snacks to keep them going.
It is amazing to see House families give back to RMHC. Their experience shifts into action to help the next family in need. Donations of every kind support our mission to keep families together. Having food available, free of charge, day or night, relieves a heavy burden that no one should have to think about when a loved one is in the hospital. Thank you to the Mullins family for replenishing our snack shelves to bring a smile and a full belly to others!
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
"Home for the holidays” takes on a whole new meaning when families are staying at the Ronald McDonald House. We like to create special holiday gifts for House families when they are spending a holiday in the hospital.
For Mother’s Day, we showered moms with extra love and care by way of fuzzy socks, self-care toiletry items, and a “best mom ever” keychain. We know this special day was not how they pictured, and these gifts encourage hope and celebrate how special they are.
House dads also received fun goodies on Father’s Day, with gifts that “do it all” just like them! A mini measuring tape, beef jerky, Dad’s root beer barrel candy, and more were handed out to all dads to extend extra love. We do our best to provide a “home-away-from-home” and that includes making holidays memorable to bring comfort and a smile when they’re needed most.
Here is a recipe for a breakfast casserole we made recently that the guests and staff came back for seconds and thirds. Makes 24 servings
• 6 lb hot breakfast sausage
• 3 (30-32oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns
• 3 tsp salt
• 1.5 tsp pepper
• 0.75 tsp garlic powder
• 0.75 tsp onion powder
• 6 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 24 eggs
• 6 cups milk
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray two 9×13inch pans with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, cook sausage until no longer pink. Drain fat and set aside.
3. Add hash browns to skillet and cook until lightly brown. (Add a little oil to the skillet if necessary.) Place hash browns in bottom of two lightly greased 9×13-inch pans. Top with sausage and cheese.
4. Whisk together eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and milk. Pour over hash brown mixture. Cover and refrigerate at this point if baking later.
5. Bake, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes. Let set 5 minutes before serving.
Tori Steele celebrated her 29th birthday this year, but her story began with an incredible fight for life. When she was born, Tori weighed just 1.7 pounds and measured less than 12 inches long. During that difficult time, she was cared for by her foster parents and foster sister, Sasha, who later adopted her and became the family she knows and loves today. While Tori was receiving medical care, her family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House. They also became advocates for the rights of foster parents, ensuring that families in similar situations received the support they needed. Sasha, who was 10 years old at the time, still carries fond memories of her stay at the House nearly three decades ago.
To celebrate Tori's birthday, the family returned to the House with a beautiful gift basket filled with items from our Kitchen Wish List. As they toured the House, they shared stories and memories from their time here 29 years ago, reflecting on the comfort, support, and sense of community they found during one of the most challenging seasons of their lives. Their visit was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact a "home-awayfrom-home" can have on families. We are honored to have been a small part of Tori's journey and grateful that her family chose to celebrate this milestone by giving back to families we serve today.
HSA empowers children with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to take responsibility for their own oral health and dental care.
a normal and enjoyable part of the school day. Students brush their teeth together each day without resistance, and the routine has become an accepted part of their daily schedule. These results suggest that the Healthy Smiles Academy effectively
promotes long-term healthy habits in children during critical developmental years. By fostering consistency, responsibility, and positive health behaviors, the toothbrushing program is helping students build a foundation for lifelong wellness.
PRESIDENT
Bonnie Keller
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Mindy Muñoz
GENERAL DENTIST
Dr. Sarah Cimino
HEALTHY SMILES ACADEMY
PROGRAM MANAGER
April Womack
COMMUNITY DENTISTS
Dr. Aaron Dannegger
Dr. Caryl Earp
Dr. Emily Rockne
DENTAL ASSISTANTS
Amanda Honor
Rebekah Paredes
Megan Sanders
Pasty Santiago
Kassidy Tuttle
OFFICE COORDINATOR
Mellissa Glass
949 E. Primrose Street
Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
The First Annual Hearts & Clays Tournament was held on Friday, April 17 at the Ozarks Shooters Sports Complex. Thank you to everyone who attended our inaugural event. It was a day full of fellowship, generosity, and fun. This new fundraiser brought participants together for a meaningful clay shooting experience in support of the children and families served by our two Ronald McDonald Houses and the Tooth Truck.
Together, we raised nearly $70,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks. Thank you for supporting our families in such a meaningful way.
Mark your calendars for our Second Annual Hearts & Clays event on Friday, April 16, 2027!