2022 Fall/Winter Heartbeat Newsletter

Bryar Huggins was in the NICU for three months while his family stayed at RMHC. Let's Make Room for our families with the new Ronald McDonald House! See more on page 3

RMHC ST. LOUIS STAFF

DAN HARBAUGH, PRESIDENT

JASON HUFF, VICE PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT KELSEY CRIPE, VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS CHERI WUERTZ, VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE JUDY SCHULER, OPERATIONS CONSULTANT

ALISON KASPAR, DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES PAT NEWBY, DIRECTOR, ADMINISTRATION MICHELLE BURMANN, SENIOR MANAGER, FINANCE MCKENNA BUNJAN, VOLUNTEER MANAGER

COURTNEY FISCHER, MANAGER, FAMILY ROOM PROGRAM

KERRY JACKSON, FAMILY SERVICES MANAGER, PARK AVENUE

KATIE LAYMAN, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

DARA MARKUS, DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

JACOB MCGUIRE, FAMILY SERVICES MANAGER, WEST COUNTY EMILY TETRAULT, DATA MANAGER

RENEISHA BROWN, ASSISTANT FAMILY SERVICES MANAGER

CLARE BURKE, ASSISTANT FAMILY SERVICES MANAGER

JORDAN LANGLEY, ASSISTANT FAMILY SERVICES MANAGER CIERRA WEST, ASSISTANT FAMILY ROOM MANAGER

MIYA ANDREWS, MARKETING COORDINATOR

COURTNEY BRADSHAW, FAMILY ROOM PROGRAM COORDINATOR BARB JARVIS, FINANCE COORDINATOR

TRACEY REYNOLDS, PROJECT COORDINATOR MEREDITH SIEGFRIED, CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION RELATIONS COORDINATOR

GRETA THOMPSON, EVENT COORDINATOR ANGELA BIESER, FAMILY CARE SPECIALIST

SARAH IBA, FAMILY CARE SPECIALIST DELRA JOHNSON, FAMILY ROOM ASSOCIATE

APRIL CUSAMANO, HOUSEKEEPER, WEST PINE ANTOINETTE MCGEE, HOUSEKEEPER, PARK AVENUE

JOY TATE, HOUSEKEEPER, WEST COUNTY VICKI RUCKMAN, HOUSEKEEPER, WEST PINE

Note from the PRESIDENT

A

As you look through this edition of our newsletter, you will see that almost all components of our organization have returned to pre-Covid operations, while continuing to keep families safe. Man has it felt great to see people again!

We are beyond grateful for the continued support of our donors, volunteers, event participants and customers at McDonald’s who continue to Round-Up! It’s because of their generosity that our Ronald McDonald Houses and Ronald McDonald Family Rooms have the necessities needed to run smoothly and serve families when they need it most.

On page three and four, you will see the renderings for the NEW Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis. As of writing this we have surpassed the $24 million mark to break ground! We can’t wait to celebrate the official Groundbreaking ceremony on December 2, 2022.

The next two years will be an incredibly exciting time for the Ronald McDonald House. We hope you will continue to be an important part of our efforts. If you are interested in supporting the campaign, please give me a call at 314.932.4113.

Always Grateful,

RMHC St. Louis President

St. Louis is home to several high quality, specialized medical centers and pediatric hospitals that draw people from all over the world. As more and more families travel to St. Louis for care, the need for temporary housing is growing every year. Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) St. Louis has served the community for more than 40 years, by providing a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill children.

Since 1981, over 40,000 families have stayed in The House that Love Built. Throughout our history, we have seen the need for our services grow. Currently, we see as many as 39 families on our nightly waiting list. Although the need is growing, we are limited by the capacity of our aging facilities.

RMHC St. Louis is undertaking a $30 million campaign for the construction of a new 72-bedroom Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis City. The House features an immunosuppressed wing with ten bedrooms, abundant community and family space and a commercial kitchen. Learn more about the New Ronald McDonald House at www.rmhcstl.com/letsmakeroom or scan the QR code to the right.

Our Groundbreaking Event

As the site is prepared for construction, we will have a Groundbreaking ceremony on December 2, 2022, to celebrate the next step in our capital campaign process!

For questions, please contact Tracey Reynolds at treynolds@rmhcstl.com or by phone at 314.932.4148.

Longtime supporters of the St. Louis Ronald McDonald House found a home-awayfrom-home in Amsterdam through RMHC

MEET THE BELYEW FAMILY

The St. Louis natives found comfort and care in Amsterdam through the Ronald McDonald House

In February 2022, three-year-old Hunter Belyew was diagnosed with Leukodystrophy, an ultra-rare brain disease at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. His parents, Zach and Chelsea, were told that there were no current treatments in the United States.

The Wildwood natives quickly planned to find the best treatment for Hunter and were referred to a team in Amsterdam, Netherlands, for a medical trial. Planning for the 4,000-mile trip from their home in St. Louis to Europe was overwhelming.

Thankfully, Ronald McDonald House Charities was there to support them. Hunter’s dad, Zach, has known about RMHC St. Louis for years through his civic engagement with the local Lion’s Club. He decided to call RMHC President Dan Harbaugh for some advice. What he didn’t expect was what happened next.

Dan finished the call with Zach and quickly

got to work connecting with RMHC Global to see what our international network could do to support this family. Dan connected with the team in Amsterdam to ensure the Belyew family had a place to stay.

“It’s incredible that we can support St. Louis families traveling outside of the region for medical care,” says Dan.

Once Zach, Chelsea, and Hunter landed in the Netherlands, the "Ronald McDonald Huis" provided the home-away-from-home they needed for the next five weeks while Hunter underwent the clinical trial at UMC Amsterdam.

“It was an older house, but it had all the amenities we needed. Having our own space available was great to cook homemade meals and relax,” says Chelsea. “Hunter had to visit the hospital daily for treatment, so the House being within walking distance was great.”

The Belyew found more than just a place to

stay in Amsterdam; they found a community.

“We bonded with other families over the tragedies and lifted each other up during the hard times,” says Chelsea. “It didn’t matter your religious beliefs, family unit, or nationality. Once you were in the House, you became an instant family. That wasn’t something I knew about the charity before I experienced it. Once we were there, we realized that everyone is there for the same reason.”

After their return to the United States, the Belyew family settled back into their neighborhood. Three-year-old Hunter is doing well on his medications and is enjoying his time playing with Mason, his older brother.

“We are so proud of him and all the things he's gone through. We have Hunter’s next international trip planned in March for his yearly check up. He will have gone to Europe twice before turning four!” says Chelsea. “Ronald McDonald House has gone above and beyond to ensure my family has had what we need to get through this challenging time. We are so grateful to stay together.”■

CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Our volunteers make a difference in the lives of seriously ill children and their families by donating their time and talents. We need your help. Learn more about our areas of opportunity below:

RONALD MCDONALD FAMILY ROOM

Volunteers are needed for a variety of shifts throughout the week at our Family Room inside Mercy Hospital.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

Volunteers are needed for evening and weekday shifts at our three Ronald McDonald Houses.

MEALS FROM THE HEART

Volunteer groups are needed to prepare or deliver a meal for guest families at all three locations.

For more information, please contact McKenna Bunjan, Volunteer Manager at mbunjan@rmhcstl.com or visit www.rmhcstl.com/volunteer.

Friends of the House from Bayer recently visited the West County Ronald McDonald House to prepare a meal for guest families before the kitchen was closed in September for a renovation. We are so grateful for their help!

2022 SPECIAL EVENTS RECAP

18TH ANNUAL TAB TOP PANDEMONIUM

SATURDAY, MAY 7

Location: Ronald McDonald House, 3450 Park Ave., St. Louis, MO 63104

On Saturday, May 7, tab top collectors participated in a drivethru style event at the Park Ave Ronald McDonald House. During the day, collectors dropped off their tab tops, brass keys, and electronics to be recycled by partner Didion Orf and turned into a monetary donation for the House! Over 6,000 pounds of tabs were collected during the event!

TOURNAMENT &

AUCTION ■ JUNE 5 & 6

LOCATION: Meadowbrook Country Club

We kicked off the summer with the Ronald McDonald House Golf Tournament and Dinner Auction, presented by Seeger Toyota, at Meadowbrook Country Club. On Sunday evening, guests enjoyed various food stations, live/silent auctions, and raffles. On Monday, over 200 golfers spanning two flights participated in the tournament. Thank you to our committee, sponsors, and volunteers who make this event a success.

37 TH ANNUAL RMH GOLF

THANKS FOR A SUCCESSFUL YEAR

22ND ANNUAL KIDS & CLAYS TOURNAMENT AND AUCTION

AUGUST 17-19

LOCATION: Grand Hall on Chouteau & NILO Farms

The Kids & Clays Tournament and Dinner Auction, presented by ARCO Construction, was back this year with a three-day event! On Wednesday evening guests enjoyed dinner, live/silent auctions, and a bourbon barrel raffle. Thursday and Friday followed with a 84-target sporting clays tournament each day. Thank you to our committee, sponsors, and volunteers who made this event a success again this year.

29 TH ANNUAL SCRAMBLE FOR CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

LOCATION: The Country Club at The Legends

Most recently, we hosted our 29th Annual Scramble for Charity Golf Tournament, presented by McDonald’s, at The Legends Country Club. Over 270 golfers joined us on the course. As always, a highlight of the event was the Ladies of McDonald's tent featuring over 25 raffle items! We are so grateful for our committee, volunteers and donors for another great event!

COMMUNITY FUNDRAISERS

Donny Fandango's Annual 28-Hour Radiothon on 105.7 The Point

In June, Donny Fandango hosted the 12th annual 28-hour Radiothon. Through song requests, on-air plugs and shout-outs we raised a record-breaking $68,224! In the twelve years since Donny became a friend of the House, he has raised over $430,000 for guest families. This year, we honored Donny during our Cornerstone Society Celebration for his continued support. Thank you to all the listeners!

IUOE 148 Reel for the Kids Fishing Tournament

Annually, IUOE 148 hosts the Reel for the Kids bass fishing tournament in the Lake of the Ozarks. In 2022, this event raised $42,000. Since we became the recipients of this donation in 2015, IUOE 148 has raised over $232,000 for RMHC St. Louis. We are so grateful for this wonderful partnership!

Dinner Divas

The Dinner Divas are a group of generous, long-time volunteers that have been serving meals to RMHC St. Louis families since 2015. This year they created a cookbook “Recipes from the Heart.” Book sales raised $1,900 to purchase a new freezer. We are so excited to be welcoming groups, like the Dinner Divas, back into our Houses to cook for families.

Alpha Delta Pi

Alpha Delta Pi – Eta Nu at St. Louis University continue to be a group of wonderful partners to work with. Through their philanthropy events on campus ADPi donated over $3,400 to RMHC St. Louis! Thanks, ladies!

For more information about our Caring Partners Program and how you can get involved, visit www.rmhcstl.com/thirdpartyfundraisers.

Thank you to all of the individuals, organizations and corporations that hosted fundraisers on behalf of RMHC St. Louis. We appreciate your generosity!

Building Blocks

BUILDING THE FOUNDATION FOR OUR SUCCESS

Our Building Blocks are those who sponsor RMHC special events with gifts of $1,000 or more, or host third-party events that raise $1,000. By underwriting and hosting these fundraisers, Building Blocks help fund our core programs while reducing expenses. The list below features Building Blocks from January through September 2022.

105.7 The Point

4 Hands Brewing Company LLC

Aetna

All American Painting, LLC

Alpha Delta Pi - Eta Nu Chapter

Alpha Delta Pi Delta Nu Chapter

AME Constructors

Ameren Corporation Charitable Trust

Anders CPAs + Advisors

ARCO National Construction Company, Inc.

Armanino

Arrow Box Company

AssuredPartners of Missouri Bank of Old Monroe

BSI Constructors Inc

Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co., Inc.

C Bennett Premium Building Supplies Carpet Creations, Inc Carrollton Bank

Cass Commercial Bank Christian Foods Partnership City Lighting Products Co.

Clayton Financial Group

Coldwell Banker Realty - Gundaker Collins and Hermann, Inc.

Comfort Experts, Inc.

Contegra Construction Company, LLC

Continental Title Of Missouri Cornerstone Masonry Inc Crescent P and E of Marion, Inc

CSG West CSI Leasing

Cushman & Wakefield Deeken Properties, LLC

Didion Orf Recycling, Inc.

Dillard's

Drury Development Corporation EnTrust Global

Full Care, Inc.

G.S.&S Construction Gardens of Grace Gateway Warehouse & Transportation GFWC of Missouri Inc.

Grapperhaus Metal Company, Inc. Guarantee Electrical Co. Haberberger Mechanical Contractors Hemphill Financial Group, Inc. Hightower Wealth Advisors St. Louis Husch Blackwell LLP icon Mechanical ISC Contracting

IUOE Local #148

J.F. Electric, Inc.

Johnny Londoff Chevrolet Kadean Construction Company Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP Kienstra Enterprises, Inc.

KPMG LLP

Kuk Soo Won of O'Fallon LLC

Kutis Funeral Home, Inc.

Lewis Rice, LLC M1 Bank

Mark Anthony Group, LLC Martin Brower St. Louis McCain Foods McCarthy Holdings Inc. McDonald's Co-op of Metro St. Louis, Inc.

McDonald's Corporation Nashville Field Office

Mercy Kids

Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Midland Optical

Midwest Equipment Company

Midwest Valve & Controls, Inc.

MILO Architectural Solutions, Inc. Moneta

Northstar Management Co., LLC

Novus International, Inc.

Packaging Concepts, Inc.

Parkside Financial Bank & Trust Piros Signs, Inc.

Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. Precoat Metals

Protective Life Corporation

Purk and Associates, P.C.

Rob Hamann Agency, Inc. RubinBrown LLP

Schaefer Door

Schwoeppe Machine & Tool

Seeger Toyota

Simmons Hanly Conroy Stratum Structural Systems

TCB Transportation

The Coca-Cola Company

The Gori Law Firm, P.C.

The Harbaugh Family

The Lawrence Group

The Renz Family

The Sramek Family

The Village Bar

TJ Wies Contracting

Triad Bank

Trophy Properties and Auction Tyson Foods, Incorporated

Vee-Jay Cement Contracting Company

Willert Home Products

Wilson's Structural Steel Zeller Technologies

HOW TO HELP AT The McGift Shoppe

Our annual McGift Shoppe provides a place for RMHC guest families to shop free-of-charge for loved ones during the month of December, easing the pain of being away from home for the holidays. The McGift Shoppe is operated by our volunteers and depends on donations, which can be dropped off at any of our three Houses. Because some children are immune-suppressed, all items must be new and unwrapped. For more information, please contact Kelsey Cripe, at 314-880-8374 or kcripe@rmhcstl.com.

HOLIDAY WISH LIST

CHILDREN & TEENS

Action figures and accessories

Popular, trendy kids’ gifts

Dolls (not Barbie)

Lego sets

Bath and Body Works gift sets

Makeup kits

Jewelry and fashion watches

Headphones & speakers

Nintendo Switch video game systems

Sporting equipment

Blues or Cardinals apparel

Gift cards: iTunes, Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, Target or Wal-Mart

INFANTS & TODDLERS

Push, pull and musical toys

Fisher Price and Playskool toys

Infant clothes (preemie - 12 months)

ADULTS

Perfume and aftershave sets

Bath and body gift sets

Small coolers (collapsible type)

Luggage (lightweight and easy to store)

Small crossbody purses

Kitchen & grilling supplies

FAMILY

Gift certificates to Target or Wal-Mart

Gift cards for gasoline or groceries

Cookbooks for a Cause

Cooking and entertaining are a little more meaningful knowing that you are helping keep RMHC families together. We are so grateful to share we are partnering with Dillard's for another holiday season! Now through December 24, the Southern Living Christmas Cookbook will be sold nationwide to benefit 77 local RMHC Chapters, including Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis! Learn more about this amazing cookbook at dillards.com.

THE HOLIDAYS

RMHC Holiday Cards & Inserts

Let family, friends, coworkers and clients know you’re thinking of them this holiday season by making a donation to RMHC St. Louis in their name(s). Holiday tribute cards feature a snowglobe design, read “Happy Holidays” and are signed and mailed by RMHC to a list provided by you. Prefer to send your own cards? Our holiday card inserts are flat note cards that acknowledge your tribute gift and can be placed inside your own holiday cards. A donation of at least $5 per card or insert is suggested. Inserts also read “Happy Holidays” and feature the same snowglobe design, pictured right.

Visit rmhcstl.com/holidays or contact Miya Andrews 314-932-4116 or mandrews@rmhcstl.com for more information.

Meals from the Heart: Prepared with Care

By preparing or delivering a meal, you can provide comfort and care through our Meals from the Heart program. Thanks to our generous volunteers, nightly dinners and breakfasts on the weekends are prepared for guest families to enjoy. Now we need your help! Sign up now to offer a home-cooked meal or quick snack to be ready for families when they arrive back from a long day at the hospital. For more information, visit rmhcstl.com/meals.

Decorating for the holidays? Don’t throw away your old or broken holiday lights - donate them instead! Thanks to Didion Orf Recycling, your old lights can be turned into a monetary donation to RMHC. You can recycle holiday lights, extension cords, PC towers, network gear, cell phones, laptops, power adapters, chargers, or office phones. For more information, visit rmhcstl.com/recycle.

Keeping Families Close

WHEN THEY NEED IT MOST

For Allyson and Kyle Huggins, specialized care in St. Louis for baby Bryar was over three hours away from their home in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

Having a child in the hospital is difficult, but having the best care for them over 150 miles from home adds more stress.

Allyson, Kyle and older brother Ty needed somewhere to be close while 10-week premature Bryar grew stronger in the NICU at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Ronald McDonald House was the answer.

Offering families, like the Huggins, the necessities of a home is our priority.

By taking away some of the hardships of facing an illness, families can focus on what matters most - their child.

“People should know that it is not like a hotel. There is so much more,” says Allyson. “This was our home for three months.”

Watch their family video today by scanning the QR code:

Bryar and Allyson Huggins

HOME AWAY FROM HOME 2022 Appeal

WHAT CAN YOUR DONATION DO? YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS

The Home Away from Home Appeal provides the financial foundation for the annual operation of our three Ronald McDonald Houses and three Ronald McDonald Family Rooms.

The actual cost of a family’s one-night stay at the Ronald McDonald House is $125; however, we ask families to contribute just a small fraction of that amount. Due to mounting medical bills and other uninsured living expenses, over half cannot afford even this contribution - but no family is ever turned away if they are unable to pay.

Your gift will help us continue to serve children and their families. To make a contribution to the 2022 Home Away from Home Appeal, please use the donation envelope attached to this newsletter. To make a gift online, visit us at rmhcstl.com/homeawayfromhome.

Those who give $1,000 or more will become members of our .

SPECIAL THANKS FOR OUR 2022 HONORARY CHAIR, COLTON PARYKO!

Hunter Hildebrand and Colton Parayko at the Project 55 Golf Tournament 2022

Karen and Jordan Stevens were expecting a beautiful, healthy baby girl until their five-month check-up. The couple was devastated when the doctor shared the difficult news that their baby was diagnosed in utero with a heart defect. On July 29, 1998, Macy Stevens was born in their hometown of Omaha, NE, with a complex abnormality that included tricuspid atresia of the great arteries and pulmonary stenosis.

Before turning three years old, Macy had already received multiple surgeries for her little heart. The Stevens drove 432 miles to St. Louis for Macy to receive specialized treatment at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

“I asked myself why do I have to be here, why is this happening to Macy,” Jordan said. Thankfully, there was a room available at the West Pine Ronald McDonald House where the family could stay together. It was comforting to know they were a short drive to where Macy was being treated.

Seven years later - when Macy was ten years old - the Stevens family traveled back to St. Louis due to Macy’s heart failing. Their family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House again, this time for

four months while they waited for Macy’s heart transplant.

After her surgery, Macy and her family were able to move into one of the Ronald McDonald West Pine Apartments for an extended stay during recovery.

“I was excited for the space and for Macy to have privacy,” says Karen. “It was perfect because there was a kitchen! It was so nice to be able to have your own space and have our family over when they stopped in for the weekend.”

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis was there to provide the specific needs of the families and a sense of a normalcy during a difficult time.

“Going through that in a city so far away from home is hard,” Jordan said. “We made memories during a tough time and couldn’t have done it without Ronald McDonald House."

The Stevens family took the opportunity to go to Cardinals, Blues, and Rams games just to keep Macy busy and spend quality time with each other.

“Those little things mattered! We were so grateful when individuals would donate Cardinals tickets to the organization, it would feel like a breath of fresh air to be away from the House for the day,” Jordan said. After recovery, the Stevens family went home to Nebraska.

Ten years later after Macy’s heart surgery the Stevens decided to go on a cruise with their family which seemed like the right way

The Stevens family honors the memory of their daughter Macy by starting a foundation to support fellow families.

to celebrate Macy's health. Unfortunately, the vacation did not go as expected and she ended up in the hospital.

Macy passed away a month later on July 12, 2019, due to heart failure.

The loss of a child is extremely difficult for any family, no matter the situation. The Stevens family started the Macy’s Way Foundation in memory of their bright, beautiful, and talented daughter. Their foundation is based on helping families like theirs by supporting them with certified therapy dogs.

“We wanted to place dogs with kids who have

gone through a medical or mental disability and in hopes the dogs will become therapy dogs.” Jordan said. “Macy was so passionate about animals. This is the perfect way to continue her legacy.”

Each year, Macy’s Foundation also donates to Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis in honor of their time there together. We are beyond grateful for their continued support. Their foundation is a way for their family to give back to offer the same comforts to other families. ■

Learn more about the foundation at www.macysway.com.

HEARTWARMING MOMENTS

We were thrilled to share these special moments with our guest families!

Meet Baby Priscilla

Best Wishes

We are so excited for the Lavia family on being able to head home after 252 days! Safe travels!

Celebrating a Special Day Guest families helped celebrate Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis turn 41 years old this July, with a cupcake decorating bar at all three houses!

The Brown family is finally heading home with baby Priscilla, after staying 90 days at our West County house. We are happy that this family gets to head home together.

A Fun Night Out Colton Parayko's foundation, Project 55. donated St. Louis Blues tickets to the Ronald McDonald Houses for guest families to attend. Thanks, Colton!

NEW FACES

Meet the newest staff members of RMHC St. Louis!

MIYA ANDREWS

is excited to join the RMHC team as the new Marketing Coordinator. She graduated this past May from Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication: Multimedia Journalism with a minor in writing. Miya enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling.

KERRY JACKSON

is excited to join the RMHC team, as the Family Services Manager at our Park Avenue location. Kerry comes to RMHC with over 15 years of experience in the social services field, and he is eager to continue working with families in need. In his spare time, he enjoys basketball, hanging out with friends, and watching his son play on a select soccer team.

KELSEY CRIPE has been promoted to the Vice President of Operations for the organization. After three years with RMHC, Kelsey is ready to serve in this new role to oversee our two major programs.

SARAH IBA

joins RMHC as a Family Services Specialist and is thrilled to be part of the organization. She is a graduate of Indiana University with a BA in Journalism and a BSN in Nursing. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys spending time with family and friend, reading and swimming.

CIERRA WEST

joins RMHC as the Assistant Family Room Manager. Cierra moved to St. Louis last year after graduating with degrees in Psychology and Criminology from the University of Iowa. She is excited to make the families we serve feel at home.

Cierra enjoys listening to podcasts and spending time with her cats, George and Steve.

JUDY SCHULER

has stepped into the role of Operations Consultant after serving families at The House that Love Built as Vice President of Operations. Her expertise in hospiality continues to be shared with the team.

ROUND-UP FOR RMHC

"Would you like to Round-Up your order for Ronald McDonald House Charities?"

It's incredible to think that one small question can change the lives of so many families. The McDonald's Co-Op of Metro St. Louis has raised over $1.5 million since January 2022 through the Round-Up for RMHC program. We are in awe of the continued support and generosity of our community.

Joan Elhoffer, RMHC St. Louis Board of Directors member and local McDonald's Owner/Operator,

has continued to build on this momentum at a national level. In June, Joan joined the "McFamily" in Orlando, Florida, during the McDonald's Worldwide Convention to challenge the network to participate in Round-Up.

The next time you are in the drive-thru, at the counter or even at a kiosk, remember to Round-Up for RMHC. Your small change will add up to make a huge difference in the lives of seriously ill children and their families. ■

To express

year, the

RMHC St. Louis hosts two

and the

events

Night. The following

Sponsors continue to allow RMHC St. Louis to celebrate the contributions of some of

and ensure

gifts are put toward the families we serve.

SPONSOR

Donald H. and Mary Jane Buchanan Foundation

Joan Elhoffer and Ronald

MEMORIALS

The following gifts were made in memory of someone special from Jan. 1 to July 31, 2022.

Dennis Abeln

Marilyn J. and Larry Lammering

Kylin Akins

Roger Chaney Donna Kendall

Lyle Jones Rental

Janet Maxey

Alice Alexander

Mr. and Mrs. Bart Saracino Anonymous

Arthur Bernstein Sue Ann N. Armstrong

Cheryl Blaise

Mrs. Sue Hoffman

Jackie Marling

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Merz Don and Kathy Nicholson K S. Nickler

Meredith Nickler Sybill's Antiques & Fine Arts

Linda Arras Mrs. Catherine Arras

Marty Athy

James J. Amann

Nancy Athy Karen Beyer

Nancy Brown

Debra Bunn

Christ Bros

Tammi Christ

Edwin Cockrell

Michelle Flora

Angela Glazebrook Hank's Excavating & Landscaping, Inc.

Jun Construction Laura Jung Stephanie Klopmeyer

Macoutah Noon Lions Club

Dana Miller

Plocher Construction Pyramid Electrical Contractors, Inc. River City Construction Joseph Schomber

Southern Illinois Builders Association

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis G. Wetzler

Steve Aul Robin Roach

Patricia Bahlinger

Suzie and Gary Hartwig

Herbert L. Bankston

Steve Benhoff

Mrs. Kim Campe

Jim Donahue

Natalie Encapera Mrs. Debbie Forthaus

Tom Gieseking

Deanna L. Harlan

Beth Heffren

Roger Scheider

Audrey Yann Pam Bauer

Joyce Thuston Matthew K. Bazoian Beth and Larry Hasselfeld

Gregory Beller Julia Allen Donna S. Boyer Mrs. Joyce Adams JC Breault JC Breault Memorial Committee Charlotte Breidert Ms. Sandy Taryle Joyce Thuston Doris Bressmer

Joan and Kenneth Thornsberry Joyce Thuston Carl Briscoe Shirley Briscoe Mrs. Shelley West Delbert Brooks Mary and Robert Brooks Tom Browne Mr. Tom Browne Ed Burwell

Marlene and Richard Carey Roman Bushmeyer Colin Houchins

Patricia Castro Maureen Dressing Sally and Kevin Geoghegan Maureen and Andy Leeker Jean Colby Robin Roach

Angelina Craddick Rachael Lancey Larry Crank Pansy Barnfield Margaret Daigger Jody and William Maas Jackson E. Dengler Ms. Ruth Kult Juno and Frodo Diaz-Radliff Ms. Diana MacNutt

Theodore Dickey Kim and Dale Bertram Geraldine L. Dimasi Nancy Young Andrew J. Durkin Mary and Andy Pullen Jean M. Edwards Marci and Edward Wanner Chase Elmendorf Ms. Melanie Carlton Carol and Terrence Elmendorf David Goeke

Joseph Eschbacher

Dr. Hilton Price Joseph Fafian David L. Tornetto Stan Feldman Janet and Dale Steinback James K. Foley Mary and James Foley Rylan Foster

Donna Deschepper

Heather Frey

Mrs. Gretchen Early Mrs. Dora Reische Gerri Gardocki Karen Dafflitto Thoams Gentiline

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew R. Mallow George Gielow Vera and Harold Walker Tom Gielow

Ms. Peggy Agnew Sharon J. Gordon Mrs. Ruth Gordon Steve Potashnick Bryna Spector Mr. Steve Till

Mr. and Mrs. David E. Wilson Dan Gravens Mary and James Foley Amy L. Gray Barbara and Phil Jarvis Marcia Greko Rick Huff Kathy Grimes Vera and Harold Walker Mary A. Grothe Dena and Stephen Ferman Marvin Guebert Mr. and Mrs. Matt Vossen Billy J. Gunn Mrs. Gloria Rariden Ken Hall Linda Cowgill Lucille Hanson Suzie and Gary Hartwig Shirley J. Harrison Gayla Kern Brett Haubrich Sally Venverloh Susie Haw Mrs. Paula Gray Heather H. Kelley Susan Matuscak May Susie Montebello Mrs. Donna Paladin Mrs. Susan Solomon Ms. Gigi Weber Curran Patricia Heninger Ms. Charlotte Anderson Judy and Bob Bell Mrs. Vickie Bower Susanne Haring Julie and Steve Mathes Robert St. Clair Jackson Hocker Tovah Edwards James & Rose Horn Ricky Horn Paige James Mary Jo Sgro Kevin R. Jones

Deborah Norris Guy Kammien Maureen and Andy Leeker

Daniel T. Klak

Kelly and Dan Harbaugh Justin Knapp

Ms. Betty Jane Knapp

John Kramp

Reta Casten

Dorothy Krohn

Robin Roach

Suzanne LaFever

Patricia Binek

Phyllis Lash

Felicia Malter

Bill Laskowitz

Michael and Sue McCoy

Joyce Le Van

Mrs. Genevieve J. Fick Mark Lefler

Kathleen Perks

Charles Letchworth Vera and Harold Walker

Curtis W. Levan

Mrs. Pat Echelmeyer

Marilyn Levan

Margaret Dolter

Mary and William Ondr

Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Weber Shayley Mabury

Ashley Mabury

Ashley and Shayn Mabury Peggy Marson

Nancy Jo and Robert Sterneck Agnes Mathis

Joyce Thuston

Clark Mauer

Kelly and Dan Harbaugh Adele Merkel

Barbara J. Bauer

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Berra

Mrs. Loretta Boutot Carol and Lawrence Brennan Charles Dairaghi

Laura Diedrich

Kelly and Dan Harbaugh Mary Hughes

Mr. Jeffrey Krueger

Tracey and Larry Long Caley and Sean Long

Terry McDermott

Marilyn and Angelo Merlo

Michael Moraja

Mrs. Dawn Pimmel

Mrs. Louise Pimmel

Michelle Riedel

Pauline Vago Melissa Walsh

Jim Meyer Jean and John Vogt Jeremy Morales

Pamela Laplant

Ronald M. Murphy

James Easterby

Ms. Diane Meyers

Finlay Nayler

David L. Tornetto

Geraldine Neckermann

Ms. Karen Hessler

Kay Neeld

Felicia Malter

Tina M. O'Brien

Mr. John O'Brien

Steve "Reno" Okenfuss

Jean and John Vogt

Richard Overfelt

Sharon R. and David Silverman

John M. Pellegrini

Ms. Susan Fortner

Ms. Donna Fulk

Ms. Renee Gooderham

Beth Scroggs

Mrs. Brandy Vanderberg Jean Pettus

Jean and John Vogt

Raymond Poletti

Beverly Sweet

George Price

Jean and John Vogt

Cameron Pries

Agri-Power

Mr. Robert Aldag

Suzanne Hartley Cindy Sellers

Scott Pries

Ms. Dottie Hartley

Suzanne Hartley

Donald Quallen

Christopher Quallen Reinsurance Group Of America, Inc

Raymond Reed

Jean and John Vogt

Josephine L. Renaud

Mr. Michael Greene Gil Resnik

Kelly Burch

Mary Ann Robinson

Joyce Thuston

Jacob M. Roth

Mr. Dan Johanningmeier

Craig Abt

Constance Johnston

Emily Minicky Erika and Ronald Neider

Annette Roth

Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Roth

Heidel Tuveson Lynn L. Weis

Randy Rue Marsha Rue Rose Russo Louis Russo

Dorothy Sanderson

Marylyn Luther

JoAnne Sandler Ruth Hartstein

Stephanie Schaefer

Robin Roach

Janet Schlemmer Arline and David Behrens

Arnie Scholl

Marlene and Henry Diamant

Susan Schultz

Cutting Edge Automotive Solutions

Myron Vann

Dennis J. Schumann

Vicki and Jack Challis Emily Schwarz

Suzie and Gary Hartwig Adam Smith Jessica Newman

Steven J. Sottoriva Mr. David Thurman Mary Lou Spegal LaVerne Atkinson

Lucinda Hansen

Sharon Jackson

Helen Linnenburger Kathy Miller

Karyl Silvey

Joyce Spegal Spirit Of Frankford Ext. Club

Ronald Walden Phil Spies

Sharon and Ronald Burkhardt Sullivan Stanaland Laura Amann

Dr. Thomas Feder

Mrs. Sheila Nelson

Stephanie Pensoneau

St. Clair County Farm Bureau James Wilderman

Debbie Sterly Sue Ann and Thomas Armstrong

Macy Stevens Macy's Way Libby G. Stevenson Stephanie Treat Renata M. Stewart Ms. Paula Douthit Helen Stillwell

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Keister Elizabeth Stockwell Marlyn Palmer Jane Stoll

Ms. Janice McGah and Ms. Sandy Smiljanich Beth Siegfried Bernadette Spitznagel

Jerry Stone

Mr. James Hays Lee J. Sturm Patricia Codden Mr. and Mrs. Scott Jarus Anya Svrcek

Zosia Skorko

Sharon Syler

David L. Tornetto

George W. Tainter

Mrs. Caroline Tainter

Marvin G. Tebeau

Ms. Jill Bingham

Mrs. Barbara Quinlan

Victoria Tornetto

Patricia Ann and John Hessel Miranda Ulrich

Mr. William Palmer

Harold Uthoff

Karla and James Toal

Donnell Valenti Ann and Fred Bueler

Kelly and Dan Harbaugh

Mr. Mike Noelke

Mrs. Susan Simpson

George W. Ward

Janet Gleason

Peggy Gleason

Hazel Webb

Betty Moskoff

Karen Moskoff

Tammy and Terry Trusty Clyde H. Wehmeier

Richard V. Wagner

Mike E. Weirich

Collins and Hermann, Inc.

Tom Williams

Sue Ann and Thomas Armstrong Christine Wood

Mr. Yeats Thurmond

George T. Wootten

Ms. Susan A. Losby Marcia J. Brown

Marjorie Zechmeister Frank Zechmeister

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are opening a new space inside Mercy Hospital! Beginning in November slots will become available for our Family Room program volunteers. There are a variety of shifts, seven days a week. For more information contact Courtney at cbradshaw@rmhcstl.com or call at 314.400.4365. Learn more about volunteering by scanning the QR code below:

TRIBUTES

The following gifts were made in honor of someone special from Jan. 1 to July 31, 2022.

Chelsea Asadorian Amber Leigh

Jeff Barone

Rita and Greg Diekemper Karsh Family Foundation John T Baumstark David Baumstark Scott and Tracy Bazoian Kathleen and Stephen Gaffney Rosalie and Craig Spenner Karen and Jim Castellano

Anna Nadine Black Guy Black Borchardt Family Linda Bakersmith Khloee Bowman Barbara Hofmann Samuel David Buchalter & Lauren Elizabeth Buchalter Mr. Norman Buchalter

Pat Coppinger

Michele Kratky

Jack Eckert Kathleen and Michael Burke Rachel Eilbott Ms. Sheri

Schneider-Dicker Kaye Factor Corbenic Partners Charlie Gilliam Ms. Mary Ann White Jack Gilliam Kelli Gilliam Mr. Joe Riffel Ms. Mary Ann White Ron Gross Donna and David Segal Dan Harbaugh Rita and Greg Diekemper Kim and Guy Phillips Michael Harding Cynthia and Mark Jones Steve W. Hays Karen and Jim Castellano

Rod Joggerst Robin Roach Grayson A. Johnson Jana and Jerry Johnson Karac Kearney

Mrs. Bridget Skoczylas Liliana Knaack

Ms. Tanya Adams Ann Davies Ms. Lauren Veicht Maggi L. Mannion Edward Mannion

Izabella Marquez David Blechle Harold M. Miles ITS Inc Hans Mugler Hans and Michelle Mugler Amanda Galloway Julie and Andrew McDowell Corey Oliver Mrs. Tami Kramer Samuel D. Orlando Kelly and Dan Harbaugh PeleFondo Teri Ramirez Kit & Larry Pitcher Peggie and Jerry Galleano Ranae Reehten Ballyhoo Workshop Abby, Nathan and Eva Russell Mrs. Shelley Botchek Elise and Connor Sain Kelly and Dan Harbaugh Carter Saul Chris Saul Matthew Schoenherr Mike Schoenherr Zander Schumacher

Ms. Elissa Beaver Ms. Alicia Rau Kay F. Siegrist

Eileen and Harry Weber Bill Sims Mary and Robert Brooks David Sobelman Joy and Steve Sobelman Brent Stevens Ms. Caitlin Ryan Mark Tampow

Jenny Dolce Chris Tucker Iris Shepard Robert Wallace

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Deutsch

Jessica Wilhelm

Kathleen Wilhelm Jimmy E. Williams

Mr. Barry Sandweiss Linda and James Sramek Jordan Winckel St. Rose of Lima Home & School

Joshua Woolard

Sara Fabrizio

OUR WISH LIST

We rely on donations of these household items to provide all the comforts of home inside our three Ronald McDonald Houses and four Ronald McDonald Family Rooms. To donate items, please call 314-773-1100 or email info@rmhcstl.com.

Cleaning Supplies: Paper towels

Disinfectant (Lysol) spray

Multipurpose cleaner Floor cleaner Glass cleaner (Windex) Swiffer Wet Jet pads

Kitchen Items: Sweet/salty individually wrapped snacks Dishwasher detergent Aluminum foil Plastic wrap Ziploc storage bags (all sizes) Keurig pods (coffee) Induction compatible cookware

WEST COUNTY KITCHEN UPDATE

After a decade of wear and tear, the West County Ronald McDonald House community kitchen received a much-needed renovation. Now families and volunteers can use the modern space to prepare a meal or quick snack. You can help us stock the essentials!

Miscellaneous: Travel-sized & full-sized shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, shaving cream and toothpaste

Laundry Facility Supplies: High-efficiency laundry detergent Softener sheets

You can purchase these item and more at our Amazon Wish List! Visit www.rmhcstl.com/wishlist to order online and have these essential items shipped right to the Ronald McDonald House.

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

black curtains drop on the side of the stage, spotlights dance around the room, music fills the air, and the crowd stands cheering as the fully refurbished 2017 Ford Escape appears through the blanket of smoke. The car, with an RMHC St. Louis logo on its side, has wish list items filling its seats, and Dara Markus, RMHC Development Manager, smiles and waves from behind the steering wheel. Meanwhile, out front, Dan Harbaugh President of RMHC St. Louis is presented with an oversized key from the National Autobody Council members.

Suddenly,

On April 5, 2022, the National Autobody Council’s Recycled Rides program teamed up with the Certified Collision Group at its inaugural conference to present the vehicle to Dan Harbaugh and Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis. Allstate acquired the car and handed it off to Schaefer Autobody, a member of CCG, for repairs. St. Louis-based Enterprise “stuffed the trunk” with wish list items for guest families.

“Presenting an NABC Recycled Ride® on the main stage at the CCG national conference was an amazing experience,” said Bill Garoutte, president and CEO of the National Auto Body

Council®. “Our members CCG, Allstate, Schaefer Autobody and Enterprise all contributed their time, talents and resources to make this happen, and it is incredible to see those efforts come to fruition to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® of St. Louis.”

NABC Recycled Rides® is a unique program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the NABC Recycled Rides® program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council® have donated nearly 3,000 vehicles valued at some $42 million.

“We have always wanted to do an NABC Recycled Ride vehicle to help children and families being treated at the local children’s hospital,” said Scott Schaefer, owner of Schaefer Autobody. “Our family has a passion for supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities and the local hospital through our own experiences. This project has allowed us to combine that passion for helping others with the passion we have for delivering the highestquality repairs every day. We’re honored to be

The National Autobody Council donates a vehicle to RMHC St. Louis through the Recycled Rides program.

able to refurbish and present this vehicle to help families in need.”

At Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis, we are incredibly grateful for the generous donation from the NABC and their partners. Dara Markus, Meredith Siegfried, Katie Layman, and Dan Harbaugh represented the charity at the conference.

“For many of our families, safe and reliable transportation is a huge barrier for them, especially when their child is receiving medical treatment. Now, with the help from the National Auto Body Council® and the NABC Recycles

Rides® program, with this new vehicle, we can go the extra mile for families by helping relieve the burden of transportation,” says Dan Harbaugh. The vehicle will be used in a variety of ways to support guest families staying at the St. Louis area Ronald McDonald Houses and Ronald McDonald Family Rooms. Additional partners in the NABC Recycled Rides® presentation include 1-800 Charity Cars, Alloy Wheels, All Star Auto Lights, Color Match, O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Sunset Ford Auto Group, Xtreme Detail and Zisser Tire. ■

CALLING ALL YOUNG PROFESSIONALS!

Do you know a young professional looking to get involved with Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis and meet likeminded individuals? Then the Red Shoe Society of St. Louis is for them! Learn more by visiting www.rmhcstl.com/redshoesociety. Activities include:

• Completing service projects

• Planning and executing special events

ST. LOUIS

• Professional development activities

• Social and networking opportunities

MEET BRIAN LUCIDO

After retiring early from Schaeffer Electric at 55 years old, Brian Lucido wanted to give back to his community. He quickly found his calling to support organizations that benefit families when they need it most, including Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis.

Brian’s passion is evident in all he does. Over the past two years, he has used his specialized skills to fix electrical and maintenance problems throughout the facilities he supports. In addition to his weekly volunteer service at The House that Love Built, Brian travels to Camp Sherwood annually to volunteer during the “trades weekend” and prepares the camp for the upcoming season.

“It’s a good feeling to give back to our community,” says Brian. “After my close friend passed - she was like a work-mom to me - I wanted to support one of her favorite charities. This is how I learned about Ronald McDonald House.”

Many donors choose to leave a legacy gift through a will or trust to a charity whose mission

expresses their personal values. The passing of loved ones kindled Brian’s passion to go a step further by establishing a living trust and designating a planned gift to RMHC St. Louis. Unlike one-time cash donations, planned gifts are typically made from assets in an estate and come to fruition after the donor’s lifetime.

Brian’s desire to create a lasting legacy for RMHC families through a planned gift makes him one of the newest members of our Caring Hearts Legacy Circle.

“I’ll be here to continue to support families by helping around the House and be there for the staff at the new location,” says Brian.

Generous volunteers and donors like Brian continue to allow us to provide a home-away-fromhome to seriously ill children and their families. Whether it’s through his maintenance volunteering or a gift that will secure a future for the organization, we are beyond grateful for his continued support. ■

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HEARTBITS

St. Louis Cardinals player Paul DeJong and his mother

Andrea came by our West Pine House to prepare and serve bbq to guest families for dinner. He also signed Cardinals baseballs for the kids.

Hunter surprised staff at the Park Ave. House in honor of his 17th birthday by donating 3,000 items from our wish list. It also marked the day his family checked into the House in 2005.

Anna Capkovic and her Amazon coworkers were so thoughtful to pack backpacks for parents and kids. The kids bags included activities,and toys while the parents got relaxation items.

Special thank you to these kiddos who held a lemonade stand for us and raised $115! Proud grandparents Tony and Cathy Lange brought this cute crew to the House that Love Built to drop off the proceeds.

Huge thank you to Girl Scout Alexandria Perez for donating cookies to all three of our Ronald McDonald Houses. We know families love the sweet treat!

Brylee, Berkley and Cheyanne had a tab top competition at their school between the 6-8th graders. The girls 8th grade class won by bringing in 61,728 tabs!

Special thanks for our friends of the House at Sumner One for making an incredible donation of wish list items to the West County Ronald McDonald House. We are so grateful!

We are so grateful for Protective corporation preparing and serving dinner to guest families in all three St. Louis Ronald McDonald Houses!