2022 Fall/Winter Heartbeat Newsletter

Fall/Winter 2022

St. Louis

HEARTBEAT

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

WHAT’S INSIDE 2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9-10 11-12 13-14 15-16 17 18 19-20 21 22 23-24 25-26

A note from the President Let's Make Room Capital Campaign Meet the Belyew Family; Volunteer Opp. 2022 Special Events Recap Third party fundraisers; Building Blocks How to Help at the Holidays Home Away from Home Appeal Macy's Way; Heartwarming Moments New Faces & New Roles Round-Up for RMHC Memorials; In Loving Memory Tributes Our Wish List - West County Kitchen Going the Extra Mile; Red Shoe Society Brian Lucido; Heartbits

2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS JEFF BARONE, CHAIRPERSON BRIDGET HOY BEARDSLEY, VICE CHAIRPERSON KAREN BAER, TREASURER GREG DIEKEMPER, SECRETARY STEVE BESHORE DR. MARY MICHAELEEN CRADOCK KYLE DARNELL CULLY EISENBEIS JOAN ELHOFFER BEVERLY GARNER CHRIS GIARLA MARK HEFFERNAN DAN HEGGER ANTHONY IRACE DR. JOSEPH KAHN SCOTT KARCHUNAS SIRUS KARIMI RYAN KURYLA APRIL LOPINOT STEVE MALTER JILL OLLER ELLYN ROSENBLUM NOLAN RUIZ DANNA STONE DAVE TORNETTO

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

OUR MISSION: To provide a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill children

A Note from the PRESIDENT

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s 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,

Dan Harbaugh 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.

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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

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n 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

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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!

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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!

37TH ANNUAL RMH GOLF TOURNAMENT & DINNER 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.

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.

29TH 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!

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

1 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!

2 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!

3 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.

4 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.

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

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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 VISIT OUR HOLIDAY PAGE TO LEARN MORE

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.

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Bryar and Allyson Huggins

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:

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HOME AWAY 2022 Appeal

FROM HOME 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 .

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

SPECIAL THANKS FOR OUR 2022 HONORARY CHAIR, COLTON PARYKO!

WHAT CAN YOUR DONATION DO?

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

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 15

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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

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.

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.

NEW ROLES

Check out this exciting change at RMHC! 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.

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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.

Joan Elhoffer and Ronald

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. ■

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU To express gratitude to our outstanding supporters, RMHC St. Louis hosts two appreciation events each year, the Cornerstone Society Celebration and the Volunteer Appreciation Night. The following Appreciation Event Sponsors continue to allow RMHC St. Louis to celebrate the contributions of some of our largest donors and ensure their gifts are put toward the families we serve.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Donald H. and Mary Jane Buchanan Foundation GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

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

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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

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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

MEMORIALS CONTINUED 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

IN LOVING MEMORY Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis extends its deepest sympathy to the families of these very special children:

Chester Borntreger Treasure Riley Kase Bode AJ Keimber

Reid Hunter Cagle Libbi Stevenson Avery Dingus Aaron Johnson

Pranit Chakravorty Spencer Rice

Heartbeat • Fall/Winter 2021

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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:

St. Louis

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

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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

Miscellaneous: Travel-sized & full-sized shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, shaving cream and toothpaste Laundry Facility Supplies: High-efficiency laundry detergent Softener sheets

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!

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

S

uddenly, 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.

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

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Heartbeat • Fall/Winter 2022

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

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:

ST. LOUIS

• • • •

Completing service projects Planning and executing special events Professional development activities Social and networking opportunities

MEET BRIAN LUCIDO

A

fter 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. ■

SHARE YOUR STORY If your family has benefited from one of the local Ronald McDonald Houses or Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, we want to hear from you! Help us share moments of joy and care by sharing your story at www.rmhcstl.com/shareyourstory.

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Heartbeat • Fall/Winter 2022

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.

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!

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.

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!

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 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!

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.

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

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID JEFFERSON CITY, MO PERMIT NO. 210

St. Louis

3450 Park Avenue St. Louis, MO 63104

If your name and/or address are incorrect, please let us know by contacting Emily Tetrault at 314-932-4134 or etetrault@rmhcstl.com.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES® OF ST. LOUIS West Pine Ronald McDonald House 4381 West Pine Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63108 314-531-6601

Park Avenue Ronald McDonald House 3450 Park Ave. St. Louis, MO 63104 314-773-1100

West County Ronald McDonald House 300 Ronald McDonald House Ln. St. Louis, MO 63141 314-485-0300

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