2022 Spring/Summer Heartbeat Newsletter

Spring/Summer 2022

St. Louis

Meet Barrett

HEARTBEAT

HIS FAMILY FOUND COMFORT AND CARE AT THE RONALD McDONALD HOUSE

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

Letter from the Board Chairperson Providing Comfort & Care; Get Involved Today National Social Work Month; Our Partners 2022 Special Events Recycle for RMHC Welcome to the Board; Outgoing Members New Faces Round-Up for RMHC; In Loving Memory Shoes News: Red Shoe Society Updates 2020 Cornerstone Society Members; Memorials Tributes Major In-Kind Donors; Heart & Sole Award Meet the Buddy Brigade Our Wish List; AmazonSmile 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 JUDY SCHULER, VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS CHERI WUERTZ, VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE ALISON KASPAR, DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES PAT NEWBY, DIRECTOR, ADMINISTRATION RICH RODGERS, DIRECTOR, FACILITIES VERONICA BIVER, SENIOR MANAGER, FAMILY SERVICES MICHELLE BURMANN, SENIOR MANAGER, FINANCE COURTNEY FISCHER, MANAGER, FAMILY ROOM PROGRAM KELSEY CRIPE, FAMILY SERVICES MANAGER, WEST PINE JACOB MCGUIRE, FAMILY SERVICES MANAGER, WEST COUNTY EMILY TETRAULT, DATA MANAGER DARA MARKUS, ANNUAL AND COMMUNITY GIVING MANAGER ABBY MAUER, EVENT MANAGER MCKENNA BUNJAN, VOLUNTEER MANAGER KATIE LAYMAN, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER RENEISHA BROWN, ASSISTANT FAMILY SERVICES MANAGER CLARE BURKE, ASSISTANT FAMILY SERVICES MANAGER JORDAN ZACHOW, ASSISTANT FAMILY SERVICES MANAGER MAKAYLA JOHNSON, ASSISTANT FAMILY ROOM MANAGER COURTNEY BRADSHAW, FAMILY ROOM PROGRAM COORDINATOR MEREDITH SIEGFRIED, CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION RELATIONS COORDINATOR BARB JARVIS, FINANCE COORDINATOR LARRY PRY, DATA COORDINATOR TRACEY REYNOLDS, PROJECT COORDINATOR GRETA THOMPSON, DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT EMILY KOHLBERG, HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT JESSE LUCIO, FAMILY CARE SPECIALIST ANGELA BIESER, FAMILY CARE SPECIALIST DELRA JOHNSON, FAMILY ROOM ASSOCIATE ANNA OLIVER, 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 our BOARD CHAIRPERSON

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hat an exciting time it is to be involved with this organization. As I look ahead to 2022, there is a sense of optimism and hopefulness that surpasses what we historically have felt during the spring season. We seem to be gaining momentum toward a positive change in behavior, away from fear and back toward community, gathering, and celebrating together.

Our plans for the House this year reflect this growing optimism. But before we look ahead, let us revel in the accomplishments of 2021.

We hosted 400 families in our three Houses in 2021.

Another 1,700 families enjoyed the respite of our inhospital Ronald McDonald Family Rooms. By the end of the year, we were able to operate all our facilities at full capacity, except for restricting the House on West Pine so that families could enjoy the safety of having their own bathroom.

We adjusted the schedule, venues, and format of all of our appreciation and fundraising events in 2021 so we could all safely gather to support the House. We pushed back the date but returned to Meadowbrook Country Club for a lovely indoor/ outdoor Golf Dinner and Auction. We were blessed to have Seeger Toyota continue being such a staunch supporter and agreeing to be the title sponsor for the event. Shortly thereafter, the Red Shoe Society successfully hosted their annual Winetoberfest event, raising more than any other Red Shoe event.

Our St. Louis McDonald’s franchisees continued to lead all other co-ops across the country in “RoundUp” funding from their restaurants in support of the House. Their efforts raised an incredible $2 million in 2021, more than double the next highest RMHC chapter. The dedication of our owner/operators to implement and maintain this program has been remarkable.

At our annual holiday board dinner this past December, we recognized the RMHC staff with the Heart and Sole award. Usually, this award goes to an organization who has gone “above and beyond” in support of the House. It was with immense pride that I presented this award to the staff, who have worked tirelessly to service and support our families in probably the most difficult environment we will ever

experience.

Despite being subjected to a global pandemic, we embarked on a capital campaign to raise $30 million for a new city House. At the time of this writing, after less than a year of work, we have pledges of approximately $19 million and require only $5 million more to begin construction.

As we look ahead, the staff has planned all our events on the same schedule, venue, and format as we enjoyed prior to the pandemic. We look forward to gathering in honor of our generous volunteer and donor base and attending fundraisers with as many friends as possible. Of course, our staff will continue to work hard to keep everyone safe and will be ready to change course if necessary.

Confident that we will meet our fundraising requirements, pre-construction work is underway to break ground on the new House this summer. This 72-room facility will closely resemble a hotel and allow us to consolidate support staff. In preparation for these changes to the operation and eventual staffing succession, a new long-range planning committee has been formed. This committee, comprised of current board members, former board members, Red Shoe members, and staff, will ensure there is a strategic plan to support the successful evolution of the House.

Thank you all for your commitment to the House and for supporting all our families. Your efforts, contributions, and generosity drive my optimism for this year and beyond.

With much appreciation and admiration,

Jeff Barone

Barrett always had his mom with him thanks to RMHC

PROVIDING COMFORT & CARE Barrett’s family stayed close when they needed it most thanks to RMHC.

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n February 8, 2019, Betina and Dustin Hood welcomed their son, Barrett, into the world. Barrett was diagnosed with Radial Longitudinal Deficiency or Radial Club Hand and other internal complications with his heart, liver, and abdomen. Within a few weeks, Betina found a fellow mother whose child had a similar diagnosis on social media and was recommended to a doctor in St. Louis.

In June 2021, Barrett and his mom traveled over seven hours from their hometown in Albertville, Alabama, to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital – St. Louis to receive treatment. He had an external fixator placed on his right arm for the next few months to support his hand as he gained strength through intense physical therapy. Thankfully, during their stay in St. Louis, Betina and Barrett found refuge at the West County Ronald McDonald House. Barrett’s dad and sisters came to visit on the weekends as frequently as they could.

“Being so far away from home and having somewhere that truly feels “homey” while going through a difficult time in your life is so important. The Ronald McDonald House doesn’t feel cold and lonely like a hotel room; it quickly became our home away from home,” says

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Betina. “You’re surrounded by the staff that is always welcoming, smiling, and encouraging you, and you’re surrounded by other families that are going through similar times in their lives, which is so encouraging and uplifting.”

Since 2021, their family has stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis eight times while Barrett has undergone surgery and physical therapy. Betina shared that one day, in particular, was extremely difficult for both of them when Barrett had a therapy session and a doctors’ appointment a few hours apart.

“Therapy was rough for both of us because of the pain that Barrett was going through caused by the external fixator,” says Betina explaining that she planned on having lunch at the hospital before the appointment that afternoon. “Barrett was miserable and only wanted to be held. So, I sat and held him, and neither of us got a chance to eat. On the way back to Ronald McDonald House, he fell asleep in the car, and I just drove around to let him rest awhile.”

By the time Betina got back to the House, it was evening. As she walked through the door, she was greeted with a smile from a staff member, letting her know dinner would be ready soon. She led Barrett up the elevator for a quick

bath before realizing she had forgotten to stop at the store to pick up toiletries.

“At this point, not only was I exhausted, but I was hungry and alone with my 2-year-old son in a big unfamiliar city, which was scary, especially since it would be dark soon. I just felt so defeated,” says Betina. “When I walked off the elevator and up to the door of our room, there was a basket with bath supplies and some of the other items I needed. I can tell you that I honestly just cried there at my door. No one at the Ronald McDonald House had any idea of the day we had. No one knew that we had not eaten since breakfast. No one knew how afraid I was of going out alone at night in an unfamiliar city. I am certain that if the staff had known I needed something, they would have come to my absolute rescue without hesitation. But they rescued us and didn’t even know that we needed it.”

Betina went on to share that she will never forget that evening or the scent of the toiletries in the basket, “Country Chic by Bath & Body Works,” she says. “I am reminded that such a simple gesture can mean so much. The best part is that these acts of kindness are a constant at Ronald McDonald House.”

Now, the Hood family is back home in Alabama as three-year-old Barrett continues to grow stronger with a bright outlook on the world. Despite the hardships he has faced, Barrett is an energetic singer who enjoys playing with his older siblings, Damion, Lexi, Valerie, and Nataley.

“If I had to describe RMHC with one word, it would have to be selflessness,” says Betina. ■

GET INVOLVED TODAY! You can make a difference in the lives of families with seriously ill children by donating your time and talents.

HERE ARE FIVE WAYS YOU CAN HELP RIGHT NOW! 1

Sign up to deliver or prepare a meal for RMHC guest families

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Round-Up for RMHC at McDonald's

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Host a fundraiser

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Donate Wish List items from our Amazon Wish list and have essential supplies delivered to the House

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Join us for one of our special events

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

Special thanks to Kayden Hurst and his family for donating wish list items! Friends from school helped collect over 100 items in 100 days in honor of his 3-month NICU stay.

Barrett’s sister Nataley created an RMHC model made out of Lego blocks for a school project in honor of their family’s stay.

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NATIONAL SOCIAL WORK MONTH This March we are celebrating the individuals who are dedicated to providing access to RMHC for families when they need it most For a family being admitted to a pediatric hospital, the experience can be overwhelming; figuring out where to park, where to go, waiting for results from tests or procedures, all while trying to find out what is happening next, and juggling personal needs.

Thankfully, social workers have answers.

When a family is admitted to a St. Louis area pediatric medical facility, they are greeted by a social worker who can link them with the resources they need during their stay. For families who are fifty miles or more away from home and do not have anywhere to go, social workers connect families with Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis.

“Our partners lead with compassion and are knowledgeable in their fields. They advocate on behalf of each family with care to make sure they receive resources that are needed. RMHC is one part of the family-centered care our partners

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strive for. I can’t imagine families navigating the hospital and their child’s medical journey without the help of a social worker,” says Veronica Biver, Senior Family Services Manager at RMHC St. Louis.

Social workers make many connections between families and the Ronald McDonald Houses or Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, offering individuals the necessities that can often be overlooked when a parent or guardian is focused on their child. They create special bonds with new mothers, foster parents, and even older siblings to remind them to grab a bite to eat, take a short walk, and try to get a few hours of sleep.

We are honored to highlight six exemplary social workers from our partner hospitals. Their commitment to families is evident in their daily work to give families support when they need it most. ■

OUR PARTNERS Meet a few of our exemplary social workers in partner hospitals PATTI BRIDGES is a

social worker at Mercy Hospital St. Louis in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She has served families for 12 years.

“I think we get so focused on our patients and their families that we forget that we are a part of something bigger. Social Work Month reminds us of all of the other people across the country impacting the lives of children as well.”

REBECCA WILLIAMS

supports families at St. Louis Children’s Hospital in the Cerebral Palsy Center.

She has been a social worker for seven years.

“When our patients’ families need emergent or long-term lodging while their children are here for inpatient admissions, RMHC provides them with a consistent place to stay in close proximity to the hospital.”

RIEKO GRIFFIN

serves families at Shriners Hospital for Children – St. Louis as a Care Manager.

Rieko has been a social worker for over 25 years.

“For those families who are here for a long time, receiving medical care may not have been possible without Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis. We serve patients from 9 surrounding states, including Missouri, Arkansas, and Illinois.”

KELLY OLSON serves

in the Hematology/ Oncology/Bone Marrow transplant services at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

She recently celebrated her 17th anniversary as a social worker.

“We require families who live greater than 50 miles away from the hospital to stay locally for 100 days post bone marrow transplant. It is such a relief to have the RMHC apartments close by.”

KELLY KIOLBASA is a

perinatal social worker at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Kelly has been a social worker for two years.

“I work to support families as they navigate the various medical and psychosocial challenges that arise and are exacerbated during their baby’s NICU admission. In this role, I am able to promote healthy and nurturing parent-child relationships.”

EMILY JOHNSON

is a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit social worker at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. She has been in the field for 15 years.

“I work closely with families who have experienced the birth of a child that is premature or critically ill.

Our families stay an average of 30 days. Many families would not be able to visit their child or be present if RMHC didn’t assist them.”

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2022 SPECIAL EVENTS Mark your calendar and join us for one of our annual fundraising events!

18TH ANNUAL TAB TOP PANDEMONIUM SATURDAY, MAY 7

Drop off the aluminum tab tops, keys and electronics you have been collecting for RMHC St. Louis all year!

Weigh stations for tabs will be available courtesy of Didion Orf Recycling for you to see how your collection stacks up against the competition.

Before you leave, be sure to grab a snack and check out the RMHC merchandise for sale! Visit www.rmhcstl.com/recycle for more information or to register (advance registration not required).

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37TH ANNUAL RMH GOLF TOURNAMENT & DINNER AUCTION ■ JUNE 5 & 6 LOCATION: Meadowbrook Country Club The annual Ronald McDonald House Golf Tournament, presented by Seeger Toyota, is one of the premier golf events in St. Louis. This two-day affair begins on Sunday with dinner accompanied by a silent and live auction. On Monday, the links become the place to be when threesomes vie for the firstplace prize while enjoying food, beverages, and a gift for each golfer. For more information, please visit www.rmhcstl.com/golf.

Each year, proceeds from special events contribute more than $1 million toward the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis. For more information about our fun-filled fundraisers, or to see how you can get involved, please visit us online at www.rmhcstl.com/events.

22ND ANNUAL KIDS & CLAYS TOURNAMENT & AUCTION AUGUST 2022

LOCATION: NILO Farms Grab your team and enjoy an 84-target sporting clays tournament at NILO Farms in Illinois! The tournament, presented by ARCO Construction, will include breakfast, lunch, and beverages throughout the day, a gift for each participant, additional clays side games and an awards ceremony at the end of the event. For more information, visit www.rmhcstl.com/kidsandclays.

29TH ANNUAL SCRAMBLE FOR CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

LOCATION: The Country Club at The Legends Sponsored by McDonald’s, this event is perfect for anyone looking for a fun, affordable tournament supporting a great cause! Foursomes will compete for prizes in morning or afternoon rounds and test their luck at several par-3 games along the course.

Each player will also receive a gift bag, lunch and refreshments on the course.

For more information, visit www.rmhcstl.com/scramble.

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Help keep families with sick children close while doing your part to sustain our environment by recycling for RMHC! TAB TOP HOUSES

After a nationwide shortage, we are happy to announce we have received a shipment of Tab Top Houses! We recommend these collection containers for offices or schools. Contact Greta Thompson, Development Assistant, to place an order.

WAYS TO STORE YOUR TABS OR KEYS

While Tab Top Houses are the traditional and recognizable collection containers for the Tab Top Program, we encourage collectors to get creative with their containers. All we ask is that these creative containers are clean. Examples include: shoe boxes, mason jars, and milk jugs.

Visit our website for printable wraps and signs to place on your collection bins!

DROP OFF

Make sure to separate your tab tops and keys when you drop them off at any of the three St. Louis area Ronald McDonald Houses from 9AM to 6PM. If you aren’t able to swing by, simply drop them off with your electronics at any Didion Orf location.

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OUR THREE PROGRAMS 1. Tab Top Program:the Tab Top Program invites people of all ages to collect aluminum tab tops from beverage cans.

2. Keys to the Heart Program: Open doors for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House by donating your brass keys.

3. Electronics Program: Have you discovered any broken or unusable electronics during your your spring cleaning? Instead of throwing these items out, take them to Didion Orf and tell them you want your donation to go to RMHC St. Louis.

Accepted electronics include: cell phones, laptops, AC adapters, holiday lights, home and office phones, extension cords, network gear, satellite receivers, and PC towers.

Questions? Visit rmhcstl.com/recycle or email Greta at gthompson@rmhcstl.com.

WELCOME TO THE BOARD RMHC St. Louis welcomes the following individuals to the Board of Directors: KYLE DARNELL is Vice President of ARCO Construction Company, the 7th

largest design-build general contractor in the United States. He oversees the operations and business development for ARCO’s Senior Living & Multifamily division and ARCO’s office in Phoenix, Arizona. Kyle and his wife Ashleigh have three children and enjoy traveling.

CULLY EISENBEIS is a Team Leader in Marketing at Edward Jones, a Fortune

500 financial firm. Cully serves on the firm’s Client Attraction team, a sleeve of Marketing, which is tasked with enabling and equipping financial advisors with resources. He focuses on developing partnerships amongst internal stakeholders and external technology partners. Cully is a native to St. Louis, MO, where he lives with his wife, Katie, and two children.

SIRUS KARIMI is Vice President of Southeast Operations for Enterprise Fleet

Management, an affiliate of Enterprise Holdings, and has spent his entire 21-year career at the company. Sirus has been an active volunteer within the community, having served on multiple boards and committees, including RMHC of Central Texas, Make-A-Wish, Better Business Bureau, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. In their free time, Sirus and his wife Kendra and daughter Kayla enjoy traveling.

APRIL LOPINOT is Vice President of Human Resources at Keeley Companies

and leads a six-person HR and Recruiting team for holding company Keeley Companies, Keeley Construction, Keeley Properties, and Keeley Restoration. April also proudly serves over 1,500 team members as the leader of Keeley Companies’ health and wellness program, KeeleyLife. April is a wife, mother of two daughters and the proud stepmom of a Marine.

THANK YOU!

Alicia Jett

We would like to thank our 2022 outgoing Board Members Alicia Jett, Keith Schieler and Michele Muscarella-Harmon for their outstanding dedication and service to the RMHC mission.

Keith Schieler

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NEW FACES Meet the newest staff members of RMHC St. Louis!

ANGELA BIESER

is delighted to join RMHC as the Family Care Specialist at our West Pine Ronald McDonald House.

Angela is finishing her BSW at UMSL and plans to complete a graduate degree in art therapy following graduation.

She is thrilled to share her love for helping others with RMHC families! In her free time, Angela enjoys meditation and being creative.

JESSE LUCIO

is excited to join the RMHC team as the Family Care Specialist at our Park Avenue Ronald McDonald House. Jesse also works for World Pediatric Project as a Case Aide. He’s currently pursuing a degree at Southern Illinois University in Spanish. In his free time, he likes to go on hikes and spend time at home with his cat, Tigre.

DELRA JOHNSON

is very excited to join the RMHC team as a Family Room Program Associate.

Delra is currently a student at UMSL studying social work and plans to graduate this summer! She enjoys painting, hanging out with her three dogs, and having self-care and spa days.

ANTOINETTE MCGEE

is thrilled to be the new Housekeeper. She has worked in the home healthcare field and environmental services for many years. She takes pride in all she does and enjoys being helpful. Antoinette has two daughters that she continually works hard to provide for. She shared, “Taking care of people is what I do best. If you see me and need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

ANNA OLIVER

is happy to join the RMHC team as the Family Room Program Associate. She recently graduated from Westminster College and is currently pursuing a M.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UMSL! Anna is eager to support the families. In her spare time, she loves spending time with friends and her puppy, Benji.

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“HOME ISN’T WHERE YOU’RE FROM, IT’S WHERE YOU FIND LIGHT WHEN ALL GROWS DARK.” -PIERCE BROWN

ROUND-UP FOR RMHC St. Louis continues to lead the nation in the Round-Up for RMHC program

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he Round-Up for RMHC program in the St. Louis region continues to outperform other areas of the country. We are proud to share that the McDonald’s Co-op of Metro St. Louis ended 2021 with a donation of over $2 million to RMHC from asking customers to “Round-Up” their order.

That means over four million people heard about Ronald McDonald House just last year! We are so grateful for their support in sharing our mission.

Since 2019, the owner/operators in our region have been the trailblazers to connect crew members and customers to the guest families at RMHC. As the momentum continues, we are working closely with owner/operators, mid-managers, and crew members to share the impact of their efforts through a new campaign in 2022 that will showcase guest family stories, Round-Up totals,

and more right in the lobby at local restaurants.

Also, McDonald’s supervisors can nominate outstanding crew members as “Round-Up Rock Stars” to receive limited edition Ronald McDonald House Charities gear, a spotlight on social media, and more!

Funding received from Round-Up for RMHC continues to provide a home-away-from-home to families when they need it most. Over the last year, guest families have enjoyed the renovated space in the Ronald McDonald Family Room inside SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital thanks to the community ‘rounding up.’

The next time you are under the golden arches to order a large fry, solo sweet tea, or seasonal Shamrock Shake, remember to ask to RoundUp your order for RMHC to support families of seriously ill children. Your small change will add up in a big way for guest families. ■

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

Kylin Akins Levi Walker

Tara Booker Jenny Zhong

Lucas Lovejoy

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SHOES NEWS ST. LOUIS

Get to know the Red Shoe Society St. Louis - Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis’ young professionals group!

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he Red Shoe Society seeks to engage, empower and inspire young professionals to participate in philanthropic and leadership endeavors while building awareness for the group, which supports Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis. Members enjoy an array of social activities, fundraising events, professional development opportunities and more!

For more information about the Red Shoe Society, visit www.rmhcstl.com/ redshoesociety or reach out to RSS President, Phil Saettele at psaettele@gmail.com.

Meet the Red Shoe Society’s

2022 LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Phil Saettele PRESIDENT Kristie Ream TREASURER Joe Nonnenkamp SECRETARY Kayla Drury SERVICE CHAIR Emily Westerholt PR/MARKETING CHAIR Lauren Hieger DEVELOPMENT CHAIR Jennifer Jines SOCIAL & MEMBERSHIP CHAIR 13

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Stay up-to-date with the Red Shoe Society on social media! @redshoestl

A DECADE OF YOUNG FRIENDS Red Shoe Society of St. Louis celebrates ten years of supporting seriously ill children and their families.

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022 marks ten years since the inception of the young friends’ group for Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis, which aims to provide a place of development and fun for those passionate about the organization’s mission.

The Red Shoe Society started in 2012, under the leadership of inaugural president Ryan Kuryla.

Collaborating with fellow founders, RMHC Board of Directors, and staff members, the first group members created a vision to be the leading young professional’s society in St. Louis. Ryan continues to serve the organization on the Board of Directors at RMHC St. Louis and as the Red Shoe Society liaison.

“I cherish the time I have gotten to spend with St. Louis’ finest organization. RMHC employs the best staff to provide that special home-awayfrom-home we hope we never need but know will always be there,” says Ryan. “It has been a great experience to provide individuals with opportunities to grow as leaders and take on projects.”

Over the last decade, RSS has hosted fundraising events to support the House, prepared meals for guest families through the Meals from the Heart program, held social networking events, and helped create overall awareness in the community. Notable fundraisers include the Washers Tournament, Kentucky Derby watch parties, Par-Tee for the House at Topgolf, and the annual Winetoberfest celebrations. Together, these events have raised thousands of dollars to support seriously ill children and their families.

Current President, Phil Saettele, shares his first experience with the group in 2015 during the Washers Tournament held at Wehner Park.

“I didn’t know many people there, but they immediately welcomed me as part of the group,

and several people I met are still great friends of mine to this day. As someone looking to meet other young professionals but who was not a very outgoing person at the time, the feeling of belonging was very meaningful to me,” says Phil.

To survive the ever-changing world, Phil and the leadership council for RSS continue to adapt to meet members in a safe and inclusive environment.

“We’ve done a tremendous job of surviving the pandemic, especially considering the recruitment challenge created by the inability to hold in-person events for over a year,” says Phil.

“After holding several virtual events during the first quarter in 2021, we transitioned to in-person gatherings and gained momentum throughout the year, finishing with about 60 members.”

To add value to RSS membership, the group created a new Professional Development Committee in 2022 to identify speakers and events to support personal and professional development.

“We’ve identified this area as a growth opportunity that can differentiate us from other young professional organizations. We took a significant step in this direction last year with our professional development webinar series. I’m very excited to see where the next year takes us,” says Phil. “Overall, I’ve grown considerably as a leader during my time with Red Shoe Society in St. Louis. It’s rewarding to provide those opportunities to other members. I enjoy the enthusiasm and creativity each individual brings to the table.”

If you are interested in joining the Red Shoe Society to raise awareness and funding for Ronald McDonald House Charities, visit www.rmhcstl.com/ redshoesociety. ■

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OUR FRIENDS. OUR PARTNERS. OUR FOUNDATION.

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e would like to thank our 2021 Cornerstone Society members for their generosity! The Cornerstone Society was established in 2012 to recognize the individuals, organizations and corporations that give an unrestricted donation of $1,000 or more to RMHC St. Louis. In 2021, Cornerstone Society members’ donations totaled more than $2 million.

In the ten years since its inception, Cornerstone Society members have donated nearly $17 million to provide a home-away-from-home to seriously ill children and their families. We are proud to share that the society has grown from 339 to 585 members, truly showcasing the commitment from our friends and neighbors.

To celebrate these accomplishments, we will host a Cornerstone Society Celebration, presented by Mercy Kids, at the Palladium St. Louis to honor our 2021 donors this spring. For more information about the Cornerstone Society, please call Dara Markus, Annual and Community Giving Manager, at 314-932-4132 or by email at dmarkus@rmhcstl.com.

Special thank you to the following sponsors for underwriting our event so that we may continue to celebrate the contributions of some of our largest donors and ensure their gifts support the families we serve: Mercy Kids, Donald H. and Mary Jane Buchanan Foundation, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Moneta, World Pediatric Project, Simon and Cordes Group at UBS, Gardens of Grace, Northern Trust, Parkside Financial Bank and Trust, and Swiecicki & Muskett, LLC.

HEART OF RMHC McDonald’s, including local McDonald’s crew members, Owner/Operators and the St. Louis Community

HEART OF LOVE $25,000+ Bayer ♥ Donald H. and Mary Jane Buchanan Foundation Terri and Jerry Flagg ♥ Friend of RMHC (5) Harlene and Marvin Wool Foundation SKC Enterprises, Inc.♥ St. Louis Children’s Hospital

HEART OF COURAGE $20,000-$24,999

American Direct Marketing Resources, LLC The Butler Family Foundation Anthony Irace ♥ Mary and Mark Kohlberg ♥ Mercy Kids ♥ Dianne and Gary Schuette ♥ Paul Simon Jr. Impact Foundation WSDC Foundation

HEART OF HEALING $15,000-$19,999 Mr. Demetrick M. Coleman ♥ Gloria and Gary Deeken ♥ Rita and Greg Diekemper ♥ Edward Jones Jefferson Foundation Billie and David May Cynthia and Edward Potter ♥ Tracy Family Foundation Denise Wool Bold - Cornerstone Society Founding Member ♥ - 10-Year Consecutive Donor

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HEART OF COMPASSION ■ $10,000-$14,999 Tracy and Scott Bazoian ♥ Brinkmann Constructors Greg Buck Diane and Ron Lewandowski Employees Community Fund of the Boeing Company Friend of RMHC (2)

Kelly and Dan Harbaugh ♥ Suzie and Gary Hartwig ♥ Kent Family Foundation Kathryn Mleczko Beth and Steve Pelch ♥ Mimi Ravarino Catherine and Thomas Rea Mary and Zsolt Rumy

Kim and Brad Seabaugh ♥ Susan and Steve Short Skarie Charitable Fund ♥ Linda and James Sramek ♥ St. Louis Lodge No. 5 IOOF ♥ Trinity Logistics Laurie and Ray Van De Riet ♥

HEART OF HOPE ■ $5,000-$9,999 Diane and Jeff Barone ♥ Carrie and David Beckel Nora and Brian Black Carmen and Marty Blaylock ♥ Blaylock Family Foundation ♥ Blues for Kids Foundation Karen Burget Mary and Christopher Burnes ♥ Christian Foods Partnership Connor’s Cause Lee and Mike DeCola ♥ Didion Orf Recycling, Inc. Barbara and William Dowling ♥ ESCO Technologies, Inc. ♥ Linda and Steve Fahrig ♥ Barbara Farrel ♥ Friend of RMHC (2) Julie A. Gessner Foundation Dr. Elizabeth Goodman Graybar Foundation

Constance and Joseph Grimes Haberberger Mechanical Contractors ♥ Kathy and Steve Hays ♥ Brenda Hebrank Helmkamp Construction Co. Wanetta Henry Diane and Steven Holste ♥ Diana Holway Sue and Matt Iovaldi Sandra and John Irace ♥ Cheryl Jones Liz and Jeff Karpel Patricia and Stephen Kaster Keeley Companies Maria and Donald Kukla ♥ Christina and Phillip Kumnick Mariann and Bernard Lears ♥ Dorothy and Melvyn Lefkowitz ♥ Dietra and James Lewis

Felicia Malter ♥ Marlyn Micheletto MKL Foundation, Inc. Margie and William Moskoff ♥ Leslie and Timothy Myers ♥ Opus Foundation Richard Palank Herman T. & Phenie R. Pott Foundation Radian Guaranty, Inc. The Realty Shop Reynolds Family Foundation Robertson Benevity Fund/ St. Louis Lodge No. 5 IOOF RMHC (Global) Tricia and Matthew Rothgangel Toni and Nolan Ruiz Barbara and Brian Satterthwaite Stacy and John Schicker Jeanne and Edward Shay

Simons and Cordes at UBS Financial Services, Inc. SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer ♥ Cindy and Raymond Swaback Lisa and Kirk Syberg ♥ Paul and Patricia Taylor Family Foundation Tegeler Foundation Team Rizz Frank Thurman Von Gontard Family Foundation Heather and Andrew Wegman ♥ World Pediatric Project

Steve Malter ♥ Cheryl and Jim Mather ♥ Sandi and Richard Mauger ♥ Diana and Dan McCoy ♥ Gregrey McMaster Microsoft Matching Gifts Program Pamela and William Moench ♥ Moneta Charitable Foundation Jane and James Moore ♥ Mary and James Mosby ♥ Warren Patton Cheryl Petersen Todd Randolph Maureen and John Riffle ♥ Debbie and Timothy Rohlman ♥ Minna Kay and John Rothkopf RubinBrown LLP Christina and Matt Sander Judy and Lee Schuler ♥ Brian Schwarze Karen and James Shaughnessy Emily Siddens Laurie and Mark Sifrig ♥

St. Louis Italian Invitational Golf Tournament for Charities St. Louis Pre-Sort, Inc. Charles Stevens Trust Joan and Ralph Stevens Joseph and Mary Stieven Amy Stiver Tapestry Solutions Robert Tanenbaum Juanita amd Paul Thompson Teri and Richard Thornberry David Tornetto ♥ Carla Valenti and Mike Boland ♥ Beth and Glen Weeks ♥ Barbie Whitehead and James Spence ♥

HEART OF COMFORT ■ $2,500-$4,999 Frank Adam Foundation Alan Green 4-Chesed Fund Susan and Stephen Altmann ♥ AmazonSmile Foundation ARCO National Construction Company, Inc. Denis Backer Karen and Chris Baer Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund Bridget Hoy Beardsley and Iain Beardsley Robbie and Theodore Beaty ♥ Kim and Dale Bertram Bold Enterprises, Inc. Ken Boyer Family Jane and Stuart Campbell CarShield Coca-Cola USA Concord Village Lions Community Services Foundation, Inc. Lynn Ann and Arthur DeGuire ♥ Robert Edwards

Christie and Jeremy Elmendorf Friend of RMHC (4) Barbara and Kenneth Fritz ♥ Kelly and Gus Gast ♥ Sean Geoghegan ♥ Dawn and Chris Giarla ♥ Andrea and David Giarla ♥ Donna and William Gibson The Patricia A. Healey Fund ♥ Cindy and Mark Heffernan Kimberly and Robert Herdler Michel and Tom Heutel Charlotte and Thomas Hillmeyer ♥ The Home Loan Expert, LLC Illinois Tool Works Foundation Quimby and David Ingram Barbara and Alan Kahn Karen and Dr. Joseph Kahn ♥ Martha and Bruce Karsh Mary and John Kennedy Margery and Timothy Kohl ♥ Cheryl and Rich Kopp KSDK Robert Lieber ♥

Heartbeat • Spring/Summer 2022

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HEART OF THE HOME ■ $1,000 - $2,499 Accent Lawn & Landscape, LLC ACF Alarm Company Acropolis Investment Management, LLC Aero Charter, Inc. Ahrens Contracting, Inc. Tyler Alcorn Luz and Dr. Jorge Alegre Ameriprise Financial Jodi Apter Argent Capital Management Michele and Pete Arman Nancy and Richard Arnoldy William and Jane Asa Anne and Daniel Attridge Carrie and Michael Backers David Bacon Jo Baer Rodney Bahr Heather and Shawn Bailey Nancy Bales Karen and Dan Bantle Ilana Barasch Joseph Barnard Lynn and Gerald Barnes Debbie and William Barta Carrie and Nicholaus Bartlow Ayn Bartok Cindy and George Baskin Carol and Bob Bauer Lawrence Baumann Dan Beaman Beechwood Hotel Group Lauren and Brad Beigle Belden, Inc. Ellen and Steve Beshore Dennis Beutler Jaime Bierk and Jamie Marr Guy Black Mary Jo and Robert Blankemeyer Ruth and Les Block ♥ Marie and Stuart Block ♥ Tammy and Jamison Bloebaum Linda Borchardt William Bradley Lynn and David Brandt Lynn Brengle Marilyn and James Brezovec Wayne Brinkman Muriel Brockmeier Sandy and Phillip Brown Ian Broz Darren Buddemeyer Ann and Fred Bueler ♥ Sharon and Ronald Burkhardt ♥ Kathryn and Chris Busch Caleres Cares Charitable Trust Quintella Calvert Geraldine and William Campbell Stacey and Mark Caplinger Joan and Gregory Carlson Tracey and Michael Cavato

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Victoria and Michael Chabot CHC: Creating Healthier Communities Missouri Brett Cherry Chod Family Foundation Dawn Christoffersen and Jared Minkoff Catherine and Tony Clark Kim and Craig Clynes Carolyn Coffey Frank Cognata ♥ Community Tire Retreading Contegra Construction Company, LLC Continental National American Group Linda and Marty Coyne Christine Crain Debbie Crittenden Crowder Family Foundation CSI Leasing Angela and Matthew Culler Gregory Cushing Kimberly Dalrymple Kim and Michael Daniels J.K. Davidson Donna and Marty Davis Day Family Foundation Dean Team Volkswagen of Kirkwood Alyssa and Steve Della Camera Susan and Frank Dellaquila Jerrod Deneke Virginia and T. Randle Dennison Paul Deutsch Karen and Rick Didion Kelly and John Diehl Jill and Alex Dimitrief Dirty Duct Tales Marilyn and Tom Dobski Christine and James Dohr Karen and John Dolan Roland Dolle Genevieve and Robert Donohue Carole and Lewis Douglas Natalie and Thomas Douglass Anne and Karl Dunajcik Kathleen and Dr. Justin Durel Lorainne and Glenn Edwards Tonya and Grant Ehlmann Rachel and Larry Eilbott Christine and Greg Eilerman Joan and David Elhoffer ♥ Carol and Terrence Elmendorf Equitable Foundation Fund Phyllis and John Evans Lloyd Evitts Everstream Solutions Jammie and Doug Fabick Joe and Diane Ferry Charitable Fund Christopher Findlay Linda and Steven Finerty

Heartbeat • Spring/Summer 2022

Connie and James Finger ♥ First Community Credit Union Dan Fitter Rita Fitzgibbons Michael Flanagan Timothy Flanagan Charles Foster Michael Foster ♥ John Henry Foster and Bernadine Foster Foundation Sandra and Randy Franklin Kristine McGrady and James Freiburghaus Friend of RMHC (15) Fru-Con Foundation Johnathan Fugitt Neal Furlong Gregg Gaines Beverly and John Galanti Ganske Sales and Consulting LLC Elizabeth and Greg Garlich Beverly and Mark Garner Michael Garner John Garrett Jessica Gibson Bonnie and George Gipson Girdner Contracting Kevin Goffstein Helaine and Milton Goldenberg Pamela Gomes Travis Graham-Wright Marlene and Donald Grant Marian and John Gravlin Bradley Green Karen and Jim Grillo Rachel and Brett Grohmann Bethe and Gary Growe Maria and Joseph Guffey ♥ Mary and John Gunther Norma Jean and Ralph Haag Brenda Haalboom ♥ Benjamin Haberberger Laura and Mark Haberberger ♥ Lynda and Steve Haberberger ♥ Dawn Hale Jill and Samuel Hamacher Debbie and Richard Hanak Teresa and Donald Hancock Susan and Lawrence Hanebrink Amy and Ken Hannah Lisa and James Hannon Gayle and Greg Hantak Russell Hardy Harper Haines Fluid Control Robert Harrison Laura Harrop Janet Haselhorst Lisa and Alan Hautly Doris Hawkins Timothy Hayes HBM Holdings Jessica and Dan Hegger Barb and Robert Hehmeyer

Helmkamp Cares Foundation Georgey and Craig Herron Maureen and Charles Hoffman Hoffmann Family Fund Kathleen and Dr. Michael Hoffmann Martha and Michael Hogan Horner Church Randy Horrell Sandra and Keith Hosto ♥ Lisa and Rob Howe Jason Huff Natosha and Matthew Hunter icon Mechanical Sharon and Joseph Intagliata Patricia Jankowski Jonathan Jansky Alicia and Brian Jett Michael Jett JM Family Enterprises ♥ Linda and Thomas Kahley Dalia Soliman and Ehab Kaiser Lisa and Scott Karchunas Teresa and Shawn Kelly ♥ Kemlage Family Dentistry Arthur F. Kerckhoff III Tom Kersting Keurig Dr. Pepper Kiwanis Club of Hampton Midtown ♥ Deborah and Mike Klak Gladys and John Klipp Tina and James Klocke Kathy and Lester Knopp Kimberly and Joseph Koenig Korean American Association of Scott Area Karl Kottemann Debra and Jesse Kramper Michele and John Kreber Holly Carpenter and Randall Krohn Tim Krueger Thomas Kuhn Wanda Kurtz Emily and Ryan Kuryla Kim Kutis Donna Moog and Leonard Landsbaum Deborah and Paul Lane Mel and Jeff Lapidus Lauren and Colin Lauer Debora and Jack Lay Frances and Gary Lazaroff Larry Lee Marcia and Bob Leonard ♥ Amy and Erik Lescher ♥ Lich Family Charitable Fund Julia and Pete Lilly Imran Lodhi Mary Elizabeth and John Londoff Megan Lorenz Carlyn and Patrick Lowery Rebecca Luce Nancy and Brock Lutz Geri and Stephen Lux ♥

Scott MacArthur Deanna and David Macke Marc’s Flooring Service Phillip Maritz June and Joseph Marlo Anita and Daniel Marquitz MasterCard Worldwide Pat and John Matejcic Rita and Ralph Mathews ♥ McAllister Family Foundation Martha and Max McCombs Virginia McCook Jeffrey McCurdy Julie Moskoff and Douglas McDonald McKelvey Homes Joy McMillen Mary and Dan Meagher Margie and Charlie Medelberg Tammie and Alan Meyer ♥ Sharon and Jerry Modde Cheryl Moellenhoff Michael Moeller Lori and David Moser Karen and John Mountain ♥ Janet and Dean Mueller Genie and Harry Mueller Linda and Gary Muenster Michele Muscarella-Harmon and Arthur Harmon Kathleen and David Naumann Katie and Dr. Jordan Nepute Julie Nichols Lindsay Norris The Northern Trust Company - St. Louis Lynne and Robert O’Connell Linda and John O’Hara Elizabeth and John O’Leary Deborah and Chris Ott Dave Otto Cynthia and Richard Pacanowski Jacqueline and

Dr. George Paletta Melissa and Glen Pariani Parkside Financial Bank & Trust Piasa Charitable Foundation Tina and James Piepenbrok Dean Pilcher Pamela and James Pinter Sanford J. Poger Megan and Rich Rafuse ♥ Christine and Todd Rands Mary and Richard Rawlings Carolyn Rayner Carolyn Reese Barbara Regnell ♥ Joseph Reich David Reiniesch Clare and Lee Renz ♥ Tracey Reynolds and Timothy Reich Debra and John Ribando Christa and Kent Richardson Paula Richter ♥ Marilyn and Jay Rickmeyer Riley Spence & Associates Paula and Rodger Riney Roger Ringering Lauren and Donald Roberts Suzanne and Richard Rodgers Laurie and Dale Roethemeyer Peter Rogers Jenna Rohlfing Ellyn Rosenblum and Thomas Self Claire and Shawn Rowan Michelle and Peter Roy Larry Runner Janice and Steve Runyon Louis Russo ♥ Ann and John Ryan Philip Saettele Safety National Casualty Corporation

Ronald Saks Mary and Tom Santel Marcia and Rick Schaefer Don Schaeffer Heather and James Scheetz Barbara Schieler Lori and Keith Schieler ♥ Joan and Mark Schlichter ♥ Colleen Schoendienst ♥ Ann and John Schultz Beth and Patrick Schumann Jill and Roger Schurig ♥ William Schuwerk Theresa and Andrew Sciaroni Susan and Salvador Sedita Kathi and Michael Shepard Sheryl O’Toole & Associates Sidener Foundation Kim and Marc Sinclair Matthew Smith ♥ Southside Machine Works Spectra Painting, Inc. Victoria and Gregory Spence Nancy Spencer Sprowls Family Charitable Foundation Mary Ann and Andrew Srenco St. Charles Jaycees Dale and Janet Steinback Sarah Stephenson The Stonebright Foundation Stratum Structural Systems Jessica Streit-Hrevus and Jake Hrevus Ruth and Francis Stroble Angela and Thomas Strunk Deborah and Thomas Suter Carol and Christopher Swiecicki Shirat and Thanom Temiyasathit Nancy Thomas Katie and John Thorman ♥ Jeanne Tompras

Topps Paving and Sealing, LLC Jenneke and Timothy Towe Doug Tracy Richard Trebelhorn Becky and Brian Ungles United Healthcare Services, Inc. US Bank Foundation Kellie Vahey Shirley Vanhorenbeeck Vi-Jon Laboratories, Inc. Mary Ann and John Virant Deb Vogt ♥ J. Edward Vogt Patricia Voigt Patricia Wade Lesley and Matthew Wagner Lisa and Mike Walsh Amy and Jeffrey Ward Timothy Ward Ruth Ann and Breck Washam Joan Weakly Lucinda and Mark Weaver ♥ Sheryl and Douglas Weber Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign Janet and Ronald Wiese Meghan Arnold Wilkison and Bond Wilkison Jeannie and Kurt Will Shannon and William Willhite Turner Williams Keith Wolff Susan and Nelson Wolff Joyce and Charles Woodard Working Spaces Michelle and Marc Wright Cheri and Brian Wuertz ♥ Susan and Robert Wunning Marilyn Wynd Veronica and Eric Zust

THANK YOU! We are extremely grateful for all of our generous supporters. To see a list of all our 2021 Annual Giving donors, please visit us online at www.rmhcstl.com/donors.

Heartbeat • Spring/Summer 2022

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MEMORIALS The following gifts were made in memory of someone special from August 1 - December 31, 2021.

Debby Bailey Abnet Fellowship FWB Church Gilbert Abt Mr. and Mrs. John J. Vogt Darlene Adock Ms. Reta Casten William “Butch” Alford Mrs. Danette Alberternst Anonymous Ms. Ruth Rowley Marty Athy Baxmeyer Construction Mr. and Mrs. Tim A. Boyce Alison and Brian Hart Keeley & Sons, Inc. Lebanon Grain Elevator Ms. Krystal Litteken Ms. Jennifer M. Murphy Ms. Jean Schaefer Ms. Stephanie Sullivan Susan Braun Barnett Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Lieberman Larry Barraco Ms. Nancy A. Duffy Stephen Behrndt Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Kelly Leeann Binder Ms. Lisa A. Stevens Clare Blase Mr. John Blase Tina Boland Mr. Michael J. Boland Kelly Lynn Braun Casco Corporation Ms. Linda Parker Ed Calcaterra Mr. and Mrs. Gary R. Hartwig Elijah Caram Mr. and Mrs. Rich Hennicke Tom Carney Mrs. Susan Brown Patricia Castro Mrs. Dawn Archer Mr. and Mrs. Dean Berger Mr. and Mrs. John A. Bieller Ms. Claire Budd Ms. Debra Carnaghi Ms. Karen Cash Mr. Rich Chapman Mr. James Clancy Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Copple Mr. and Mrs. John Czaicki Mrs. Erin Davis Mrs. Cheryl Decker Ms. Lisa M. Fujawa Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Geoghegan Mr. Sean T. Geoghegan

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Ms. Mary Ellen Gillick Mr. Tim Halsey Ms. Mary Hamlin Dan and Kelly Harbaugh Mr. Robert Hoffman Mr. and Mrs. August Kalmer Ms. Irene Kalmer Mr. and Mrs. James C. Kesting Ms. Sharon Krejci Ms. Kim M. Kutis Mrs. Katie Letourneau Mr. Sal & Karen McGhee Mr. and Mrs. Dan R. McKeever Ms. Barbara Menos Ms. Donna Messey Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Nicoletti Mrs. Nikki Oldani Ms. Joseph Orf Mr. Donald Paluczak Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Pelch, Jr. Mr. Neil Phipps Ms. Karen Ponciroli Mr. Thomas Rafferty Mrs. Susan Ruzicka Mr. Matthew Schellert Dr. Daniel Sweeney Mr. David L. Tornetto Mrs. Susan Bartoni Vollmer Mr. Joseph P. Vollmer Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Wanner Ms. Margaret Willen Mr. Jack Yacovelli Mr. and Mrs. Barry Yehling Ms. Cheryl Yehling Mrs. Sally Yoselevsky Dillon Chiodini Tom Piotrowski Cloyd Boyer Mr. and Mrs. Gary R. Hartwig Ryan Coe Mr. and Mrs. Todd Coe Josephine Conder Mr. and Mrs. Joe E. Kube Audrey Zella Cornell Mrs. Cathy Cornell Ethan Craig Ms. Terri Keene Larry Crank Mr. Steve Allen Mrs. Teresa Dragon Ms. Debbie Joy Patricia Curia Mr. Brian Curia David Dierberg Mrs. and Mr. Judith Dierberg

Heartbeat • Spring/Summer 2022

John Thomas Dulle Mr. and Mrs. John C. Hill Andrew Joseph Durkin Mr. and Mrs. Andy Pullen Chase Elmendorf Mrs. Ellen Broadway Mrs. and Mr. Carol Elmendorf Alex Failoni, Jr. Dr. Peter Ambrose Lisa and Robb Bass Ms. Kathy Byrne Concord Publications Inc Mr. Norman Donner Mr. and Ms. Stephen Doss Mr. and Mrs. Gerard J. Eschmann Mr. Michael Frisce Mr. Sean T. Geoghegan Mary Pat and James Glauber Dan and Kelly Harbaugh Dr. Michael Hoffmann Ms. Beth Hollander Mrs. Susanne Indelicato Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Kelly Joyce and Joseph Lamartina Mr. and Mrs. Bob Leonard Mr. Mark Lobstein Ms. Barbara Martinez Mrs. Sue Pietrowski Ms. Ginny Polach Ms. Janise Schaljo Shawver Group LLC Shearzam Ms. Stephanie Shelly William R. Shocklee Jane and Dennis Shrewsbury Mrs. Sherri Smith STL Style Ms. Stacey Switzer Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Teschner Mr. David L. Tornetto Ms. Cathy Turner Ms. Rebecca Wall Schultz Mrs. Mary Warfield Betty Farwell Mrs. Jill Riecker Norma Foster Ms. Cynthia Barton Ms. Sandra Bleem Beth Friedrichs Mr. David L. Tornetto Beverly Goettelmann Mr. and Mrs. James Glavin Robert S Goldenhersh, Esq Ms. Louise Goldenhersh

Rosemary Goodrich Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Armstrong Luke Graser Mr. and Mrs. James Graser Annika Graves Ms. Marybeth L. Murray Frank Gross Ms. Carolyn Brown Mr. Daniel Gross Michelsons Plumbing Mrs. Linda Schneider Mr. Jim Schugars Ms. Jennifer Strada Travis Masonry Marcie Habbe Mrs. Patricia Habbe Taylor Hackworth Mrs. Linda Hackworth Megan Halsey Mr. Richard Halsey David “Scott” Hancock Ms. Jaclyn Hancock Sarah Hanks Ms. Beth Myler Charles Haskins Mr. and Mrs. Dan R. McKeever Kathleen L Hayes Mr. and Mrs. Harold F. Walker Ryan Hemkens Mrs. Cathy Cook Don Henson Swift Print Communications Bonnie Jean Hill Mrs. Elaine Barthel Ms. Julie Busen Mrs. Sandra Chinn Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Madden Mr. and Mrs. Bill McAliney Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence W. Wines Maxine Hirsch Mrs. Dena R. Ferman James & Rose Horn Mr. Ricky Horn Janet Humphrey Mrs. Kathy Aholt Paige James Mrs. Mary Jo Sgro David Kahn Ms. Frances Estes Gary Kasselmann Mr. Tom Goulden Jean C. Kelly Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ahrens Mr. Timothy Bosch Ms. Holly Brown

Ms. Nelda Devine Mrs. Kathleen M. Fernandez Mr. and Mrs. William P. Flatley Mr. and Mrs. Patrick F. Garland Mr. Sean T. Geoghegan Mr. David Henrichs Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Kaster Mr. Kevin Krummel Mr. William Sanford Mr. James Tietjens Harold and Dorothy Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. John M. Kennedy Vivie Kinkelaar Charles Stevens Trust Mike Kinney Mr. and Mrs. Gary R. Hartwig Robert Koerber Ms. Kristin Bass Philip Kranzberg Mrs. Julie Gritts Marty Kress Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Land Jeanette Laury Mr. Mark Flora Mrs. Linda Foy Mrs. Ellen Humphries Mr. and Mrs. Kevin R. Laury Mrs. Susan Ruzicka Mrs. Susan Sheehan Ms. Margaret Diestelkamp Mrs. Melanie L. Domkoski Mr. and Mrs. Wayne G. Finkenbuerger Ms. Mary Ann Jacoby Ms. Therese Kimberly Mr. and Mrs. Larry W. Lammering Ms. Carol Lampe Ms. Carol Laurentius Ms. Elizabeth J. Laury Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Laury Mrs. Mary E. Pixley Ms. Kamilla Riek Mr. Steven Schulte Mrs. Judy Steinhauser Ms. Karen Stuckmeyer Ms. Carol Waggle Mr. and Mrs. Harold F. Walker Mr. Scottie Wright Ms. Kelly Yochum Trude Laverrenz Ms. Joyce E. Thuston

MEMORIALS CONTINUED Betty Link Mrs. Mary E. Pixley Gary Litzinger Mrs. Jill Riecker John Lyons Ms. Lisa Filer Shayley Mabury Mr. and Mrs. Shayn Mabury Doug Martinz, Sr. Ms. Nancy A. Duffy Wanda Sue Mask Mr. Edward Wasserman Lisa McCarthy’s Father Ms. Nancy A. Spehr Mary McDivitt Mr. Mark DiMichael Sally Mernah Mr. David L. Tornetto Faith A. Miles Mr. and Mrs. Harold M. Miles Mr. and Mrs. Jim Rainey Bob Mues Mr. and Mrs. Ronald S. Burkhardt Tom Mulach Mr. and Mrs. Harold F. Walker Megan Nelson Ms. Mary M. Nelson Paxton Nienaber Ms. Elaine Ribas Nancy M Oldenburg Mrs. Patricia Marcanik Elizabeth Pailer Ms. Jane Heitzig William Parks Mrs. Carol Parks Jim Pendleton Ms. Nancy A. Duffy Cassandra Perry Ms. Donna Perry Karen Porter Mr. and Mrs. James P. Foley Michael Proctor Antares Group, Inc Mrs. Alyssa Barrale Mrs. Martha Baur Ms. Caroline Bean Mr. D’Artagnan Bebel Beechwood Hotel Group, LLC Ms. Keli Bertani Ms. Debi Blanchard Dr. Stanley Buck Burris Management Ms. Jennifer Byers Carrousels Inc. Mrs. Susan Casteel Mrs. Kerry Clark Ms. Regina Copeland Dr. Douglas Curry Mr. Jarrett Datcher Mr. and Mrs. Joseph

Datcher Mr. and Mrs. Tom Dobski Ms. Margaret Donnelly EBM Computer Services, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. David J. Elhoffer Ms. Lora Elliott Mrs. Lisa Essig Mrs. Ann Gallardo Ms. Shirley Garrett Mrs. Edythe Granberry Mrs. Alice Gray Mrs. Tina Hanes Dan and Kelly Harbaugh Ms. Laura Hays Ms. Lorraine Heath Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Hillmeyer Dr. John Holtzman Mr. Michael Key Mr. William King Ms. Margaret Klopacz Mrs. Julie Leon Ms. Michelle Loehr Mr. Todd Lucas Mrs. Angela Martin Mrs. Dot Martinelli Ms. Christa McGraw Ms. Dona McGraw McGraw Enterprises, Inc. Mrs. Stephanie McGregor Ms. Stephanie Mertz Mr. and Mrs. Paul Miller Mr. and Mrs. McPherson Moore Ms. Diane Nathan Ms. Chandra Niemann Dr. John Niemeyer The Northern Trust Company - St. Louis Mr. and Mrs. Hugh O’Reilly Ms. Staci Oliver Ostmann General Contracting, LP Mrs. Christine Pennell Mr. and Mrs. Gentry Politte Mrs. Lisa Prinster Messey Ms. Bettye ReedMr. and Mrs. Ken Rekowski Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Rivers Mr. and Mrs. Gary F. Rocchio Mr. Jim Schugars Mr. Christopher Thornton Ms. Martha Vinas Ms. Rosetta Wester Mr. Alvin White Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Williams Kevin Quinlan Mrs. Linda Mullins Bob Radomski Ms. Shirley Lewandowski

Gerald Reich Mr. Richard Ralston Kent Rentfro Mrs. Jane E. Aschemann Angela Ritter Mr. Andrew J. Ritter Wanda Roberts Mr. and Mrs. Bill Dickerson Mary Robins Mr. David L. Tornetto Mallie Royer Ms. Meghan Royer Rosemary Saffo Mrs. Nancy Young Owen Salters Mrs. Karen Salters Albert L. Salvagno Mrs. Mary Wolfe Susan Schillinger Ms. Joyce E. Thuston Bob Seger Mr. Brian Akerson Mrs. Katie Anderson Mary P. Arink Linda Bersett Ms. Brenda Bickel Mr. James Bruggeman Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Bumbicka Mr. Joseph Chambers Mrs. Lynn Corsetti Mr. Oscar F. Daub, Jr. Ms. Mary E. Eschmann Ronald Fiehler Ms. Elizabeth Hertlein Ms. Sallie Herzog Mrs. Rosemary A. Kilgore Ms. Kathleen S. Kretchmar Mr. Michael Kunderman Ms. Winnie Laucis Mr. Timoty Oconnell Mrs. Sue Ohlendorf Ms. Sheila Ondrachek Mr. James Paunovich Mrs. Pamela Rabeck Mr. and Mrs. Vernon J. Remiger Mr. and Ms. Robert Schurwan Mr. Raymond Seger Ms. Vivki Shaw Mr. and Mrs. Bucky Singleton Ms. Kim Szczepan Tipton Insurance Agency Carolee S. Todd Michael J. Wamser Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Ziegler, Jr. Mr. Richard Zolezzi Mr. Jordan T. Zwagerman Gary Self Mrs. Eva F. Hosmer Donna Siemaszkiewicz Mr. and Mrs. Todd K.

Maedge Janis Simpson Ms. Mary Ann Parrill Liam Smith Mrs. Denea Smith Anna Marie Sohaney Mrs. and Mr. Emalea Sohaney Ryan Stapleton Mr. William Haller Ms. Patricia Prager Ms. Elisa Rael Mrs. Natalie Sensabaugh Mr. Bob Stapleton Mr. Ronald Zuck Clete & Doris Stockmann Mr. and Mrs. Patrick M. Sanders John Stuppy Mr. and Mrs. John J. Vogt Lee Sturm Mr. and Mrs. Terence Conway Ms. Catherine McNichols Nancy’s Candy Company Margie Sullivan Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf M. Sida Anya Svrcek Ms. Zosia Skorko Christopher Paul Theis Mr. Elmer L. Elless Rhonda and Christopher Thies Carrie Thorpe Mrs. Dena R. Ferman Victoria Tornetto Ms. Mary Ellen Gillick Mrs. Jennifer Szeezil Evan David Trigg Mr. and Mrs. Harold F. Walker Sebasten Van Horn Mr. and Mrs. Steve Baker Larry Wagstaff Mr. and Mrs. Patrick F. Garland James Ward Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey F. Ward Elijah Warren Mrs. Michele Parmeley Joyce Webbe St Louis Juice Press Mr. Blake Van Patten Hunt Clyde Wehmeier Mr. and Mrs. John Fugate Ms. Marla A. Koester Ms. Mary McMackins Arlayne L. Milton Mrs. Wanita Morris Ms. Shirley Roberson Ms. Stella Robinson Mr. Richard Seats Mr. and Mrs. Roger L.

Stegmann Ms. Teresa Tate Mr. John M. Wehmeier Mrs. Loy Wehmeier Ms. Alice Wolf Ms. Sandra Wood Ms. Norene K. Wright Jeremiah White Mr. and Mrs. Lee G. Krabill Nathan Vincent Wibbenmeyer Bisher Enterprises Mr. and Mrs. Jim Muir Denver Williams Dr. Somer Anderson Nancy Wilson Ms. Barbara Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Hiram C. Martin III Gabrielle Wintjen Mr. and Mrs. George Wintjen Clifford Woehrle Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Kahle David Wood Ms. Kathleen R. Jacobs Patricia Wootten Mr. and Mrs. Chris C. Busch Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth F. Carlin Mr. Sean Carlin Ms. Sarah Cockerline Mr. and Mrs. Michael G. Dunnington Mrs. Cindy Fahs Mrs. Elaine Frost Edla and Larry Gustafson Mrs. Cathy Heckmann Mr. and Mrs. Nathan L. Higginbotham Ms. Laura Hockensmith Mrs. Amber Jennings Mrs. Sandra Jones Ms. Harriet S. Kettenhofen Mrs. Peggy Mayfield Ms. Megan McBride Karen S. Riemer Mr. Kenneth K. Riemer Mrs. Jessica Rodriguez Mr. A. C. Roland III Mr. Kevin Souder Mr. Gary E. Tate Mrs. Ann Travis Ms. Catherine Vaaler Terry Zenser Shannon Wright Mr. Ron Geldmacher Judy Zoellner Ms. Elizabeth Perry

Heartbeat • Spring/Summer 2022

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TRIBUTES The following gifts were made in honor of someone special from August 1 - December 31, 2021.

Kylin Akins Mr. Duane Gilman Humane Society Of Decatur Alexi and Sofia Ms. Nicole Sammons Alton Fire Department Bold Enterprises, Inc. Mary Lou Anderson Ms. Sandra Tyc Chloe Andruch Ms. Bonnie Dee Patty Arnold Mr. Timothy M. Arnold Donna Ash Ms. Joanne Anderson Ms. Laurel Breedlove Mr. Marvin J. Rhodes Camden Ball Mrs. Robin Portell Jeff & Diane Barone Mr. and Mrs. John C. Foster Jack and Janet Baumstark Mr. David Baumstark Mr. John Baumstark Ms. Emily Siddens Ely and Edward Thurmond Scott Bazoian Family Mr. and Mrs. Gary E. Muenster Heath Beccue Waggoner Christian Church Sheila Becker Dr. John O. Phillips Grace Berry/Berry Family Ms. Lisa Berry Anna Nadine Black Mr. Guy Black Botkin Lumber Co Employees Mrs. Katherine Wilkerson David and Lynn Brandt Mrs. Karen Stebelski Mike and Linda Camden’s 40th Ann. Saale Chiropractic, P.C. Steve and Sara Craig Mrs. Danielle Blechle Mark & Jo Della Camera Mrs. Lynn Lyons Arlene Diekemper Mr. and Mrs. Greg R. Diekemper Gene & Jennifer Dix Ms. Christa Flynn The Drury Family Mrs. Kimberly Drury East Alton Fire Department

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Bold Enterprises, Inc. Shianne Eaton Mrs. Tracey Hughes Kevin and Paula Eddington Mrs. Katherine Flynn Florissant Mo Fire Dept Bold Enterprises, Inc. Audra Foley & Brad Kirby’s Marriage Ms. Judy Trust Ms. Claudia Wallace Ms. Stephanie Rosas Cheryl Fox Mr. John Fox Peggy Freeman Mr. Mark Rechtiene Madison Geeding Mr. Casey Cockrum The Gegg Family Mr. Scott Werner Dave and Chris Giarla Mr. Lawrence Andreatta Oliver David Gilleland Mrs. Ali Tarrant Godfrey Fire Department Bold Enterprises, Inc. Bryce Thomas Gould Ms. Debra Gould Mina Griffin Mrs. Mary Griffin Sadie Grover Mr. Adam Grover Andrew Guest Ms. Julie Taylor Brenda Haalboom Ms. Terri Beaty Mr. Donald H. Weisert Lauren’s Wedding Mr. and Mrs. Henry Diamant Henry Mr. and Mrs. Henry Diamant Nicole Hardey Mrs. Elaine Allen Mark Harman Ms. Whitney Mciver Doug Harms Mr. and Mrs. Ronald S. Burkhardt Patricia Heninger Mr. and Mrs. Byrne E. Heninger Mary Elizabeth Herries Mr. Steven Mattson Walter Hines Mrs. Michele Shackelford Jacob Hoeft Ms. Cindy Wahl Perrin Holthaus Mrs. Margaret Holthaus Kara Lynn Horton

Heartbeat • Spring/Summer 2022

Mr. Martin Grey Madeline James Huff Mr. and Mrs. Vernon B. Boddy Ashley Johnson Mr. Daniel Campbell Grayson Alexander Johnson Mr. Jerry Johnson Sirus Karimi Mr. Frank E. Thurman, Jr. Eric Keeney Mrs. Pamela Seide Kirk Schremp, Michelle Basler & Nathan Gegg Mrs. Amanda Frentzel Sophine Lawson Ms. Carol Shore Mark Leicht Ms. Ann Erickson Elliott Llewellyn Ms. Debra Hammer Steve Malter Ms. Karen Malter Abigail Mazzola Mr. and Mrs. James Mazzola Tom and Debby McKeone Mr. Martin L. Altman and Ms. Carolyn A. McKeone Mrs. Patricia Baum Ms. Dottie Froesel Ms. Margaret Galleano Heartfelt Hands Senior Services Ms. Sharon Kamp Mr. and Mrs. Glenn E. Kroenung Mr. Frank Leahy Mr. and Mrs. John McKeone Ms. Betty Mitchem Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Putz Mrs. Nettie Ravens Ms. Margaret J. Sullivan Mr. Steven Wendling Ms. Constance Winter Rebecca Miller and Girls Mrs. Barbara Whitehead and Mr. James Spence Mia Mueller Mrs. Katherine Schmitz Mr. & Mrs. Frank J. Niesen, Jr Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Niesen III Nayeli Noriega Mr. Robert Navarette Myles Orf Ms. Kelly Quinlisk Carol and Bryan Pearl Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Feldman

Steve Pelch Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Mclaughlin Aly Puckett Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Puckett William Radman Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Tedoni Dr. Robert Ream Janet and Don Stanford TJ and Vanessa Sanders Ms. Stephanie Sanders Cindy Schaper Mr. Bradley Schaper Jack Scharr Ms. Meg Tebo Toni Scheitlin Ms. Shannon Pfitzer Judy Schuler Mr. and Mrs. Eric Lindemann Jamie Seeburger Mrs. Amy Seeburger Mary Smith Mr. Francis Ruzicka So You Think You Can Cook Ms. Janice Otis Van Horn Sarah Struckhoff Mr. Frederick Dressel Greg Stuhrenberg Ms. Karen Fulks John and Julie Sutherland Mr. Michael Schaefer Jared Tafeen Mrs. Rona Sterling Lindy Tarrant Ms. Whitney Mciver Travis & Ali Tarrant Ms. Whitney Mciver The Hendrick Family Mrs. Barbara Whitehead and Mr. James Spence The Jouet Family Mrs. Barbara Whitehead and Mr. James Spence Mariah Tippets Apollo & Baby Olivia Mrs. Kimberly Shocklee David Tornetto Mr. William Bradley, Jr. Mrs. Sarah Statham Ms. Sydney Tornetto Reya Trevino Dr. Thanh Nguyen Dan Trtanj Ms. Patty Loesing Clare Underwood Mr. and Mrs. Frederick S. Scott Carla and Mike’s

Wedding Mr. and Mrs. James M. Didion Mr. and Mrs. Gary J. Frossard Mr. and Mrs. Paul D. Grosse Debbie and Richard Hanak Mr. and Mrs. James P. Hannon Dan and Kelly Harbaugh Mr. and Mrs. Gregory S. Spence Mrs. Jennifer A. Visintine Jane and Eugene Viscardi Ms. Amy Casey Merry Christmass Shell Oil Company Foundation Matching Gifts Program Cindy Washford Ms. Pam Scheib Trinity Webster Mr. Jonathan Trask Happy Father’s Day! Mrs. Barbara Whitehead and Mr. James Spence Suzanne Whitehead Mrs. Barbara Whitehead and Mr. James Spence Jordan Winckel Mr. Don Schaeffer Bennett Wingerter Ms. Patricia Loesch Midge Winkler Ms. Patricia A. Miller Jaylee Wisdom Horner Church Hayden Woody Katie Woody

MAJOR IN-KIND DONORS

Aiden and Jase Worthen

The following organizations and corporations made gifts in-kind valued at $1,000 or more to Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis between January 1 and December 31, 2021.

Home2 Suites Accu-Care Home Nurses, Inc. Across The Board Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty Armanino Beck’s Hybrids Circle K CSI Leasing Deck Commerce Dynamic Vending, Inc. Edward Jones EXP Realty, LLC

First Community Credit Union Georgia Pacific Corporation Ground Guys Home Depot Store #3014 Kirberg Roofing Lafayette High School La-Z-Boy, Michigan Martin Brower St. Louis McDonald’s Co-op of Metro St. Louis, Inc. Missouri Botanical Garden Optimist Club of Washington

Piros Signs, Inc. Protective Asset Protection PTI Group, Inc Schaefer’s Hobby Shop, Inc. Seeger Toyota Sportsman Park St. Clement of Rome St. Louis Pre-Sort, Inc. St. Louis Realtors St. Louis Scott Gallagher St. Louis Woman’s Club Syberg’s Tempur-Pedic North America, LLC

Tri-Rinse US Pack Logistics, LLC Usborne Books at Home Vito’s in the Valley Wexford Labs Whisk: A Sustainable Bakeshop Woodard Cleaning & Restoration

2021 HEART & SOLE AWARD

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n December 2021, Jeff Barone, Board Chair, presented the employees at RMHC with the Heart & Sole Award on behalf of Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis during a socially-distant reception.

“Last year, the RMHC staff endured a lot of uncertainty while our Houses and Family Rooms

Cheri Wuertz and Judy Schuler accepted the award on behalf of the staff during the Board Holiday Party in December 2021. The Board of Directors surprised everyone in the room by awarding the employees for their work during the global pandemic. The Heart & Sole Award is proudly displayed at the Park Avenue Ronald McDonald House.

were shut down and we were unable to care for families. Hours and wages were cut. Everybody did their part to get us through an unprecedented period of uncertainty during the peak of the disruption from the global pandemic. And the organization is now stronger than ever. The Board is so thankful for all the staff and want to recognize their tireless efforts last year. So this year’s award goes to the housekeepers, the Family Service Managers and Assistant Managers, the Family Room Managers and Assistant Managers, the Family Care Specialists, the Facilities staff, the entire development and event team, the volunteer and project coordinators, all the administrative staff, the finance and accounting team, the HR staff, and yes, even the President,” says Jeff.

The Heart & Sole Award was created in 2005 to honor Coldwell Banker Realty - Gundaker for its more than 20-year commitment to our organization.

Each year, RMHC St. Louis celebrates a new supporter or group of supporters who emulate Coldwell Banker Realty - Gundaker’s commitment and generosity.

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MEET THE BUDDY BRIGADE The members of the Buddy Brigade have never let their age stop them from giving back to seriously ill children and their families.

When Xander Davidson was in preschool, he loved showing kindness to his classmates. One way he would do this was to bring in ‘kindness gift bags’ for everyone to cheer them up. Noticing this interest, Xander’s mom decided to help him spread his compassion for others beyond his friends at school.

Working with Xander’s classmates and their parents, the Buddy Brigade was formed. The goal of the group is to educate the kids on social issues in their community and how they can play a role in helping others. To do this, the group would meet once a month to learn about a different organization. When possible, they would visit the organization to take a tour and bring in-kind donations. With limited opportunities in volunteering for preschoolers, the group focused on social awareness and programs targeted towards kids helping kids.

This led them to the Recycle for RMHC program at Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis, specifically through the collection of

tab tops. The group was drawn to the program due to its simple and kid-friendly nature. To get started, the Buddies hosted parties to decorate containers that would hold their tab tops. For the Buddies, the Tab Top collection program allows them to feel both a sense of ownership and accomplishment over a project that, in turn, helps other kids.

The Buddies look forward to celebrating their collecting success at the annual Tab Top Pandemonium each year. At this event, they are able to weigh their tab top collections (which have often outgrown their decorated containers) and celebrate how their hard work grew their collection from a single tab top to several pounds. Six years after the Buddy Brigade began, the group continues to find ways to learn and serve in the St. Louis community. The Buddies look forward to continuing their support of RMHC St. Louis by dropping off their tab top collection at the 18th Annual Tab Top Pandemonium on May 7! ■

REMEMBERING LEE STURM Founding member of Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis Lee Sturm and his wife, Judy, were part of the resilient group of parents to blaze the path for the first Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis. They became involved with the organization after they joined the Candlelighters, a parent support group. In November 2021, Lee passed away, leaving behind a legacy of care for seriously ill children and their families.

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Heartbeat • Spring/Summer 2022

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 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 Hand soap SOS pads and sponges Swiffer hand duster sheets

Kitchen Items: Sweet/salty individually wrapped snacks (cookies, soups, mac ‘n’ cheese, breakfast bars, hot chocolate, trail mix, dried fruit, peanut butter or cheese sandwich crackers & candy bars) Aluminum foil To-go food containers Nonstick frying pans

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

AMAZONSMILE NOW ON YOUR PHONE! AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support RMHC St. Louis every time you shop, at no cost to you. Now, you can turn on AmazonSmile in your Amazon app!

Visit www.smile.amazon.com, log in using your existing Amazon account, and select Ronald McDonald House Charities of Metro St. Louis as your charity. Then, open your Amazon app and find ‘Settings’ in the main menu. Tap on ‘AmazonSmile’ and follow the on-screen instructions to turn on AmazonSmile on your phone.

HEARTBITS

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Thank you to our friends on the Global Internal Audit Team at Bunge for donating $650 worth of household and pantry items! Our little friend, Colter, was a big help unloading!

Special thank you to Vito’s in the Valley for their donation of hot meals for families. Through their Support Local & Give Local meals campaign, they provided meals for all three locations.

Ricardo is a baker in the Dominican Republic. Ricardo and his daughter Layla have been baking bread during their stay at RMHC. Guest families are thrilled to enjoy these homemade treats.

Every holiday season, all three of our Houses are decked out in holiday décor thanks to our friends at Macy’s. Guest families are able to feel a little more at home during the holiday season.

Frankie visited almost daily with her friend Prudence; Prudence stayed at Ronald McDonald House with her family while her new baby sister was in the NICU.

RMHC guests Marjorie, Diane, Kyla, Kady, Keron and Joan all show off their gifts after shopping at the McGift Shoppe.

In 2021, we served 185 family members, giving out more than 900 items.

Each year, RMHC kids shop cost-free at the McGift Shoppe to find the perfect gift for their parents, siblings or guardians. Special thank you to all our community members who donate new wish list items!

Supporters can have meals delivered to the Family Room, again!

The Presker family patiently waited an entire year to donate a meal for families using the Family Room at Mercy Children’s Hospital.

Heartbeat • Spring/Summer 2022

Love lives here! Thank you to the St. Louis community and beyond for sharing these heartwarming moments with us.

We love making connections. RMHC Board members from McDonald’s and Bunge visited the West County Ronald McDonald House with President Dan Harbaugh.

The Pryor Family donated gift bags for guest families staying at the West Pine House and apartments. We are so grateful for their thoughtful gift.

Many families staying at our West County House found us through World Pediatric Project.

Staff from WPP came together to cook dinner for all the families. Thank you for your support!

Our friends from The Home Loan Expert spent time at West Pine, cooking dinners, volunteering in the McGift Shoppe, and even baking cookies!

Spreading smiles is their specialty.

We received a huge donation of Build-A-Bear friends to give to guest families during their stay.

We are ‘beary’ grateful for the group’s continued support.

The team from Proofpoint made lasagna for guest families to enjoy at the West Pine Ronald McDonald House. Thanks for stopping by to provide a meal!

Our friend new friends Our Braxton from STL Foodies collected $22.73 brought guest for RMHC families chefs from Salt through acts of& Smoke and Nicky kindness!

Thanks Slices for a special for showing meal delivery everyone howto the families at the West small change County House! can make a BIG difference, Braxton!

Captain Probasco delivered tab tops to the Park Ave House from Scott Air Force Base. Their community members support guest families on an annual basis. Thank you for your service!

Heartbeat • Spring/Summer 2022

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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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