Spring 2024 Newsletter

OUR HOUSE

FROM LEADERSHIP

Dear friends of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware,

As we close the chapter on another year, I feel immense pride and gratitude looking back at all we’ve accomplished together. After serving two years as Chairman of the Board, this is my last letter to you in this issue of Our House.

Reflecting on the past two years as Board Chair, I am struck by the sheer volume and impact of our collective achievements. Some of these awe-inspiring milestones are highlighted below:

• Transitioned to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware and Expanded Reach:

Our new name reflects the range of programs and support services provided across Delaware and the surrounding communities, including our 50-bedroom Ronald McDonald House, two Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, two Hospitality Cart programs, and Lunches with Love. Becoming a Charities chapter allows us to bring more programming to more families in need and expand the delivery of our mission.

• Hosted Record-Breaking Fundraising Events:

2023 was a year of extraordinary event success, marked by two record-breaking fundraisers: the 35th Annual Golf Event at Wilmington Country Club and the fabulous 3rd Annual Wine Women & Shoes event.

• Expanded Family Room and Hospital Programming:

Launched in 2022, the Cart with a Heart Program brings our Ronald McDonald Family Room’s warm hospitality directly to the hospital units and waiting areas. Volunteers staff mobile carts offering complimentary snacks, beverages, and activities. Our Lunches with Love Program, launched in 2023, provides lunches to families within the hospital.

• Enhanced Guest Family Experience:

We boosted security with overnight staff and keyless entry, and hired a dedicated Family Program Coordinator to curate memorable activities for all ages.

We’ve also laid plans for exciting new changes to come:

• Hustle for the House:

As we gear up for another year of events and fun, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news about the upcoming 2024 Run/Walk Series! We’re shaking things up with a fresh title – the Hustle for the House Run/Walk Series and reimagining the entire event to make it more enjoyable and impactful for everyone. Learn more about the Run/Walk series on page 5.

• Spoonful of Hope:

Our meal program is growing and changing! In 2024, we are excited to introduce a chefled meal program. Meals are a crucial aspect of the services we provide at the House, and we believe this change will enhance the quality and variety of meals for our families. The Chef will act as the executive chef, overseeing and assisting volunteer groups during their time in the kitchen. Learn more about Spoonful of Hope on page 12.

These triumphs wouldn’t exist without our incredible team - Board, Staff, Volunteers, and YOU. Your unwavering support fuels our mission of serving families with seriously ill children by enabling access to medical care and providing a place that offers comfort, hope, and togetherness. Thank you for being the heart of it all.

With sincerest thanks,

Ken Manne Chair, Board of Directors

Ronald

McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware

Chair

Kenneth C. Manne

Chair Elect

Pauline M. Corso

Vice Presidents

Ryan Brazell

Dominic C. Canuso

Keith Kepplinger

Michele Meixell

Secretary

Katie Migliocco

Treasurer

Chris Marshall

Board of Directors

Tim Daning

Joel E. Dukart

Mary Ignudo

Vijay Iyengar, M.D.

Lynn Kuttruff

Casey Melson

Connie Miller

David A. Paul, M.D.

Mike Pfeifer

Evan Pizzuto

Christian Rawden

Brian Reed

Jennifer Sciolla

Anthony Smith

Marichu Valencia

Kenneth Youngblood

Advisory Council

Richard J. Gessner Jr., Chairman

Pam Cornforth, President & CEO

Kenneth C. Manne, Board Chair

Perry Beberman

Mary Bowler

Nick Cerchio

Joe DiPinto

Stan Diver

Les Dukart

Tom Ferry

Shaila Kapur

Lynn Miller

Michelle Pena

Lou Rosenberg

Bob Trostel

Anne Wright

Kent/Sussex Advisory Council

Michelle Bergold

Chelsea Bristow

Stephanie Smith-Christiano

Kenneth C. Manne Chair, Board of Directors

Emily Cunningham

Patti Hastings

Mike Hinton

Suzy Hutchison

Tim O’Connor

Hank Rosenberg

Anthony Smith

Laura Willis, Esq

“We are so thankful for the volunteers, staff, and everyone who is involved at the House.”

THE GROZINSKI FAMILY STORY

Before John Grozinski turned one-year old, he had not one, but two open-heart surgeries. At 20 weeks in utero, doctors knew something was off and John was diagnosed with Aortic Valve Stenosis. He had a long journey ahead of him.

Just a few short days after he was born in 2021, John underwent his first open-heart surgery to replace his aortic valve at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. Seven months later, John returned to Nemours for restenosis and underwent his second open-heart surgery.

These procedures lasted an exhausting 31 days and John’s mom, Catie, found respite staying at the Ronald McDonald House while he was recovering. “I can’t say enough good things about the doctors and nurses at Nemours,” she remarks, then expressing her gratitude at having found the House, “and I was so grateful to have a place that allowed me to have a little temporary home while my son was recovering.”

Without the House, Catie would have had to commute to and from the hospital every day, which was over an hour each way. With John’s condition, she needed to be able to be at the hospital within a moment’s notice.

For John’s family, the Ronald McDonald House offered a peaceful refuge. Catie, in particular, found solace in the

gym. It became her daily escape, a stress-busting activity that kickstarted her fitness journey. Even the simple act of attending nightly meals in the dining room provided a shared comfort in the company of other families navigating similar paths. Catie knew she wasn’t alone.

After John’s second procedure, the doctors were sure he would never be able to live an active lifestyle. Today, John has defied all odds, and is a happy, thriving two-year-old. He has scheduled echo-cardiograms to make sure his heart is doing what it is supposed to, but his condition has not stopped him from living an active and full life. “John loves animals, the aquarium, and sports. He loves basketball, soccer, climbing trees and rocks, and hiking!”

When asked about hopes for John’s future, Catie lovingly replies, “I want John to live a fulfilling life that makes him happy. I want him to have every opportunity open to him. And I want him to live life to the fullest.”

John still has a long road ahead. His condition could require another heart surgery or even a transplant down the line, but when that might happen is unknown. “Today is a great day and we are grateful. We are so thankful for the volunteers, staff, and everyone who is involved at the House. I don’t know what I would have done without them.”

OUR HOUSE STAFF

President and CEO

Pamela W. Cornforth

Development Team

Director of Philanthropy

Ivey Helmick

Individual Giving Officer

Cindy Olsavsky

Southern Delaware Advancement Officer

Jan Shallcross

Special Events Manager

Dawn Brooks

Development Assistant

Mary Carlton

Marketing and Engagement

Marketing and Communications Manager

Erin McGrath

Marketing and Engagement Specialist

Haley Belcher-Patton

Operations Team

Operations Director

Katie Soja Johnson

House Manager

Shaneea Walker

Volunteer Manager

Sara Funaiock

Family Program and Activity Coordinator

Sally Cameron

Operations Assistant

Mike Adams

Volunteer Program Assistant

Kristin Lutness

Assistant House Managers

Amina Attoh

Nyesha Blackston

Taika Davis

Wadiya Garden

Barbara Stachura

Amanda White

Family Support Team

Director of Family Support Services

Erica Davis

Family Support Services Manager

Monica Villicaña

Family Support Services Lead

Michelle Figueroa

Family Support Services Coordinators

Jessica Lopez

Lilly Pritchett

Family Room Team

Family Room and Operations Coordinator

Chris Shifflett

Family Room Program Coordinator

Barbara Bonk

Family Room Assistants

Carol Harris

Donna Ivery

Whitney Jones

Traci Lake

Nicole Thomas

Maintenance

Maintenance Assistant

Harry Cross

Create Your Own Online Fundraiser!

Start a fundraiser for RMHC Greater Delaware.

From running a marathon, hosting a company-wide dress down day, or requesting donations in lieu of birthday gifts, there are so many ways for you to support RMHCGDE through creating your own online fundraiser.

To learn more and get started scan the QR code or visit the following link: https://bit.ly/49WywTw

Upcoming Events

WILMINGTON

Saturday, April 6

The Delaware Contemporary

HERE’S WHAT’S NEW:

GET READY TO HUSTLE FOR THE HOUSE IN 2024!

Our beloved 5K Run/Walks are back with a fresh new name and some exciting changes to make your stride even more awesome.

Scan here to register!

Or visit the following link: https://bit.ly/433UAcn

LEWES

Saturday, May 18

Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant

MIDDLETOWN

Thursday, June 13

Crooked Hammock Brewery

New Name, Same Heart: We’re shaking things up with a fresh title – the Hustle for the House Run/Walk Series! Get ready to strut your stuff for a good cause.

Lewes is blooming in spring! That’s right, the coastal course is moving to May, so you can soak up the sunshine and ocean breeze while conquering those miles.

One Mile Option: Feeling like a shorter jaunt? We’ve got you covered! A brand-new onemile option is now available in all locations, making the Hustle for the House accessible to everyone, from seasoned athletes to tiny tots.

New Sponsor Perks: Buckle up for some sweet new sponsor benefits! Custom social media content and designated tents and tables to gather with your sponsor team enhance this year’s sponsor package.

New T-Shirt Design: Get ready to rock a fun new t-shirt design that’ll have you strutting your stuff in style! Think bold colors, playful graphics, and a touch of Ronald McDonald House magic.

The core of the Hustle for the House remains the same: supporting families served by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware. Every stride you take helps provide a safe haven and loving care for families facing unimaginable challenges.

2023 Event Highlights

5k Run/Walk Series

We held three statewide events in 2023! Together with participants at our Run/Walks in Wilmington, Middletown, Lewes, and those who participated virtually, over 750 participants raised over $100,000 with the help of donors and sponsors

RESULTS

Top Male, Wilmington: David Laprade

Top Female, Wilmington: Barbara Butkus

Top Male, Middletown: Paul Sedacca

Top Female, Middletown: Rose Voigtsberger

Top Male, Lewes: John Costello

Top Female, Lewes: Melissa Wiley

TOP FUNDRAISING TEAMS

Top Fundraising Team Wilmington: Winnie’s Maris Grove Winners

Top Fundraising Team Middletown: Bayberry South

Top Fundraising Team Lewes: Team George

Donald L. Gouge, Jr,, Esq. Attorney at Law

Dover Capital City Rotary

PRESENTING SPONSOR

The 35th Annual Golf Event presented by Mastercard at Wilmington Country Club was a record-breaking year with over $330,000 raised for the House! The event featured a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auctions, Golf Ball cash raffle, wine package raffle, dinner, a Ronald McDonald House family guest speaker, and guest speaker, CBS Sports Commentator Ian Baker-Finch.

A special thank you to our Golf Event Committee: Co-Chairs: Joel Dukart and Bob Trostel Perry Beberman, Ryan Brazell, Dawn Brooks, Dominic Canuso, Brad Cornforth, Pam Cornforth, Tim Daning, Mark Dellose, DMD, Barbara Dukart, Jeff Hammond, Dave Hancox, Tony Hill, Ken Manne, Chris Marshall & Cabot Williams

DIAMOND SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

We would also like to thank our Silver and Bronze Sponsors as well as our donors and contributors.

Thanks to our sponsors, attendees, Shoe Guys, Marketplace partners, and supporters, this fabulous event had a record-breaking year and raised $280,000 to support the families served by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware!

An extra special thanks to Shane Simmons and Jason Painter for sharing their story to inspire and connect guests to our mission.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR WINE WOMEN & SHOES COMMITTEE: (*COMMITTEE LEAD)

Co-Chairs

Lynn Kuttruff

Casey Melson

Kaitlyn Armstrong

Tracey Beberman

Haley Belcher-Patton

Cindy Bertrando

Mary Bowler*

Denise Brashear

Dawn Brooks

Sandra Brune

Helene Caniglia

Susan Cleary

Chris Coffin*

Sherri Cohill

Kristen Cornforth

Pam Cornforth

Mandy Dicker*

Nicole Drescher

Laura Dwyer*

Deb Fulmer*

Molly Goeller

Sheri Gorman

Andrea Harrington

Ivey Helmick*

Christine Henry

Katie Hewton

Ava-Maria Illingworth

Anna Jansen

Katie Johnson

Janet Jornlin

Lisa Lawler

Diane Legardi

Kristin Lutness

Erin McGrath*

Michele Meixell*

Bethany Menson*

Katie Migliocco

Mercedes Migliore

Elisa Morris

Katie Morrone

Colleen Mulligan*

Cary Ann Murphy

Steph Pachowka

Lori Pascal

Rikki Petruccelli*

Melissa Rice*

Colleen Sanders

Stacy Smith

Sydney Sobczyk

Marichu Valencia*

Shawna Wainwright

Erin Wallach

Jackie Williams*

Julie Wojack

SHARE A NIGHT

On December 14th, families, donors and staff celebrated our annual Share A Night House lighting ceremony!

Families enjoyed a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, Olaf, and Princesses, live music by members of the Brandywiners, Ltd., and light refreshments.

Special thanks to Rich Faucher and family, Dan Szymanski, Order of the Eastern Star, Party Princess Productions, Olaf, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Bernardon Volunteers, and Members of the Brandywiners.

Thank You to Our Share a Night Sponsors

Ben and Terry Smith

Edgewell Personal Care

Thank You to Our School Sponsors

Bethel Springs Elementary School

Bush Early Education Center

William C Lewes Elementary School

Clayton Elementary School

Clayton Intermediate School

John Bassett Moore Intermediate School

Wilmington University

Matthews Dental Associates PA

North Smyrna Elementary School

Smyrna Elementary School

Smyrna High School

Smyrna Middle School

Sunnyside Elementary School

Wish List

Fruit cups

Granola bars

Pop Tarts,

Fresh fruit

Gluten-free items

Applesauce

Jell-O/pudding cups

Juice Boxes

Chips/Cheez-Its/Goldfish

Pretzels

Graham crackers

Fruit Snacks

Oatmeal cups

Soup/chili cups

Mac & cheese cups

Cookies

Tuna Pouches

Sugar-free gum

8oz water bottles

Please Note

Visit our Amazon Wish List for easy shopping by scanning the QR code.

Paper towels

Hand soap (container with pump)

Lysol brand disinfecting floor cleaner

Clorox/Lysol brand disinfectant wipes

Toilet paper

Ziploc bags

Swiffer mops/refills

Laundry detergent pods

Soap dispensing dish brushes

White towel sets

Travel size toiletries

Playing cards

Word puzzles

Adult coloring books

Lip balm

Hand soap

Dish soap

Lunches with Love

Spoonful of Hope

Beginning April 1, 2024, RMHCGDE will transition to a chef-led meal program! This new model will make improvements to our meal program while continuing to engage the community through volunteer participation.

Meals are a crucial aspect of the services we provide at the House, and we believe this change will enhance the quality and variety of meals for our families. The Chef will take charge of meal planning and food ordering, eliminating the need for volunteer groups to plan, shop, or guess food quantities. Volunteer groups will arrive to prepare, cook, serve, and help clean up the meal.

Interested in learning more about the Spoonful of Hope program?

Scan this QR code or visit the following link: https://bit.ly/49YG881

In April 2023 we launched our Lunches with Love program to provide meals to families using our Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at both Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware and ChristianaCare. A group of 5-6 volunteers prepare and pack the lunches at RMHCGDE, and then a volunteer van driver delivers them to the Family Rooms.

Families love Lunches with Love! They offer a comforting dose of normalcy during a difficult time. This year, we’re seeking Tuesday volunteers to join the Lunches brigade!

To learn how you can help, scan the QR code or visit the following link: https://bit.ly/3T2C0g2

Meet a Volunteer!

Rick has been a volunteer van driver since 2022. As a van driver, Rick assists families with transportation to the grocery store, pharmacy, etc. and helps run House errands. Many families that come to stay at the House do not have a method of transportation, and our van program allows them to run the essential errands they need while they are here. For Rick, helping families is a personal passion fueled by his own daughters’ openheart surgery many years ago.

We are so grateful for volunteers like Rick who share their time and care with the House.

HELP WANTED: Volunteer with Us!

Front Desk and Family Service Volunteers: Assist with the daily operational needs at the House such as greeting families, answering phones, processing room donations, and kitchen duties. Volunteers with the ability to make a weekly or bi-weekly commitment are needed to help keep our volunteer calendar staffed seven days per week.

Ronald McDonald Family Rooms: Bring the hospitality of the House to Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at local hospitals! Located just steps away from where their child is receiving treatment, the Family Rooms offer a place of respite where families can be together and enjoy complimentary snacks, coffee and access to laundry.

Ronald McDonald Family Room at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware

• Tuesday and Friday morning 9am-12pm

Ronald McDonald Family Room at ChristianaCare’s Newark Campus

• Monday 9am-12pm

Volunteers helping at a Family Room location must complete both the House and Hospital Partner’s onboarding process and be able to make a weekly volunteer commitment. Teens interested in volunteer roles at a hospital should contact the hospital volunteer departments for guidelines on their onboarding seasons.

Family Activities: We are seeking professionals willing to donate the following in-kind services to provide our families at the House and Family Rooms with wellness care during what can be a very stressful time:

• Chair Massages

• Hair Stylists

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Email volunteer@rmhcdelaware.org, scan the QR code, or visit the following link: https://bit.ly/3wuT9aI

President’s Volunteer Service Award

Congratulations to our Teen volunteers, Chloe Chen, Jamie Feldman, and Andrew Yao in their accomplishment of being awarded the Bronze President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA).

The PVSA is a prestigious national honor offered in recognition of volunteer commitment. Established in 2003, it recognizes individuals who achieve a certain number of hours within a 12-month period.

Adopt A Room

Our Adopt A Room program is a year-long sponsorship of one of the 50 guest rooms in the House. Adopt A Room contributions help to defray the cost of operating guest rooms. Adopting a room directly impacts the lives of many families who will call this room “home” while their child is receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.

To learn more about adopting a room, please contact Cindy Olsavsky at cindy@rmhcdelaware.org or (302) 428-5331.

Thank you to our Adopt A Room Donors:

1494 Hockey / Kids 4 Kids

Patsy and George Amlin - in honor of our grandchildren

Jack, Lucy, Penelope and Cora Amlin

In loving memory of our Mothers Gussie Roman and Tillie Asnis from Carmela and Stephen Asnis

Meg & Dave Aument - in memory of Robert J. Peirce

The students & families of Bethel Springs Elementary School

In honor of our Dedicated Volunteers 2020-2023

“Big Shoes to Fill” Volunteer Award Recipient

Bill & Carol Byrne - in honor of Kylie O’Day

John and Eileen Cheng

In loving memory of James B. Davis from Susan E. Ayres Davis

DOT Foods, Inc.

DuPont

The Team at DuPont Capital Management (2 rooms)

Energy Transfer Solutions, LLC

Ferguson & McCann - in memory of Neil McCann

In loving memory of Chinmay Vir Gupta

Mark Harris and Dawn Brooks

Incyte (2 rooms)

Dr. Vijay and Ms. Sucharita Iyengar

Joy McCarron - in memory of Peter J. McCarron

Motorcycle Santa in memory of Dave “Dtro” Troise

Motorcycle Santa in memory of Frank C Kaszeta, “Frank the Tank”

Dr. David Paul and Kathy Klein

Rawden Joint Ventures

With thanks to Betsy Rawls and her passion for the children of the Ronald McDonald House from the DuPont CC Women Golf Members

Devon, Lauren and Brian Reed

Deborah, David, Bennett & Carter Ross

Rick and Cindy Rowland

Terry and Ben Smith

In loving memory of Kathryn R. Sweeney - Mother of two and a wonderful teacher who impacted the lives of hundreds of children (2 rooms)

Talleyville Fire Company

TD Charitable Foundation

In loving memory of our Beloved Da-Niece Monea Thomas

Trolley Square Market x Midwinter Co

Winnie’s Maris Grove Winners

In memory of Heidi Jill Winters

In memory of Mary Elizabeth Wood on behalf of Movement Mortgage and KM Foundation (2 rooms)

Anne Wright in memory of Rick Wright

The Paddock - in memory of Anya Linnea Salus

Laundry Rooms - Discover (4 rooms)

Welcome Wednesdays

We are pleased to introduce Welcome Wednesdays in 2024!

Beginning in February, we will host an Open House at the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware the first Wednesday of every month from 5:30pm until 7:00pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for friends of RMHCGDE to learn more about our mission, our programs, and how to get involved. Welcome Wednesdays will include a tour of the House and a brief presentation from our Development and Volunteer teams. Refreshments will be served.

If you are interested in learning more about Welcome Wednesdays and how we serve our families, please reach out to Ivey Helmick at ivey@rmhcdelaware.org or volunteer@rmhcdelaware.org

Drop by anytime between 5:30pm and 7:00pm. Free to attend, but RSVPs encouraged.

UPCOMING WELCOME WEDNESDAYS

April 3

May 1

June 5

October 2

November 6

December 4

Scan the QR Code to RSVP or visit the following link: https://bit.ly/4c0duow

Become a Partner in Hope and donate monthly to families in need.

Scan the QR code to learn more or visit the following link: https://bit.ly/3T2AACv

In Our Hearts...

How very softly you tiptoed into our world, but only a moment you stayed. What an imprint your footsteps have left among our hearts.

Dominic Fullerton

Nelder Peraza Ramirez

Sophia Anelion

True Deen

Jaxon Barker

Isabella Stoehr

Luna Grant

Sharon Allgyer

1901 Rockland Road ♥ Wilmington, DE 19803 www.rmhcdelaware.org

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