Fall/Winter 2009 HEARTBEAT www.rmhcstl.com A Publication of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Metro St. Louis F eeling on top of the world with pride and excitement, Evin bounced along on the riding lawn mower as he helped his grandfather cut the grass. When the two finished, five-year-old Evin jumped unexpectedly off the lawn mower, only to miss his grandfather’s arms. Evin tumbled off the lawn mower and his foot caught under the blade—slicing almost entirely through. His parents, Nick and Wendi Valdez, raced Evin to the nearest hospital in Herrin, Illinois. Doctors predicted Evin’s foot would need to be amputated and made the decision to send Evin by helicopter to SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center in St. Louis. However, Cardinal Glennon surgeons and medical staff were determined to save Evin’s foot. They did just that. During the first of eight surgeries, doctors removed a quarter of Evin’s heel, cleaned out all dirt and grass, and braced his foot. During the next three surgeries doctors clipped dead tissue and continued to clean out the heel. Doctors used artificial skin and a skin graft from Evin’s thigh for the fifth surgery to help regenerate skin growth. During Evin’s surgeries and recovery, the Valdez’s stayed close to Cardinal Glennon at the Ronald McDonald House on Park Avenue. The family was relieved by having a place to sleep, meals to eat cooked by the RMHC dinner groups, and other families to bond with. “It has just been awesome to stay here,” Nick said. “It is so comfortable with wonderful staff and volunteers. Sometimes you forget there are still people out there who are so nice and willing to help other people in their time of need.” Evin remained bedridden for nearly two weeks during and after his surgeries. He then progressed to a wheelchair and then a walker. The little boy who was supposed to lose his foot spent his last weeks at the Ronald McDonald House Continued on page 10 One Five-Year-Old Evin Recovers After a Near Tragic Lawn Mower Accident Time Step at a Tyce, Nick and Evin Valdez Here We Grow Again! See Page 2 for Information About Our Third House 1981 West Pine House Opened Y 1996 Park Ave. House Opened Y 2002 West Pine Apartments Opened Y 2005 Family Room Opened in St. John’s Mercy Children's Hospital 2007 Family Room Opened in St. Louis Children’s Hospital Y 2008 Family Room Opened in SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center
Transcript
Fall/Winter 2009
HEARTBEATwww.rmhcstl.com
A Publication of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Metro St. Louis
F eeling on top of the world with pride and excitement, Evin bounced along on the riding lawn
mower as he helped his grandfather cut the grass. When the two finished, five-year-old Evin jumped unexpectedly off the lawn mower, only to miss his grandfather’s arms. Evin tumbled off the lawn mower and his foot caught under the blade—slicing almost entirely through.
His parents, Nick and Wendi Valdez, raced Evin to the nearest hospital in Herrin, Illinois. Doctors predicted Evin’s foot would need to be amputated and made the decision to send Evin by helicopter to SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center in St. Louis. However, Cardinal
Glennon surgeons and medical staff were determined to save Evin’s foot.
They did just that. During the first of eight surgeries, doctors removed a quarter of Evin’s heel, cleaned out all dirt and grass, and braced his foot. During the next three surgeries doctors clipped dead tissue and continued to clean out the heel. Doctors used artificial skin and a skin graft from Evin’s thigh for the fifth surgery to help regenerate skin growth.
During Evin’s surgeries and recovery, the Valdez’s stayed close to Cardinal Glennon at the Ronald McDonald House on Park
Avenue. The family was relieved by having a place to sleep, meals to eat cooked by the RMHC dinner groups, and other families to bond with.
“It has just been awesome to stay here,” Nick said. “It is so comfortable with wonderful staff and volunteers. Sometimes you forget there are still people
out there who are so nice and willing to help other people in their time of need.”
Evin remained bedridden for nearly two weeks during and after his surgeries. He then progressed to a wheelchair and then a walker. The little boy who was supposed to lose his foot spent his last weeks at the
Ronald McDonald House
Continued on page 10
One Five-Year-Old Evin Recovers After a Near Tragic
Lawn Mower AccidentTimeStepata
Tyce, Nick and Evin Valdez
Here We Grow Again!
See Page 2 for Information About Our Third House
1981 West Pine House Opened Y 1996 Park Ave. House Opened Y 2002 West Pine Apartments Opened Y 2005 Family Room Opened in St. John’s Mercy Children's Hospital2007 Family Room Opened in St. Louis Children’s Hospital Y 2008 Family Room Opened in SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center
I have a confession to make to all of you who read the Heartbeat. I had a bad
attitude about attending a Ronald McDonald House event!
As current Chairman of the Board I get to work closely with our President, Mr. Dan Harbaugh. We talk most every day, and he does a great job of telling me about events that I need to attend.
The RMHC International Conference was to be held in Chicago the second week of August. There would be representatives from over 250 Houses from around the world. While I knew it would be a special event, my schedule here in St. Louis was really tight. I succumbed to the request, got on a plane, and headed to the Windy City, albeit with a bad attitude.
The opening ceremony was quite the gala and stories from Houses all over the world were shared. We all had tears rolling down our faces as they brought out family after family that endured an illness or accident, and they shared how their time in a Ronald McDonald House meant so much to them.
Several of the staff members from RMHC of Metro St. Louis were also able to attend. Words cannot express how proud I was to say I was part of the St. Louis Ronald McDonald House. I literally sat with people from South Korea and Australia that were familiar with the St. Louis House and the best practices that our staff has developed. The St. Louis House is known throughout the world! This is a testament to the talent and dedication of our staff.
I don’t feel guilty for having showed up with a bad attitude. We all suffer burn out from time to time. I am just grateful that I was able to attend and receive a renewed vigor for our mission. I know without a doubt that our cause is a worthy one, and we must all continue to provide for the many families that need our special “home-away-from-home.”
Now that I have been cured, how is your attitude? It’s easy to let the craziness of life get you down from time to time. I encourage you to consider those people you are helping us serve on a daily basis. Your willingness to continue to support RMHC should bring a smile to your face and help you realize that you ARE making a difference in people’s lives. I trust these thoughts will put a smile back on your face and a song in your heart!
the Chairman
1www.rmhcstl.com
2009 Board of Directors
LETTER
Dan Harbaugh, PresidentLisa Stiefvater, Vice-President, Operations
Jenifer Braucksieker, Director, House OperationsAmy Hempstead, Director, Development
Celebrating 28 Years of Serving Families of Seriously-Ill Children
3 In Case You Missed It4 Volunteer Committee Helps RMHC Win Award5 Volunteer Opportunities6 Memorials11 Family Dinner Groups12 Sponsor Spotlight: Marcone Supply13 New Faces14 “Charitable Giving Could Result in Higher Returns” 15 House Wish List16 Friends of Ronald Upcoming Events17 Ways to Help the House18 Heartbits
In March of this year the Board of Directors of the Ronald McDonald House Charities
of Metro St. Louis agreed to launch a Capital Campaign of $7 million dollars. The Campaign amount was broken down in the following manner: $4 million for a new Ronald McDonald House in West County, $3 million to expand our original House on West Pine (in 2008 we turned away over 2,000 families due to being 100% occupied), and the last $1 million of our Campaign is to continue to build our endowment to ensure the long-term stability of the Ronald McDonald Houses and Ronald McDonald Family Rooms.
The response to the Campaign has been beyond our belief. As of October 31st we have over $4.4 million dollars in pledges and gifts. Because of our initial success, we decided to move up our efforts to
break ground on the new House in West County, which will take place in late October.
We found out in September that when we open the House in September of 2010 it will be the 300th Ronald McDonald House in the world. This will be a tremendous milestone for the entire Ronald McDonald House system, and for
our organization. There will be great fanfare and national media attention attached to this special occasion.
Recently we received a $900,000 challenge grant pledge if we achieve our goal. We are going to be very busy over the next 6 to 8 months trying to raise the additional funds so that we can open the House debt free and address the expansion at West Pine.
If you would like to be part of this effort (we still have many naming opportunities available), or if you would like to learn more about this project, please give me a call at 314.932.4113.
www.rmhcstl.com 2
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Metro St. Louis Kicks-Off $7 Million Capital Campaign
Funds to help build third Ronald McDonald House and expand and renovate West Pine House to address the shortage of rooms in the past few years
Dan HarbaughRMHC President
The Ronald McDonald House on West Pine Boulevard will be expanded as part of the Capital Campaign
3 www.rmhcstl.com
This year’s Kids & Clays Sporting Clays Tournament, sponsored by
Marcone Supply, and led by Chair Brad Seabaugh, raised more than $250,000, August 28th and 29th.
A dinner auction was held Friday night at Scottrade Center sponsored by the St. Louis Blues and American Equity Mortgage.
The tournament was held at Nilo Farms in Alton, IL, and consisted of three flights with 100 targets per participant. Shooters competed in four classes.
We would like to thank all the committee members, volunteers, and participants making this possible. We would also like to thank our Platinum Sponsors: David and Susan Ott, Midwest Valve and Controls and Red-Card Systems.
9th Annual Kids and Clays
Tournament
McDonald’s Scramble for Charity Golf Tournament
This year marked the 16th Annual McDonald’s "Scramble for Charity"
Golf Tournament Friday, September 11th, at The Landings at Spirit Golf Club, sponsored by McDonald’s. The event was co-chaired by Carla Valenti and Jim Sramek and raised more than $60,000!
Foursomes competed for great prizes in either a morning or afternoon round. The registration fee of only $95 per person
included a golfer gift, lunch, and
refreshments on the course. Golfers had the opportunity to
purchase additional side games to “test their luck” on the course.
Women McDonald’s Owner/Operators hosted a Tiki Hut on Hole #2 complete with margaritas, snacks, and they raffled off two autographed Cardinals baseballs.
A special thank you to our sponsors including Platinum Sponsor Adrian N. Baker and Co./First Bank; and Benefactor Sponsors Center Point Energy and PGA Memorial.
missed In Case You It24th Annual Colliers
Turley Martin Tucker Golf Tournament
Golfers competed at the 24th Annual Colliers Turley Martin
Tucker Golf Tournament at beautiful Forest Hills Country Club August 10th, after inclement weather caused the tournament to be rescheduled from its original June 16th date.
Thurman Brooks shot a Hole-In-One, winning him a 2009 Jaguar XF, compliments of Moore Automotive.
Thank you to all of our sponsors, including a special thanks to Colliers Turley Martin Tucker; our dinner sponsor, Major Brands; and our platinum sponsor, Correctional Medical Services. With the help of all participants, volunteers and sponsors
we raised more than $550,000!
Denny Ahal, Dan Harbaugh, Thurman Brooks, and Ronald McDonald
Ronald McDonald, Chair Brad Seabaugh and Dinner Chair Kim Seabaugh
Ronald McDonald and Jim Souers, President of Marcone Supply and RMHC Board Member
Ronald McDonald, Co-Chairs Carla Valenti and Jim Sramek
Cara VanSteenis, Michelle Zarges, Heather Hubler, Amber Osterhage, Jamie Burris, Marleen Hooper, Colleen Schoendienst, Deb Bishop, Michelle Sulzner
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are theVolunteersOur “Best”RMHC staff and volunteers traveled
to Chicago in mid-August to accept a Best Bets Award for the new Volunteer Strategy for Success Orientation and Training Program at the RMHC International Conference. The program could not have been implemented without the help of the volunteer committee’s guidance and hard work.
When established in 2006, one of the first actions of the Volunteer Committee was to evaluate our current House and Family Room volunteer surveying – to ensure we were asking questions on areas that really mattered to volunteers. The Committee modified the survey and
as a result, volunteer feedback showed that one area for improvement was training for House volunteers.
This resulted in the creation of “Volunteer Strategy for Success,” a revised and restructured orientation and training program for new House volunteers. The Volunteer Committee was consulted on and presented with every aspect of the program including: creation of the volunteer handbook, new training initiatives and implementation, and ongoing communication to current and new volunteers to provide feedback on the success of the program.
The Volunteer Committee has
continued to focus on strengthening our Volunteer Program by addressing areas of growth and improvement within our organization. Committee members represent each of our Houses and Family Rooms, both day and evening shifts.
There were many contributors to the creation of the Volunteer Program Strategy for Success including committee members and staff. The 2007 Volunteer Committee, however, took the lead by dedicating much of their time to the program’s development and implementation that ultimately resulted in winning the 2009 Best Bet Award.
Volunteer Committee Helps RMHC Win Best Bets Award From Global
Denny Powers
Bobby RegnellGrant Committee Member, West Pine Volunteer, Finance OfficeBobby had a personal experience which helped her realize the importance of an organization like RMHC and its mission in keeping families together when their child is ill. She began volunteering 12 years ago. Bobby joined the Volunteer Committee in 2008, and believes it shows the organization’s commitment to volunteer input and contributions.
Debbie Vogt Board Member and Committee MemberDebbie credits the Best Bets Award to a collaborative effort and compliments her fellow committee members. Her volunteer
motivation: “It’s the families you have the chance to meet, who are going through tough times and benefit from the House.”
Denny PowersFamily Room Volunteer at St. John’s Mercy Children’s HospitalDenny Power’s five years volunteering have been spent working with the Family Rooms and dinner program. He believes the link between management and the volunteers enables volunteers to give feedback. “It was the feedback and surveys that helped the House win the Best Bets Award.”
Sue Laughlin
Story Continued on page 10
20
09
Vo
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C
om
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Mem
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Julie Fowler
Debbie Vogt
Dianna DiMartino
Bobby Regnell
Todd Allen
Joyce Thuston
Mary Brooks
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Our three Ronald McDonald Family Rooms are in need of
individually wrapped, non-perishable
snack donations, including chips, crackers, cookies, microwavable single-serve meals, breakfast bars, or other light meal items. These rooms provide snacks, Internet access, television, showers, and laundry facilities at no charge to St. Louis and out-of-town families with a seriously-ill child being treated at local hospitals.
Many times, families do not leave the hospital for days and come into the Family Room to relax while grabbing something quick to eat. In 2008, more than 4,200 families used a Family Room.
If you would like to help or know someone or a company who would like to help, please contact Judy Schuler at 314.773.1100, ext. 1433, or e-mail [email protected].
Handyman, House VolunteersLend a hand at the House that love
built…80 sinks where big and little hands are cleaned, 25 refrigerators for families’ favorite foods and over 500 light fixtures that light the House for play time, reading time and together time.
These are some of the things we need help maintaining to keep our House running as a home. We are looking for handyman volunteers to assist our Facilities Manager. All levels of experience are welcome including: general maintenance and repair, plumbing, electrical, carpeting, painting and wall paper repair.
Volunteers are also needed during the week at our Park Avenue and
West Pine Houses to help welcome families, give tours, and support our House Managers. Monthly volunteer information sessions are held for people interested in learning more about all of our volunteer opportunities.
For more information about these volunteer opportunities or the monthly information sessions, please contact Alison Kaspar at 314.773.1100, ext. 1415, or [email protected].
Family Room VolunteersWeekend shifts are available for
volunteers to help check-in families and maintain a welcoming atmosphere in the Rooms that provide showers, snacks, Internet access, television, and laundry
facilities. Ronald McDonald Family Rooms are located in St. John’s Mercy Children’s Hospital, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. For more information contact Judy Schuler at 314.773.1100, ext. 1433, or [email protected].
Writing/Design VolunteersDo you enjoy writing or graphic
design and would like to help RMHC? We are currently in need of volunteer writers and graphic designers to “virtually volunteer” and help us from home. If interested, please contact Stephanie Stangl at 314.773.1100, ext. 1432.
Snack Donations Needed for Three Ronald McDonald Family Rooms
Make a Difference in the Life of a Child
Volunteers are Needed in the Following Areas:
●Handyman Volunteers●House Volunteers
●Family Room Volunteers●Writing and Design Volunteers
Call Alison at 314.773.1100, ext. 1415 for more information
Pat, Ann, Tom, Joey, and Danny Hillmeyer collected snacks for the House and Family Rooms.
Family Room Wish List●Single-serve microwavable meals●Single-serve packages of cookies, breakfast bars, salty snacks, etc.●Trial-size deodorant●Disposable razors
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MemorialsJames AllenJohn and Nancy BartonJim and Tina KlockeEllen MoriartyBeverly UnwerDeborah VogtRaymond AndrewsJohn and Sharon Buckner
Anna DeanEdith AngeloCheri and Bob JacksonRichard BanahanPatrick SandersDonald Bancroft, Jr.Donald and Carmen Bancroft
William “Bill” Bartz, Sr.Tom BedfordPatricia BestGary and Margaretha Clever
John and Peggy HillmanPatricia and Ken LittekenJames and Frances McMillian
Alan and Sherry MongJohn and Margie ReevesJack and Pat RussellJoanne and Larry Stevens
Gary TateDorothy WepprichRon and Paula WepprichDavid and Mary Whitener
Steven and Lori Youngstrom
The Kitchen Collection, Inc.
Walnut Street United Methodist Church Staff
Joe BayGeorge and Ellen Morrow
Lucille BennettDan and Kelly HarbaughDeborah VogtAccucare Office StaffNancy BertrandThe Erbe FamilyRobert BetzRobert MarcolinaEsther BlumoffJanet LoitersteinCharlie Catfish BobKeith and Mary HastingsHenry BraunseisRussell and Teresa Braunseis
Okaw North Hunting Club
Kathleen BreatholdMachine Center, Inc.Jim BrinkmanGeorge and Ellen Morrow
Alex BrownDawsey and Rosalie Brown
William BucklesRobert BoehmerNorbert BussmannBerenice SchneiderTeresa ButzTom and Sue ArmstrongMargaret CavatoSteve and Nancy NeuselEileen and Melvin Chazen
Mr. and Mrs. Norman Karty
George ClobesMary and James FoleyRalph CrumpJohn and Sharon Buckner
Faith DickersonDon and Barbara BarrBetty DoenitzWayne and Joan Anderson
Ray DooleyMike and Sue GussBlake Joseph DurdelCletus and Nancy DetersTausha FrittsGary and Lu Ann HartkeRose Hickman
(Durdel Cont.)Matthew and Mandy Hoene
Kurt and Gina KoesterDebbie ModglinMr. and Mrs. W. MorrisGeorge and Colleen Nuxoll
Scott and Lisa ProbstAndrew and Jerin Romack
Tera and Matt ScalesDan and Joann SheehanNick and Carolyn StokesDavid and Jennifer Weber
Mrs. EllenaMiriam PessinDot ErvinBill and Sue DickersonEdna FaganDavid TornettoDouglas FaustRod and Lorrie Kettelkamp
Jane and Sandy ThalLowell FellingerAdrian and Gaye Ann Hutton
Ralph FinkhamVirginia Winter Moellenhoff
Elizabeth FinanCheri and Bob JacksonJames Kevin FoleyMary and Jim FoleyMargaret ForysCarol and Phillip HamelSister of Rosalie Franklin
Mr. and Mrs. Norman Karty
Lee FunkeGaye Ann and Adrian Hutton
Donald GallamoreRick, Julie, and Betty Arnold
Helen GannonSteve and Nancy NeuselBernice GarnierTom and Mary FrerkerMichael and Myrtle Gierer
Karen and Mike Gibbons
John GiffinMax and Avonell CarlisleJoyce GilbertGary and Doris AdamsLela GlausMaxene and Cheri BattenShirley GlitheroHarold and Frances PakerRobert GrandaMr. and Mrs. Don LaPlante
Leslie GrodskyMr. and Mrs. Marc SeldinHerbert HasenbeckSonny and Vera WalkerNathaniel HayesChristina and John Eckelkamp
Mark HaymakerDoris AdamsRobert HigginbothamMr. and Mrs. Frank HauffLuke and Charlotte Meatte
Arthur HilbertShirley HilbertLynn HitlerAlan and Jeanne FernerMilton HoefleNick and Sandy SidaBernice HollowayJudy and Tom BeschKathy FergusonKirk FisherCarol and Jerry HoferPreston and Iris KoprivicaCheryl LohmannBob and Betty MancheLarry and Bonnie McGeeJim and Valerie MoranAudrey MuellerBob and Georgia RoussinSchou FamilyJim and Christa SmithDale and Susan StoltmanPeter and Robin WilliPoker ClubMary Jane HutchinsonNancee MillerJay KaulingRay and Sandra KreutzMarie MooreMarge KeenoyDavid Tornetto
Alexa Alexandra KingClaudia Belk Hollingsworth
Carissa KuhnsReenai MasonRuby SimmonsRichard TempleMildred KingDavid and Joan ElhofferJoseph KrebelJim and Joan MuellerHelen LaBoubePatrick and Mary Pat Sanders
Stephen LaMonicaAmeren UEWalter LabuzKathleen and Scott Bosley
Ann LaiksMimi and Bruce VittertRose LambMr. and Mrs. Rene BolducJohn LambleDorothy RoachJames LamprechtDudley and Carol McClure
Brendan LangfordJim and Janice McConnell
Joyce and Charles BrandtWarren LangfordJim and Janice McConnell
Carol LantzDave TornettoEthyl LaRoccaDave TornettoJohn LarsonJim and Linda DrenonCharles LauryJerome and Mary Ann Bax
Dolores GokinShirley HegelRuth HohmeierJohn and Bobbett LauryAunt Annette and Aunt Muriel McNab
Ellen Lehman Thomas and Laura Dean
If you would like to make a donation in memory or honor of someone special, please call 314.773.1100.
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Memorials ContinuedBeloved Aunt of Marvin Lerner
Sharon and David Silverman
Gene LevinHal and Gerry LeekerJackie LevineSandy SchneiderAlan and Barbara SkopJules LevisonMarcia and Gary Levinson
Paul LillardCharles and Pat EstesMargaret LymanAnna DeanPatrick MaddenBarry RoufaDad MalisauskasLinda and Jim DrenonRobert MardisAnonymous donorPhillip MarkowitzHilda MarkowitzChase Anthony Matthews
Jean VogtKen MehlRose CarlisleJeannine HeadrickWayne and Melanie Kaiser
Dan MernahDavid TornettoLu Ann MigetJames and Janice McConnell
Faith MilesMelinda and Jim RaineySteven MillerAmeren UEGrandson of Marie Modde
Nancy Jo and Bob Sterneck
Alice MeisioUMB Financial Corporation
William MoriarityBerenice SchneiderNorman “Mick” MuellerMr. and Mrs. William Goeddel
Margaret MurphySteve and Nancy Neusel
Thelma MuskinNatalie and Jim Gemignani
Leanna NaegerMike and Rosie Schmelzle
John and Jean Vogt
Megan NelsonRichard NelsonRobyn OatesShirley and Harry BradySusan MeinersTom and Suzanne WeberMargarette OwensAnna DeanSalvatore and Giovanna Palazzo
Josephine ByneLois ParkerDonald and Carmen Bancroft
Edna “Jake” PeltonTom and Sue ArmstrongJesús Haro PerezTeresa Kelley Michael PernikoffChuck and Joyce BrandtSue and Dena FermanJames and Natalie Gemignani
Bev and Jeff SpectorMargie PessinMiriam PessinJustine “Gus” PickerRalph and Rita Claypool, Jr.
Glennon and Helen Grieshaber
JoAnn HahnLarry and Kathy HunkinsNancy KaatamPaul and Carol KistDeborah MartingMaureen, Sally, and Mildred Miller
Steve and Nancy PickerMargaret RussellJackie and Walter SeegerJean StephensYvonne WeeksHorstmann Brothers, LLCSt. Louis Boeing Teammates
Al PolinskySusan and Harry BurackDon and Sandy RosenEarnestine PoolAnna DeanBarb KampenJoyce KerrJan StillmanAnna RatajczykColdwell Banker Gundaker – Creve Coeur and Chesterfield office
James ReavisKim and Jerry AhrensEd and Billie ReavisPainting SolutionsMichael ReichShirley WassermanSarah ReinerHenrietta SchlesingerNate RichardKaren FitzsimmonsJudy RubinRuth WisemanJoanne SamplJames and Janice McConnell
Jessica SappLawrence and Karol SappMilan SaulichPat and Linda GarlandBetty SawyerConnie and David Schmidt
Harry Schoff Mimi and Bruce VittertTom ScottDave TornettoMarlene SilbermanDiane FeldmanRonald SierenDonald and Victoria Clayton
Ben SilvermanMichelle BurmannCarol and William NelsonJim and Shirley WeirSister of Ron SkaggsKen CohenBruce SollorsJoe and Marilyn ArmourJudy BliggenstorferAmy BoarmanDick and Lynn BochartMary DartingDaniel and Julie Dozier
(Sollors Cont.)Ann FieldsRandy and Nancy Gravemann
Ages HoffmanRobert KellyJoseph KloeppelSina LewisVince and Sharon Luekenhaus
Nicole MartinJudy MaxwellSusan RussellBetty SchneiderVicki SchulzeRose Mary SheppardNancy, Greg, Charlie Southard and Family
Rose Ann and Michael Weeks
Micheila SpencerJanice EffingerGlenda StemmlerSonny and Vera WalkerLeal StewartCharles and Marianne Word
Donald StuhlmannMolly and Jim Hyde and Family
Benedetto and Linda Randazzo
Father of Edwin TarkowHenrietta SchlesingerGlenn TaylorMarge NormileAunt of LaVerne Thoman
Marlene CareyFather of Steve and Diane Tucker
Steven and Diane TuckerAndy TutinJerry and Nancy GeiserWayne VickeryDean and Theresa PerryJesse VillanuevaJim and Linda DrenonLeonard VogelGary and Debbie SteinChristine WagmanHiram and Cheryl MartinSheldon WagnerBeth, Natalie, and Jim Gemignani
Lauren and Brian Palecek
Barbara WalshMary and Patricia Sanders
Robert WalshSue and Bob PasterIsabel WardJosh and Beccah WardVivian and Dean Townsend
Kenneth WarmackJohn BickelCarolyn and Jim BrownTom and Margie CarterRose CookKenneth DetringDavid and Sandy DrezekGylling FamilyMarilee HackerJanice JamisonMitzi JumperSusan KatzmanRose Mary KeenanSusie and Glenn KowalskiBruce and Sue MorhausDana NicholsDoug OrmsJudy and Lee SchulerNeil and Laura StraussnerCPC Logistics, Inc.Jeanne WesterholtSarah FandreyBerenice SchneiderDarrell WillenburgMachine Center, Inc.Charles WilliamsCarolyn EdelenDelbert YeakeyVirgil and Jane BradleyGerry ZakrewskiMichael BackerMike and Linda BurkeJoe and Mary GerwitzJoe and Mary Ann LangDanny and Marilyn Lillard
Ronald McDonald House Committee Member Dave Tornetto won the National Honor Agent Award this year. According to AXA, the Award is given to an AXA representative annually who embodies the highest values
of the company and the industry. The Award is given for more than just business success. It’s the whole person concept. It’s about the kind of professional you are and the kind of individual you are. The recipient is nominated
by their manager, and it truly is an honor just to be nominated.
Dave serves on the Colliers Turley Martin Tucker Golf Committee and the Planned Giving Committee for the RMHC.
Ronald McDonald House Committee Member Honored with National Honor Agent Award
Dave Tornetto
$5,000Mr. Brent Martin and Ms. Paige Lierman
Mr. and Mrs. Howard Weiser
Two YearsMr. and Mrs. Stuart Campbell
One YearMr. and Mrs. Mark Caplinger
Friends of RonaldMr. and Mrs. Dick Hammett
Mr. and Mrs. Dan HolmesMr. and Mrs. Donald T. Kukla
Mr. and Mrs. Denny Marschuetz
Mr. and Mrs. William Moskoff
Dr. Joseph OlkMr. and Mrs. David T. OttMr. and Mrs. James M. Roepke
Mr. and Mrs. Brad Seabaugh
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Seabaugh
Mr. Jerry ShawMs. Deborah M. VogtMr. Doug WeibleMr. Jake Wilson
Six MonthsMr. Darren BuddemeyerMr. Don CzerniewskiMr. and Mrs. Tom Gleissner
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Gosser
(Six Months Cont.)Mr. and Mrs. Steve Haberberger
Mr. Robert L. HallMr. and Mrs. Thomas Heeger
Mr. and Mrs. Joe HickeyMr. Lawrence HiltonMr. Ken LemalMs. Brenda MainerMr. Richard MillerMr. and Mrs. James A. Proctor
Mr. and Mrs. Dixon TerryCourtney and Diana Walter
Mr. Tim WiesMr. and Mrs. William G. Ziercher
Three MonthsMr. Ted BardenMr. and Mrs. Kevin J. Beckerle
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Brasser
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne R. Brinkman
Mr. Ed Burris and Mrs. Jamie Burris
Mr. Craig CataldiMr. and Mrs. Stan CornishMr. and Mrs. Dan EsareyMr. and Mrs. Mark FeltsMr. and Mrs. James Ginther
Mr. and Mrs. Dan Harbaugh
Ms. Ann HundsonMr. and Mrs. Michael D. Maloney
Mr. and Mrs. James McConnell
(Three Months Cont.)Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas G. Pelligreen
Mr. Mark and Dr. Linda Proctor
Mr. and Mrs. Darin A. Schlegel
Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Seabaugh
Ms. Chris SimmsMr. Todd SmithMr. Paul SzaboMr. and Mrs. William TateMr. and Mrs. Jack H. Vogel
Mr. Semus Warakomski
One MonthMr. Arash AminiMr. Chris AndersonMr. Garrett BenskinMs. Ashley BlaskeBob’s Appliance CenterMr. Stephen J. BrothersMr. and Mrs. Morris Buenemann
Ms. Carmen and Ms. Sue Castellano
Mr. and Mrs. Ray CleveMr. and Mrs. Brad CrinerMr. John DaleyMr. and Mrs. Richard P. Davis
Mr. Stephen DawsonMr. and Mrs. Jeffrey M. Dorries
Mr. Steve FallerMr. Bill FechterMr. Joe FlaniganMr. and Mrs. Steve FloydMr. and Mrs. Denny FranzMr. Steve GowerMr. and Ms. Lincoln Gray
(One Month Cont.)Mr. Matt GreenMs. Mary Claire HayekMr. and Mrs. Larry Hummel
Mr. and Mrs. Chris HyamsTerry JonesMr. and Mrs. Gregory R. Klinge
Mr. and Mrs. Garrett KnoxMr. and Mrs. Chuck Koenig, Jr.
Mr. Neal KohrsKelly KulmannMr. and Mrs. Jeff Longnecker
Mr. AJ MastrofrancescoMr. Eric MeadowMs. Delores E. MorrisonMr. and Mrs. Randall K. Mullendore
Mr. and Mrs. Sean Mulqueeny
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Niemann
Mr. and Mrs. Randall Osthoff
Mr. and Mrs. Steve ParisiMr. Chris PropstMr. and Mrs. Jeff PropstMr. and Mrs. Eric RalphDr. and Mrs. Joe RiffleMr. and Mrs. Matthew Riffle
Mr. Barry RoufaMr. and Mrs. Mike Sansone
Ms. Ellie SchadMr. and Mrs. Bill SeymourMike ShepardMr. and Mrs. DJ SimmonsMr. and Mrs. Ben Slemmer
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Staples
(One Month Cont.)Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Stiefvater
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stokes
Mr. and Mrs. Dave StokesMr. and Mrs. Gary StokesMr. and Mrs. Vic TurveyMr. and Mrs. Clayton Vollet
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Wamhoff
Mr. and Mrs. Glen WeeksMr. and Mrs. Rick Wombles
Mr. Barry Zehrt
One WeekMr. Chase H. ButlerMr. and Mrs. Ron Champion
Mr. Andy HawkinsMr. and Mrs. Brandon Jones
Mr. and Mrs. Steve JonesDr. and Mrs. David Kammer
Mr. and Mrs. Glen KeuneMs. Caroline MasseyMr. Ryan MiddletonMr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Miller
Mr. Alex OttMr. and Mrs. David T. OttMr. and Mrs. Larry PooreMr. and Mrs. John RennerMr. Mark TamarMr. and Mrs. Mike TinsleyMr. Rick VogelMr. Cory WeissmanMr. John Wilbur
Other AmountsMs. Becky R. Pogorzelski
Of
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HonorInTributesJohnny AlvarezGloria and Juan AlvarezRebecca AlvarezElemuel and Mariana Carrillo
Hugo and Lisa Castaneda
Lisa Alvarez CastanedaDemetrio and Eva Chavez
Yolanda DerealGwendolyn GraffTimothy and Jacqueline Hughes
Tina KoralSilvia and Steven Lockwald
Yen NguyenJames and Lupe Orlando
Tom and Nancy O’Rourke
Michael and Juanita Quillinan
Anita RamirezMark and Delia Rowlands
Angela WrightTed Anneren – Speedy Recovery
Mimi and Bruce VittertNorm and Ann Bednark - Congratulations
Sue and Rich FallekBarbara Boone – Speedy Recovery
Mimi and Bruce VittertPhil and Sandy BrownMICDS Hockey Team – Junior Parents
Wilfred and Sylvia Bruckerhoff – 50th Anniversary
John and Sharon Buckner
Ellie Bullard - Graduation
Sheryl WeberMeg ClasseNorman and Rochelle Karty
Rose ConroyColleen SullivanJewel Craven – Birthday
Joe and Bonnie DevotiDr. Ron and Mrs. Hanna Evans - Birthdays
Bob and Elaine WagnerLinda FinertyJohn and Maureen RiffleNorman GoldThe Glidewell FamilyShirley Goldman – Special Birthday
Arlene EisenAmy GrantColleen SullivanChris Guss – Father’s Day
Mike and Sue GussChristopher HandyPaul, Catherine, and Turner Carlson
Michael and Yinci ChenCurtis and Candice Cherry
Robert and Andrea Feldman
Steve and Amy GeorgeJoseph and Emily GunnMartin and Kathleen Hansen
Scott and Amy HardwickGerald and Daedra LohrSalvador and Kelly Lo Bianco
David and Christine Miesner
Robert and Sharon Norman
Monica RoyMazen Hajji and Randa Sawaf
Todd and Whitney Zamler
Elkie and Ian Hart – 50th Anniversary
Irving and Sharon Gordon
Grant Hartwig – BirthLaurie and Bert Schweizer
Mr. and Mrs. James Helton – 40th Wedding Anniversary
Catherine DieckhausDorothy Hermann – Birthday
Hal and Gerry LeekerJolie and Lauren Hilgedieck – Birthday
David and Lynn GoeddelRobert and Sarah Hilgedieck
Mark and Robin Lengacher
David and Stephanie Montgomery
Jason PreisDouglas and Mary Venhaus
Edward and Sharon Hingle
Jo Ann RatermannAmy HollandKarin and Jim HollandJerry HookerLaura Hooker-DavisonLarry HoppBetty and Jack TracyTom HutchisonNancee MillerTraci JaggieMimi LeviClare JasperJeanette GratzaDelores KeiterMimi LeviLeslie KriegerColleen SullivanMalakai KreisslerJeanette HatfieldDelores Krull - BirthdayBetty and Jack Grossman
Diane and Barry TorgoveKay LairdAudrey and Leonard Adreon
Donna LangLouis RussoAndrew and Susan Mallow – 25th Wedding Anniversary
Linda AndrewsPat AndrewsSteve and Nancy BenzJohn and Sharon Buckner
Tim and Sally BurchAnna DeanEvan and Lisa Gagnepain
Tim and Carol HantenDave and Joan Kralemann
Betty MallowTerrance and Colette O’Rourke
Betty TisiusDarron and Julie Trupiano
The Hummel FamilySarah MasonRoger and Mary Frankenhoff
Leo and Ida MeyerEugene MeyerNancy Pollack’s Grandson
Sally NeedleGene NewportFrances AxelbaumIrvin PernikoffCharles and Joyce Brandt
Julie ReandoMimi LeviTracy ReevesMimi LeviDr. Tracy ReynoldsBeryl ParkerLilia Skye RushingEverett and Anna Mary Rushing
Nancy SachtlebenNorman and Rochelle Karty
Joe SanderIvan and Adele Schenberg
Mr. and Mrs. James Shelton
Catherine Dieckhaus
Nancy and Alvin Siwak – Honorary Degrees
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brandt
Matt SpecterDr. Michael SpecterChristopher Wade Staton
The Staton Family’s Church
Charles StantonDarrel and Gail PikeBetsy and Jim Stuart – 50th Wedding Anniversary
Barbara and Joe SmoltzSweetheart the ClownDarlene RoddenCarlyle Healthcare Center
St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church
St. Teresa’s ChurchRhonda TarpeyMimi LeviCooper TeitelbaumShirley HeimanLeon and Judy Toedtmann – 50th Wedding Anniversary
Dr. and Mrs. Rod PearlineJulie UpbinColleen SullivanMaureen Van DuskyMimi LeviSpencer WaddellNick and Sandy SidaEileen Weber – Birthday
Kay SiegristCharles Welek, III – Birthday
Betty and Jack TracyWonderful Adoption O. Tirunesh
Shirley Heiman
10www.rmhcstl.com
Dianna DiMartino West Pine House VolunteerDianna’s commitment to the House and to the Volunteer Committee has stayed strong over the past eight years because she loves that volunteers are able to give input and their opinions are respected. Her favorite part of volunteering: “… it’s just a wonderful place to go, to belong, and to feel like your contribution is making a difference. I always feel appreciated for the work I do.”
Joyce Thuston Park Avenue House VolunteerJoyce Thuston was looking for a way to give back to the community when she became a volunteer twelve years ago. The Volunteer Committee has been a great place to contribute, she said, because all the volunteers have been at the House for years and they are able to use it as an outlet to pass on and talk about the ideas they have.
Julie FowlerWest Pine House VolunteerJulie Fowler first volunteered for the House in high school. She returned after college, volunteering at West Pine for the past seven years. “I love that the House provides a ‘home-away-from-home’ for families to go when they have a child in the hospital. My
favorite part of my evening at the house is dinner time catching up with families and seeing the appreciation on their face that
they have a warm meal ready to go for them when they get ‘home’,” Julie said.
Mary Brooks Park Avenue House Volunteer“Here I am!” is what Mary Brooks said to the House ten years ago when they made a call for volunteers on the news. Being on the Volunteer Committee has allowed Mary to do work that she knows will be very beneficial to attracting and keeping volunteers, like helping with the revision of
the Volunteer Handbook which assists in the training of new volunteers. Sue Laughlin Park Avenue House VolunteerSue Laughlin chose to volunteer for the House ten years ago after many years as a pediatric nurse and seeing the importance of having an affordable place to stay for families. Sue enjoys working on the Volunteer Committee because she realizes how important it is for the staff to get input from volunteers who have different levels of experience with different parts of RMHC.
Todd AllenPark Avenue House VolunteerTodd Allen’s parents helped start the Ronald McDonald House on West Pine back in 1981. Todd decided to return to the House as a volunteer in 2005. He believes the team effort the committee has shown has been an essential part of the process to improve the volunteer training. The work he has done on the committee has been enjoyable and rewarding because it gives a way for the volunteers to voice their opinions and ensure that the communication is getting to those who can truly make the difference in a volunteer’s experience.
(Continued from page 4)
Volunteer Committee Helps RMHC Win Best Bets Award From Global
RMHC Global President Marty Coyne, Volunteer Coordinator Alison Kaspar, and RMHC volunteer Todd Allen. Alison, Todd, and other RMHC staff accepted the Best Bets Award in Chicago August 14.
playing, laughing and running around the House with his brother, Tyce, and other children staying at the House.
“Tyce helped Evin come a long way,” Nick said. “Tyce was also on the lawn mower that day and saw the whole thing happen. He is very protective of his brother and would spend hours sitting on Evin’s hospital bed coloring with him.” Without the Ronald McDonald House, the Valdez’s know it would have been harder to stay close to Evin because of not knowing anyone in St. Louis and the high cost of hotel rooms.
Evin never let the surgeries or recovery get him down. “Evin never asked, ‘Why me?’” Nick said. “He took it all in stride with a smile on his face.”
The Valdez family is now home in Pueblo, Colorado, and Evin continues to get better. The family plans to find the nearest Ronald McDonald House and prepare a meal for families to give back.
“We once had to stay at the Ronald McDonald House and they helped us when we needed it the most,” Nick said. “It is so rewarding to improve the quality of someone else’s life.”
Nick coaches all of Evin’s little league sports and remains certain Evin will return to football and all the fun activities of childhood soon. Maybe most importantly, this incident proved to the Valdez’s that no one should take family for granted.
“I learned to cherish my family
always and live each day to the fullest,” Nick said. “Everything happens for a reason, and the last few months have put everything into perspective for our family.”
One Step at a Time
The Valdez Family
(Continued from page 1)
Abbott EMSAdrian N. Baker & Co.Alpha Delta KappaAlpha Delta PiAlpha Sigma Tau Edwardsville Alumnae
Episcopal Church of the AdventEthical Society of Mid RiversFabulous 50’s Car ClubFerguson Christian ChurchFirst Baptish Church of St. Peters
Florissant Valley Christian Church
Foristell Church of Christ- Teenage Girls
Gateway Knights Clown ClubGeyer Road Baptist ChurchGirl Scout Troop #1089Girl Scout Troop #3636Glaxo Smith KlineGNOGrace Church of BellevilleGray Design GroupHair PleasersHamilton Group RealtyHarmony LionsHigh 5Holy Childhood Youth GroupHTE TechnologiesHumphrey-Brown FamilyJ M Family EnetrprisesJean Iezzi & FriendsJM Family EnterprisesJohn C. Hill & FriendsJoiner FamilyKappa Delta Pi- SIUEKappa Epsilon- St Louis College of Pharmacy
Knights of Columbus #11437Knights of Columbus Auxiliary-O’Fallon. Mo
Kramer FamilyKristen NaesLDS ChurchLodge Washington #30 CSA Fraternal Life
Logan College of ChiropracticLooney FamilyLutheran Church of Webster Gardens
Lynda & Friends
MACTECMacy’s South CountyMarcone Appliance Parts Center
Mark Hubbs & FamilyMasterCard International (Processing Product Delivery Group)
Mattson Jack Group McAlister FamilyMedinah Temple #39 Youth Group
Memorial Hospital- BellevilleMerilee Mulvaney and FriendsMerkel, Merlo & BerraMom’s Club-St. PetersMonsanto Genomics Technology
Monsanto-Regulatory People Team
New Athens GirlsNew Life CenterOliver FamilyO’Toole WomenPerficient, Inc.Perry Family-in honor of daughter Madeline
PfizerPrincipal Financial GroupRawlingsReeves FamilyRegional Business CouncilReliant Lutheran ChurchRenee Simms Bible Study Group
Riley Family
Rockwood Summit High School National Honor Society
Ronnie’s FriendsRubin Brown LLPRuhland FamilySandberg Phoenix & Von Gontard
Scarpino FamilySecond HelpingSheryl Wilson & FriendsSingle Christian VolunteersSIUE Biology ClubSIUE Student Nurse AssociationSMOTJ (Burgoyne)SMOTJ (Stumpf)South City YMCA Team LeadersSouthminster Presbyterian Church
Southwest AirlinesSouthwest St. Louis County Kiwanis Club
Southwest SuccessSt. Ambrose Caring KidsSt. Louis Cares / United WaySt. Louis City Sheriff’s Department
St. Louis Gaslight MemoriesSt. Louis LithographingSt. Louis Volunteer GroupSt. Mark UCC YouthSt. Thomas / Holy Spirit Lutheran Church
Sullivan FamilyTeam McDonald-St. Dominic High School
The Boeing Company’s REACH Org
The FriendsThe Lawrence GroupTom Julius FamilyTrapp Family & FriendsTrinity Lutheran Church of Kirkwood
Troy, ILL VFW Ladies AuxiliaryUnited HealthcareWestern Union Employees Committee
Women’s Electrical Board
11www.rmhcstl.com
GrOupDinnerFamilyOur Ronald McDonald House families enjoyed many delicious home-cooked meals June 2009 through September 2009. We thank you for your continued generosity and for sharing your time with our families when they need a smile the most! For a listing of available dates or information on how to reserve your next date, call the Family Dinner Program line at 314.531.6601, ext. 1202 , or send an e-mail to [email protected].
Barry-Wehmiller Dinner Group
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Direct MailSummer DONORSThe following donors responded to our Summer 2009 Direct Mail Campaign with a gift of $50 or more, received as of September 30, 2009.
Ms. Georgia E. AdamsMr. Tom AuffenbergMs. Marlene BarachMr. James T. BarryMrs. Margaret L. BehymerMr. and Mrs. Stephen Boschert
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. BosseMs. Ruth C. BrinkMr. Paul A. BuhrBurris ManagementMs. Linda L. CaldwellMs. Kathryn CappsCardinal Chapter Top Ladies of Distinction
Mr. and Mrs. Peter K. CarraraDr. and Mrs. Ralph ChapmanMr. and Mrs. Gerald D. Claunch
Ms. Jenifer M. ClemensMr. and Mrs. Osmond ConradMs. Christine A. CrainMs. Martha B. Dyer
Mr. John F. FechterMr. and Mrs. Daniel B. FlynnDr. and Mrs. Michael F. FlynnMs. Nillima GhoshMrs. and Mr. Carol R. GouwensMr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Gundlach
Ms. Dolores M. HackerMr. and Mrs. Jeffrey J. Haferkamp
Mr. and Mrs. Craig A. HaneyMr. Ronald C. HartmannMs. Mary A. HaskinMr. and Mrs. Richard L. HayesMr. and Mrs. Dennis A. Hoffmann
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy HolmesMr. and Mrs. Timothy P. Hunter
Dr. and Mrs. Kevin T. JohnsonDr. and Mrs. Richard P. JotteMr. and Mrs. David E. KettlerMr. Curtis S. King
Mrs. Evelyn O. KruckemeyerMs. Patricia A. LoomisMr. and Mrs. Michael LuekenMr. and Mrs. Randall W. Mardis
Mrs. Elizabeth A. MarshallMr. Donovan R. MasonMr. and Mrs. David MayMr. John E. McDaniel, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. James E. MeierMr. John L. MohrMr. and Mrs. Dimitrios Panopoulos
Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. PecherMr. and Mrs. Gary L. PeckMr. and Mrs. James R. PingMr. and Mrs. Samuel G. PolinoMrs. Julia H. ProthroMr. and Mrs. Robert B. PuyearMr. Robert E. RasmussenMr. and Mrs. Fawzi SafiMr. and Mrs. Michael SagerMr. Jake Schillinger
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth M. Schimel
Mr. and Mrs. Bruno SchmitterMr. Hubert C. ShackelfordMr. David P. Skarie and Ms. Laurie Hoff
Mr. and Mrs. Gary M. SterlingMr. and Mrs. James A. SyrettMr. and Mrs. Robert M. Tobben
Mr. Stanford B. TowermanMr. and Mrs. Richard S. UngerMs. Susan E. VierlingMr. and Mrs. Bernell WeisMr. and Mrs. Norman Wielansky
Mrs. Eugene C. WienkeMr. and Mrs. James M. WillockMr. and Mrs. Norman M. Yadon
Sponsor Spotlight: Marcone Supply
In less than two years involvement, Marcone Supply has provided support to Ronald McDonald House Charities in countless ways. Marcone serves
as the title sponsor for the Kids and Clays Tournament and also donated more than $10,000 from the sale of raffle tickets at a national conference, but support doesn’t end there.
Last year, Marcone also donated hundreds of toys and gifts to the McGift Shoppe, an annual holiday store where families shop free-of-charge for one another. Marcone employees also help by participating in the RMHC Dinner Program, where groups come to the House and cook meals for RMHC families after long days at the hospital. Throughout the year, employees also host several fundraisers such as casual days and snack drives for the House. They even brought in boxed lunches to work and sold each lunch for $5, with proceeds benefitting RMHC. Marcone President Jim Souers also serves on the Ronald McDonald House Board of Directors.
Ashley Blaske, marketing director for Marcone, says the company loves being involved with Ronald McDonald House Charities because Marcone has offices across the country, so there is a Ronald McDonald House or Family Room close to nearly every location. It allows the entire company to get involved instead of just its corporate office which has made an impact on its company culture.
“The Ronald McDonald House has brought our employees closer together even though we are spread throughout the country,” Ashley said. “We enjoy giving back to the community, and one of the neatest things we’ve discovered over the past two years is how many people in our company know first-hand what the Ronald McDonald House does or knows someone who has used the House. It’s been a very special part of our company, and we highly recommend it to all businesses out there but especially large, nation-wide ones like ourselves. ”
Marcone Supply at the Kids and Clays Dinner Auction
Amy Hempstead came to RMHC nearly three months
ago as Director of Development. She loves playing with her two puppies and getting ready for her New Year’s
Eve wedding. The best part of working at RMHC is being able to come to work every day knowing what she does makes a real difference in the lives of RMHC families.
13www.rmhcstl.com
donorsIN-KINDMr. and Mrs. Steven W. AlstadtAmerican Electric PowerAmerisure InsuranceAnheuser-Busch Credit UnionMs. Sandra AntonioMr. Michael BakerMr. and Mrs. Raymond BarvelsMs. Jane BellMr. Brandon M. Blakey and Ms. Anne Grossmann
Mr. and Mrs. Marty E. BlaylockMs. Jeannie BoettcherMs. Patricia L. BrainardDr. Todd BrammeierMr. and Mrs. Alan M. BrenkerMr. Robert J. BrownMr. and Mrs. Tom BrownJohn BurgerJeri BurhornMr. and Mrs. Paul E. BurkBydalek Spence KittnerMr. Quinn CochranColdwell Banker Gundaker Creve Coeur
Colliers Turley Martin TuckerMs. Shelly L. CollinsCommerce Trust Co.Cornerstone Christian Church - Women Serving Him
Cross Keys Middle School Retired Teachers
CSI LeasingMr. Kevin Cunneen, Jr.Daisy Troop 384Ms. Deanna DaughheteeMr. and Mrs. Owen J. DeBoerDirectory Distributing Associates, Inc.
DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc. - Helping Hands Closet
Eddies Southtown DonutsMr. Michael EdlinDr. Michael Edlin and Mrs. Lisa Edlin
Ms. Tana FoxDennis and Chris FuistMs. Mary E. GillickGirl Scout Troop 3491Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. GoldMr. and Mrs. Michael GomezMr. and Mrs. Ray GrabiakMr. and Mrs. Dan GrossmanMs. Rebecca HakansonHanlen’sMr. Rick HemphillMr. Milton H. HiekenMr. and Mrs. William Hollifield, Jr.Holy Trinity Lutheran ChurchMs. Joan HuberHusch, Blackwell and SandersMr. and Mrs. Jeffrey JarchowJo-Ann Fabrics and CraftsMs. Carol JonesMr. Mark JuliusMs. Dawn JungermannMs. Rose M. JusticeKabbalah CentreMs. Karli KeelingMs. Teresa K. KelleyMr. William KleinKnodel’s BakeryMr. and Mrs. Danny KretzerMr. Jay KweskinMs. Kathy LartonoixMs. Sharon LathurayLa-Z-BoyMs. Rachelle Lemos
Ms. Linda LeyMr. Barry MandelMr. and Mrs. Jason MannMr. Scott MartinMs. Renee T. McDowellMr. Huntleigh McGheeMr. Roy McLaurinMs. Mary MillerMonsanto Regulatory People Team
Mr. and Mrs. Shawn MorrisonMr. Edward A. MurphyMr. Frank MurphyMr. and Mrs. Brian NaegerNestle PurinaMs. Meredith NeuO’Toole Design AssociatesMs. Sharon PedersonPfizerMrs. and Mr. Ann PoguePopeyesMr. and Mrs. Calvin E. QuastMr. and Mrs. Ronald R. ReeseMr. and Mrs. Paul H. ReitzRockford Rebels 4-H ClubRosati-Kain High SchoolRosemann & Associates, P.C.Ross ElementaryMr. Brandon SchlichtigMr. and Mrs. Herb Schneiderman
Ms. Kathleen SchueMr. and Mrs. Brad SeabaughMr. and Mrs. James SeeMs. Jamia SeifertShapiro’s MarketShiloh United Methodist Church VBS
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Shuman
Mr. Steve SiegerMr. and Mrs. Steve SingerSMOTJSouth Side Church of ChristSt. Anthony MessengerSt. Louis Homes & Lifestyles Magazine
Mr. and Mrs. Dave StokesMs. Robin SummersMs. Linda SwadleyMr. and Mrs. Kevin SwearingenThe Magic HouseThe Relief SocietyThirdSigma CorporationMs. Shelley ThomasMr. and Mrs. Richard G. Thornberry
Pat TraceyTroy VFW Ladies AuxilaryMr. and Mrs. Jerry Van MileMs. Melinda VarnerMs. Megan J. VoissemWalmart #0051Washington University Olin School of Business
Stacy WebbMs. Donna WepelMs. Bee WetterPat WildsMs. Sandy WilhelmMr. and Mrs. Jimmy WilliamsWindsor Middle SchoolCamryn S. WingbermuehleMs. Janet WoodWoodard Cleaning and Restoration, Inc.
Woodard Rug and Drapery, Inc.World Wide Technology, Inc.
Ne
w F
ac
es
Pat Newby started at RMHC four months ago as Executive
Administrative Assistant. Her favorite part of working at the House is meeting the families
and knowing what she does impacts their lives. When she is not at RMHC, Pat enjoys biking, hiking, and walking trails, and spending time with family and friends.
Paige Lierman came on board at RMHC nearly two
months ago as Special Events Coordinator. She loves to spend time outside with her two kids,
two dogs, and her husband. Before coming to RMHC, Paige oversaw the Guest Relations teams at Windsor Crossing Community Church.
Joy Tate joined RMHC as a housekeeper at the
Park Avenue location in September of 2009. Joy likes to shop, spend time with
family, and read her Bible. Joy also works at the St. Louis Galleria.
14www.rmhcstl.com
PLANNEDGIvING Charitable Giving Could Result in Higher ReturnsDavid W. Simons, CFP-Merrill Lynch, Head of SC Group
Bernard Lang played by all the rules. The 75-year old retiree served his
country with distinction in the Korean War. He was married for 52 years to his high school sweetheart, Louise, until she died from cancer last spring. Together they raised three sons and a daughter, who in turn brought eight kids of their own into the world. Bernard taught high school for nearly 40 years, also coaching the school’s football team for more than half that time. There was a hardly a dry eye in the school cafeteria during Bernard’s retirement party. Even the mayor attended. After all, Bernard was, and still is, very active in the community and sits on several boards that benefit various local charities.
But Bernard Lang is not exactly free of worries these days. As a very conservative man he has virtually all of his savings in CD’s and other safe investments which pay him very little these days. At the same time his school pension has been frozen for the next couple of years, and he’s lost his wife’s small Social Security payments. Yes, Bernard Lang played by all the rules.
And yet now he’s wondering how he’s going to make ends meet.
Bernard’s story is being repeated countless times across the country, members of the Greatest Generation who
gave everything to their country and yet struggle financially in their twilight years. It wasn’t supposed to be like this but the economic conditions of today have greatly reduced the quality of life that so many retirees expected, even deserved.
This summer Bernard’s oldest son, Charlie, began researching various investment options for his dad. Knowing his father’s reluctance
for risk, Charlie came across a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA), an investment that comes in various flavors but has key components that are common in all of them. A CGA contains the kinds of bells and whistles that could make it a perfect fit for a portion of Bernard’s investments.
In its simplest form, a CGA is simply a bucket of investments that is given to a non-profit organization of the investor’s choosing. It is basically an irrevocable gift to a charity, but in turn the charity pays a stream of income to the donor while he or she is alive. The amount of income is based on the amount of the gift, of course, and the life expectancy of
the donor. In Bernard’s case, he could receive a guaranteed return of more than 6% on the amount he decides to put in the CGA, for older people the return is even greater.
Bernard will not only receive a tax deduction on his gift, but a portion of his annual income from the CGA could be tax-free since it’s considered a nontaxable return of a portion of the gift. And what does the charity get out of this? It will keep the entire gift upon Bernard’s passing and use it to benefit its charitable causes. This is just fine with the Lang children. They would prefer to see their Dad enjoy his retirement years in comfort than worry about any possible inheritance.
Anyone interested in pursuing more information on a Charitable Gift Annuity should contact a financial advisor and tax professional. You can also receive more information by contacting the Ronald McDonald House at
We are currently accepting orders for laser engraved
bricks for the sidewalk in front of our West Pine apartment complex. With your purchase you will receive a tax deduction and can leave a permanent legacy to be seen and appreciated by thousands of families in the years to come.
For more information on how you can order a brick, please visit our website at www.rmhcstl.com, or call 314.773.1100, ext. 1412.
In Memory ofCrystal Hinkel
In Memory of Brendon Rinne
In Memory of Kyla Welch
In Memory ofZellah Luszczynski
In Memory of Elijah Doherty
In Memory ofZander Basham
In Memory of Noah Brymer
In Memory ofYazmine Collins
In Memory of Shakara Hayes
In Loving MemoryBilli PressleyFeb. 1920 – Aug. 2009Marion, IL
Iqbal Musaji
Sheila Musaji
Arman Musaji
Imran Musaji
Sharif Musaji
Precious Baby EthanOn Earth For 15 DaysTouched Many HeartsIn So Many WaysThough We Can’t TouchYou’re Never Far AwayAlways In Our HeartsLoving You Every Day
In Memory ofAlicia Townsend
In Memory ofAbby Dixon
Jimmy Allen3/13/1947 – 5/16/2009Relative by ChanceFriend by Choice
In Loving MemoryMary L. BrothersHarrisburg, ILDecember 15 1928August 7 2009
The Coldwell Banker Gundaker Auction took place on October 20, 2009, raising more than $80,000 for RMHC. For 24 years, agents,
managers, employees, and executives of Coldwell Banker Gundaker, have worked diligently to raise money for the House. A special thank you to all of the liaisons and co-chairs for all their extra help.
Not only do these loyal volunteers help prepare for the event by soliciting all auction items, setting up the day of the event, holding monthly meetings, and hosting various other activities, the individual CBG offices organize activities, events, and fundraisers year-round to raise as much money possible for the House.
Money raised prior to the auction goes toward our Sponsor-A-Family
program. When a family comes to stay at the Ronald McDonald House, they are asked to make a $5 donation per night. About 40% of our families can’t afford to donate this amount due to the financial strain of having a seriously-ill child.
Sponsor-A-Family donors play an important role in subsidizing the cost so these families still have a room in the Ronald McDonald House. Because of friends like CBG, we are able to serve up to 39 families every night of the year!
Thank you to all of the CBG offices who gave to the Sponsor-A-Family program and helped make the auction successful.
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Kitchen Items:Individual snack items, sweet and salty
Canned and dry goods, (excluding green beans and tomato soup)
Ziploc baggies (all sizes)FoilPlastic containers with lids, (larger sizes)
Miscellaneous:Home Depot, Wal-Mart and Target Gift Cards
Gas Cards
Office Supplies:Copier Paper (colored & white) 8.5 x 11
Apartment Supplies (Cont.)Disinfectant sprayDisinfectant wipesAll-purpose cleanerSoft ScrubFamily Entertainment:Sporting and special events tickets.
To donate items or for more information, please contact Jenifer Braucksieker at [email protected].
House Wish List
Coldwell Banker Gundaker Auction Raises More Than $80,000 in its 24th Year
Jim Dohr, Ronald McDonald, and Carole McCabe
Rent One Pledges $100,000 to RMHC for Capital Campaign
Employees of Rent One, including owners Larry and Sharon Carrico, present RMHC President Dan Harbaugh a check for $10,000 to kick off a $100,000 pledge for the Capital Campaign.
Rent One, owned by RMHC Board Member and committee member Larry Carrico, pledged $100,000 to the Capital Campaign October 14. Larry and his wife, Sharon, presented a check for the first $10,000 at Rent One’s Days at the Diamond Annual Vendor Appreciation Days. A bedroom will be named in honor of Rent One because of this generous donation.
For more information about the Capital Campaign or naming opportunities still available, please contact Dan Harbaugh at 314.773.1100, ext. 1413, or [email protected].
16www.rmhcstl.com
Chapter Web Site Gets a Face Lift: Check Out the New Rmhcstl.com
The next time you log-on to www.rmhcstl.com you may not recognize where you are! Thanks to web site templates from RMHC Global, we now have an updated web site we hope is not only more inviting, but also makes it easier to find what you are looking for.
You will also find more family stories, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities.
A special thanks to Teresa
Crabtree, Carlos Pardo, Jim Farley, Jian Shi, Kevin Williams, Roy Weber, and Venkateshwar Gouni of the BJC Healthcare Information System Department for volunteering their time and talent to helping make the new site a success!
Also, keep up-to-date with “House Happenings” at the RMHC blog at http://rmhcstl.blogspot.com, “Friend” us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
and
Friends of Ronald hosted a Wish List Drive Sept. 13 to help collect Wish List items for the House and Family Rooms. After dropping off items, families and donors enjoyed sno-cones, snacks, a bounce house, sand art, and other
activities as a “thank you” for helping out. Check out our Wish Lists on pages 5, 15, and 17 if you would like to collect items for the House or Family Room, or visit us online at www.rmhcstl.com for more information.
Friends of Ronald Events
Friends of Ronald Host Wish List Drive
Nearly 60 Friends of Ronald enjoyed an exquisite meal at Old Warson Country Club at the 3rd Annual Friends of Ronald President’s Luncheon July 29. In addition to the meal, guests also enjoyed a cooking demonstration from the chef of Old Warson Country Club and a demonstration how to design centerpieces on a budget.
Friends of Ronald hosted a Happy Hour at Old Rock House July 22. Guests enjoyed mingling over great drink specials, free appetizers, and exciting raffle items. The eventraised more than $500 for the House.
Happy Hour at Old Rock House
Don’t Miss the Friends of Ronald Holiday Party
President’s Luncheon at Old Warson
Wednesday, December 9th6 p.m. t0 9 p.m.
Miso Lounge (16 N. Meramec Ave., Clayton, MO 63105)
Enjoy great drink specials, appetizers, and fabulous raffle drawings throughout the night.
Join Friends of Ronald or Renew Your Membership in 2010
Regular Member $35 Sponsors-A-Family for 1 WeekContributing Member $70
Sponsors-A-Family for 2 WeeksSustaining Member $150
Lindsey Terschluse and Tiffany Kleekamp Judy Spano, Lisa Syberg and Bobby Regnell
November 20th is McHappy Day for children in St. Louis and around the world!
Mark your calendar for McHappy Day! Visit any area St. Louis McDonald’s restaurant November 10th to 20th to “Give A Hand” and purchase a paper hand for $1 to benefit RMHC. Hands will be posted throughout the restaurants. Then, on November 20th, order any breakfast or Beef Sandwich Extra Value Meal*, and $1 from your purchase will go to support RMHC. *Excluding Happy Meal and Mighty Kids Meals
HOLIDAyWISHLIST
www.rmhcstl.com17
Upcoming Events and Ways to Help
The following are suggestions for donations to stock our McGift Shoppe for RMHC families during the month of December. Because of the immune suppression of some of our children, all items must be new. Thank you!
Infants and Toddlers:Push, pull & musical toysFischer Price/Playschool toysBaby clothing (all sizes including preemie)
Children:ClothingAction figures and accessoriesDVD/Videos: recent hits or new releases
Teens:Bath and body gift setsMakeup kitsCostume jewelry/fashion watches Clothing: T-shirts, sleepwear/sports team shirts and hatsWalkman, iPOD, or CD playersDVD/Videos: recent hits or new releasesGift cards—Best Buy, Target, or Wal-Mart
Adults:Perfume and aftershave setsCostume jewelry/fashion watchesBath and body gift sets Clothing: athletic shirts, hats & sleepwear (small to plus sizes)Warm-up suitsSweat shirts (L-3X)Small coolers (collapsible type)Luggage (light-weight and easy to store)
Family:Gift certificates to Target or Wal-Mart Gift cards for gasoline or groceriesDisposable camerasDVD/Videos: recent hits or new releases
●No time to shop? Our families love gift cards!●No wrapped gifts, please.●We are well stocked with board games, puzzles, and holiday decorations.
To donate an item or for more information contact Jenifer Braucksieker at 314.531.6601, ext. 1204. Volunteers are needed for the Holiday Store. Please call Mandy Tipton at 314.773.1100, ext. 1416, if you would like to lend a hand.
MCGIFTSHOPPE
The McGift Shoppe opens on December 1 for the families who are staying at the
Ronald McDonald House to help ease the pain of being away from home during the holidays.
The Shoppe provides a place for families to shop (at no cost to them) during the month of December for one another.
Operated by our gracious volunteers, we depend on many donations so we can have enough for every family. Donations can be dropped off at either House.
Items for teenagers, men, and preemies are especially needed.
Help Make RMHC Families’ Holiday a Little Brighter
Looking for a No-Cost Way to Help the House?
Help Us Pick Up Our Tab By Collecting Yours
Don’t forget to save your tab tops year-round and save the date for May 1, 2010, for Tab Top Pandemonium, a day of fun and games to thank you for helping the House. Ronald McDonald will even be there!
Create your own container to collect tab tops in and check out the Tab Top page on www.rmhcstl.com for more information.
18www.rmhcstl.com
HEARTBits
LovingInmemOry
TRANSPLANTreCipients
The Ronald McDonald House extends its deepest sympathy to the families of these
very special angels
The following children staying at The Ronald McDonald House have received transplants since the last newsletter:
Zellah LuszczynskiBrendon Rinne
Kyla WelchZander BashamCrystal Hinkel
Caiden Bordenkircher
Alicia TownsendNoah Brymer
Yazmine CollinsShakare Hayes
Abby DixonIsabella Steelman
Instead of asking for presents for their birthdays, Karli Keeling and
Christopher Handy asked for Wish List items or donations for the House!
Christopher collected $350 for the House and Karli collected tons of wish
list items.
Karli KeelingSt. John’s Volunteer Beth Hasselfeld
and Christopher Handy
Employees at Colliers Turley Martin Tucker held a Jeans
Day and raised enough money to purchase an Insignia
42-inch television for our families. Christine Condra,
Sandie Antonio, Drew Condra, Neal Richardson, Craig Thillman, and Roxanna Parrott spearheaded the
fundraiser.
Sandie Antonio and Christine Condra
In honor of their daughter Jolie’s sixth birthday and their daughter Lauren’s
second birthday, Sara and Rob Hilgedieck asked
guests to donate to RMHC. Guests donated $250 and
much-needed items for our families.
Jolie and Lauren Hilgedieck
Ways to Help
Allyson AdamsKyle McCartyAdan Vazques
Dylan Wilkerson
Liam LeeEmily Janssen
Chelcie TreadwayIvan Headings
The 1st Annual Mullster Memorial Golf Tournament raised over
$16,000 for the Ronald McDonald House at Bogey Hills Country
Club on Monday, June 29th. This event not only raised much needed
funds for the House, but also memorialized Phil Mull, a dear
friend to all who knew him. Mullster Memorial Committee Members
Glenna Ard, Rhonda Lamb, Karen LaPlant, and Kim Koogler
Agents from the Festus Coldwell Banker Gundaker office held a Bikin’ and Hikin’ event at Katy
Trail. Each participant collected pledges from family and friends
to hike or bike the entire Katy Trail.
Family and friends of Alexa King made a $500 donation to the Ronald McDonald Family Room at St. Louis Children’s
Hospital. Alexa lost her nearly 7 and a half year battle with
leukemia on her 10th birthday and the family wanted to give
back to the Family Room for being there during her
treatment.
Charity King, Rev. Dr. Richard E. Temple and Family Room Director Judy Schuler
Tri-State McDonald’s Co-Op president Mike Love and
his wife Nannette delivered $9,250 to Sponsor-A-Family
for four years on behalf of their McDonald’s Co-Op.
RMHC President Dan Harbaugh, Mike and Nannette Love
OURMISSIONTo provide a “home-away-from-home” for families of seriously-ill children and support to organizations that serve the needs of children.
November 20 -- McHappy Day
December 1-- McGift Shoppe OpensOpen through mid-December for families staying at the RMH
theSavedate YouCan help
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Metro St. Louis3450 Park Ave.Saint Louis, MO 63104
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PERMIT 645
At area McDonald’s buy a “Hand” for $1 or eat Extra Value Meals to support RMHC
Donate items from the Holiday Wish List on page 17 or sign up to volunteer
For more information on these events contact Mandy Tipton at 314.773.1100, ext. 1416 or [email protected]
How
Locally owned and operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Metro St. Louis, Inc.
