A house built with love and filled with hope.www.rmhcmilwaukee.org 414.475.5333

HomeWord

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HomeWord

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Spring 2012Volume 1 of 2

The Heart of a Tough Guy Kelly Hansen wasn’t sure what to expect when she first heard about the art therapy program at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH). “I was like, ‘Really? Art?’” she says. “What are we going to do? Paint?” What Kelly didn’t know was that the Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee received a Best Bet award from the Ronald McDonald House Charities International Conference for its art therapy program—a program that is exclusive to their House. “It’s amazing what [they] came up with,” Kelly says. “It’s all very inspirational, whatever we’re doing.” Kelly’s infant son, Riley, who was transferred to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome after an abnormality was discovered during Kelly’s twenty-week ultrasound. For children like Riley, HLHS means that the left side of his heart is underdeveloped and cannot adequately

pump blood to the rest of his body. Riley underwent the second of three corrective operations, and needed a heart transplant because of his poor heart function. Naturally, Kelly’s latest project has taken on the literal shape of a heart. Everything Kelly and her family does, they do for Riley. The Ronald McDonald House simply offers them the support to fully invest themselves in his recovery. Services like the art therapy program offer families like the Hansen’s direct therapeutic exercises to cope with Riley’s illness and assist with his recovery, but all of the services seek, in their own unique way, to provide remedial support. In a place where staff becomes de facto family and guest rooms turn into temporary homes, the Ronald McDonald House offers a slice of normalcy during an otherwise taxing and chaotic experience. “As much as you want to be with your child, you

Kelly enjoyed time each day with infant son, Riley as he awaited a heart transplant. After 4 months, Riley received a heart and a month later he was able to go home with his family to Iron Mountain, Michigan. About 36% of the families served at the Milwaukee Ronald McDonald House are from northeastern Wisconsin and the upper peninsula of Michigan.

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Ann Petrie, Chief Executive OfficerLynda Kohler, PresidentPam Buckley, Communications DirectorJessica Greb, Director of House OperationsRobin Busalacchi, Manager of EventsLaura Arberry, Night ManagerJerry Ryack, Database and Prospect Research ManagerTiffany Klopp, Family Service and Program ManagerJacquelyn Wahlberg, Marketing and PR CoordinatorCarol Franke, AccountantMarlene Bruno, Executive AssistantCarol Drury, House Manager (part time)Tracy Fiorentino, House Manager (part time)Anna Greco, Substitute House Manager (part time)Megan Kauffung, Substitute House Manager (part time)Melissa Mueller, House Manager (part time)Karen Romantini, House Manager (part time)Crystal Szabo, House Manager (part time)Judy Zanzinger, House Manager (part time)

Staff

Nicholas O. AndersonDennis W. Buchan Marshall Chay Christopher M. Daniels Daniel J. GeiglerMichael F. Gutzeit, M.D.Robert Kramer Maureen Manning

Mary Kay Mark James Patterson David A. RauseDaniel P. SchwabeMark A. ShipJeffrey M. SterenBernard J. WestfahlRon WisniewskiGary A. Zimmerman

Board of Directors

Bob Monday Chairman

Robert W. Dyble Noel Williams Vice Chairman Treasurer

In 2011, the Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee was unable to accommodate 806 families in need. The Board of Directors is now firming up plans for an expansion that will double the size of the House to 75 rooms as well as remodel and expand internal and external common facilities. In preparation, the Board took a hard look at the organizational structure of the staff and concluded that Ann Petrie, our CEO would compliment Lynda Kohler, President, to share the vision and leadership of the organization. Ann’s focus will be on the operations of the House. With the pending expansion, the delivery of services for an expected 2,900 families each year will take tremendous planning. Ann will be reporting to and will work closely with the Board of Directors. The Board is currently in negotiations with Milwaukee County to purchase acreage that adjoins the four acres which RMH currently leases. Adding this land will allow the House to expand in a way that maintains architectural consistency, green space and a home-like atmosphere. Since RMH is committed to sustainability, we will pursue a LEED certified building expansion. Lynda’s focus will be on fund development with a priority to increase philanthropic giving. The expansion will cost approximately $10 million and the RMH is pursuing a multi-phase fundraising effort to achieve the greatest possible success in this endeavor. We are extremely excited about the future, and your continued support ensures that our doors will always be open to children and families seeking comfort during the most difficult time in their lives. In future Homeword articles Ann and Lynda will keep readers up to date on operational and development happenings at the House. ♥

HOPE Lines by Ann Petrie and Lynda Kohler

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need your sanity,” Kelly explains. Through many generous donations, the Ronald McDonald House is able to provide guests with simple touches of everyday life that, at times, can momentarily alleviate worries about upcoming operations and uncertain diagnoses. Working out at the Wisconsin Athletic Club has assisted Kelly in balancing life, but she also spoke of a new program—Rock the House—that has been garnering excitement at the House. A monthly concert series, Rock the House hopes to bring together families that might not otherwise have the opportunity to interact with one another. During the inaugural summer, the concerts have succeeded in uniting the guests. “People were dancing and kids were playing on the playground,” Kelly says. “It made you feel like you could get away…from reality for awhile.” But reality is never far away. Even as we discussed

Welcome Ann Petrie For the last two years, the Milwaukee Ronald McDonald House has been fully occupied every night, often with a waiting list of 5 – 20 families. Last year, 806 families who needed our services were turned away. In light of the plans to expand the House in the near future, Ann Petrie has assumed the newly created position of CEO. Ann’s new role overseeing all aspects of the House operations and reporting to the Board, allows President Lynda Kohler to focus on development at RMH. Ann and Lynda will work closely together, leading the ongoing success of the growing organization. Ann comes to the RMH with a long time commitment and passion for the House. Ann was first introduced to the House as a House guest 19 years ago when her daughter was being treated for a serious heart condition at Children’s Hospital. Her brief stay at the House showed her how important the Ronald McDonald House and its mission are. After focusing her energies on raising four daughters and her public accounting tax career, Ann was looking for an organization to become involved with

as a board member. Her husband John had a long-time business and personal relationship with the late James Pihos, a founding board member who was instrumental in helping the dream of a Ronald McDonald House in

Milwaukee become a reality. These relationships and past experience as a guest made the Ronald McDonald House an obvious first choice as an organization to become involved with. Ann has served on the RMH board for 4 years and was Treasurer and part of the executive committee. Ann was Partner with Grant Thornton for 7 years and became the first Wisconsin woman tax partner at Grant Thornton. Ann is married to John Petrie and a proud mother of four daughters. Ann says “It is an exciting time to join the Ronald McDonald House at a time when the focus is on an expansion as well as maximizing the programs we offer the families we serve. It is my privilege to work with a great board, a committed staff and a wonderful group of over 500 volunteers.” ♥

free workout classes at the WAC, it was easy to glance down again at Kelly’s ‘Team Riley’ t-shirt and remember who this story is really about. The Ronald McDonald House succeeds in temporarily alleviating the stresses of hospital care, but it’s Riley or Elijah or any of the children whose families rely on the Ronald McDonald House who are truly working hardest of all. When asked about her bright t-shirt, Kelly explained that, before Riley was born, her older son, Conner, informed his mother that he wasn’t going to call his new baby brother by the name she and her husband had already decided on. “What are you going to call him?” she asked. Conner’s response encapsulated it all: “I want to call him ‘Tough Guy,’” he said. ♥

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A Place of Healing, Reconciliation and Hope

Thanks to the generosity of Randy Wolfe and the Brewers Community Foundation, the art therapy program has a new home. An existing indoor playground was transformed into a beautiful art therapy and education room, enhancing the program with new tables and chairs, special cabinets to display our families’ artwork and a much needed sink for clean-up. The art room is full of natural light with a beautiful view that looks out to the patio and playground, which Randy Wolf, Prince Fielder and the Brewers Community Foundation generously donated. This large space has allowed the RMH to expand the program’s participation. Though all art making is considered to be therapeutic on some level, Marianne Huebner, a skilled and experienced art therapist, uses the creative process to guide families towards a place of healing, reconciliation and hope. Therapeutic art was first introduced to RMH families in 2007. We recognized immediately that this program addressed a need, delivered a positive impact and improved the quality of our children and their family’s stay. The program has experienced tremendous growth over the years; over 3,800 participants have visited the art therapy room and an eight-hour per week program has grown into a twenty-hour per week program, with an educational opportunity for art therapy interns. This beautiful room also provides the perfect setting for our family garden education program. Ann Phillips, master gardener, presents a horticultural education program, using literature, poetry and science storytelling as her guide. The art therapy room has been witness to tears and to laughter, to loss and to love, to worry and to hope, and has brought to fruition magnificent creations and collections of art as well as the profound stories behind them. ♥

Something to be Thankful For

Ginny admits that she doesn’t spend much time at the Ronald McDonald House. Her life, after all, is across the street at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, where her two-month-old daughter, Jaxsyn, is undergoing treatment for her underdeveloped heart that can’t properly perform. Having been born just before Thanksgiving, Jaxsyn has spent most of her two months in Milwaukee, some 150 miles from the family’s home in Shawano. Ginny says that it was difficult spending the holidays away from home, but found some comfort in RMH’s Thanksgiving dinner. “They try to make everything so special,” Ginny says. “I don’t know what people would do without this place. The people here are so sensitive. They understand what you’re going through.” “After my husband checked into [RMH], he came over to the hospital and was like, ‘You’re never going to believe it,’” Ginny says, and smiles. But you can believe it. The magic of this place is near instantaneous. And it’s something to be thankful for. ♥

Ginny and her daughters pose for their first family pictures with new baby, Jaxsyn.

Making A Difference5

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Join us on May 10, 2012 in the RMH lower

parking lot for Tab Toss and Eco-Shred Day.

Stop by anytime to drop off your tabs and

unwanted documents or from 3:30-5pm to

see Ronald McDonald.

Help Us Collect Pop Tabs!

Tell your friends and family, too!Visit: www.rmhcmilwaukee.org for more information.

Special thanks to our photographers and writers

Rob Verhein for “The Heart of a Tough Guy” “Something to be Thankful For” and “A Chance to Grow”

Louise Zamparutti for “A Lifelong Bond” and “More Than a Home Away from Home”

Photos by Jim Bovin, Stephanie Drew, Molly Kreeger, and Natasha Summers

The Florentine Opera graciously donated their time and talent to perform “Three Little Pigs” for our families. This was their third year performing at the House.

Our very own Red Shoe Society participated in the Lunch 2 Go program after their quarterly meeting. Contact Jessica at jgreb@rmhcmilwaukee.org if you are

interested in learning more about this unique volunteer opportunity.

The Latin American Motorcycle Association/Excessive Riders motorcycle club rode in with a delicious brunch, bags full of

donated toys and a chance to get a close up look at their bikes!

Thank you to Clear Channel Outdoor and Potawatomi Bingo Casino for including us in the annual Miracle on Canal Street event! We are so grateful for the nearly

$37,000 we received at the end of 2011.

Solid Gold McDonald’s Memorabilia: A Shining Success

Nearly one year ago, the Solid Gold McDonald’s, located at 5040 S. 76th, closed their popular themed restaurant to rebuild with an updated look. At that time, McDonald’s owner, Bill McEssy, generously donated the Solid Gold memorabilia collection to the Ronald McDonald House to help raise money for the mission. Nearly 200 items were donated, and throughout this past year, RMH has found ways to promote and market some of these valuable items. At our Black Tie Gala last October, over $17,000 was raised for items auctioned off in both voice and silent auctions. On December 21, RMH welcomed WKLH’s Dave and Carole to the House for a Radiothon. In the 4 weeks leading up to the broadcast, Solid Gold items were auctioned off raising over $4,000 toward a very successful event. In January we participated in an online auction event with R & R Auction, America’s leading auction house for autographed memorabilia. Twenty items were auctioned off, raising over $40,000. A highlight of the collection included a gold suit worn by Madonna during her 1987’s “Who’s That Girl” tour which raised $25,000 alone. Throughout 2011, the memorabilia, all together, raised over $70,000!

Bill McEssy owns and operates forty-two McDonald’s restaurants in Wisconsin and Illinois. When plans to rebuild the restaurant were finalized, concerns were raised over the sentimental value that this collection had generated over twenty years, not only with the former Solid Gold McDonald’s owner and collector Jim Patterson, but also for the entire community. Ernie Masucci, President of Bill McEssy’s organization, says, “When we decided to close the Solid Gold McDonald’s, what tugged at our hearts

was being respectful to Jim Patterson, and the loyalty we felt towards the Ronald McDonald House. This was a feel-good decision for everyone involved. We felt that we could keep some of the collection in the community and also financially benefit the RMH at the same time.” Some of the most popular rock & roll items will be displayed in the House, with plans for a music room in the near future. The entire McEssy organization is exemplary in their commitment to the RMH. In 2011, their Delevan, WI restaurant raised

$2,126 through the annual Give A Hand fundraiser, which donates $1 from each hand sold – this restaurant raised the most in the Milwaukee McDonald’s Co-op. When asked their secret to success, Ernie says, “Rita and the entire management team are very involved in the community and put forth a special effort to ask every customer to donate.” The Ronald McDonald House relies on and is grateful for the loyalty, dedication and support provided by local McDonald’s owner/operators like Bill McEssy. ♥

Volunteers were glad to help during the extraction of memorabilia from the Solid Gold McDonald’s restaurant last year. Left to Right: Paul Glatzel, RMH volunteer;

Ted Andersen, RMH volunteer; Pam Buckley, RMH Director of Communication; Mark McClain, RMH volunteer; and Ernie Masucci, McDonald’s.

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Stage-worn metallic gold jacket and pants with black sequined trim,

complete with Sotheby’s tag worn by the Material

Girl has been the highest selling item of the collection so far.

Bill McEssy

A Lifelong Bond “It’s our home away from home.” That’s what Ronald McDonald House has meant to Isabel, Charlie, and their 15-year-old son Matt. Without Ronald McDonald House, Matt’s family would not have been able to choose the outpatient care Matt needed at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. RMH relieves families like Matt’s from having to choose between the financial burden of hotel costs and the stress of spending sleepless nights in the hospital. Matt’s treatment sessions at Children’s Hospital leave the family feeling exhausted and drained. When they enter Ronald McDonald House they are energized and refreshed; they can think clearly and make crucial decisions, which is difficult to do in a stressful hospital atmosphere. Families get the security and privacy of having their own room plus the social time provided by the common spaces, communal kitchens and Secret Garden. For Charlie, Isabel and Matt, the staff, volunteers and other guests make Ronald McDonald House a vital source of support. “If I’m having a bad day, I can go into anyone’s office here just to talk. Everyone is here to help one another,” says Isabel. The friendships created at Ronald McDonald House often result in lifelong bonds.

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is one of the biggest children’s hospitals in the country. Yet Ronald McDonald House has only 38 rooms, and cannot accommodate every family that travels far from home so their children can receive treatment at the hospital. Matt and his parents have been fortunate to be able to stay at RMH. “I cannot imagine going through what we’ve gone through, and not being here,” say Isabel, Matt and Charlie. “Words can’t even describe how much of a blessing this place is.” ♥

Matt and his parents always have smiles on their faces. Utilizing the House has been critical to maintianing their light-hearted attitudes during a stressful time.

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The Milwaukee Ronald McDonald House has lost a very dear friend and former RMH Volunteer Director, Pat O’Donovan. A longtime and dedicated volunteer, Pat became involved when the RMH first opened back in 1984. Pat had just retired as principal of Fratney School in Milwaukee and Mary Mel O’Dowd, RMH Administrator, recognized immediately how special Pat was. As a volunteer, Pat accepted the challenge of developing a much needed volunteer program. For over 26 years, Pat devoted her life to recruiting, interviewing, training and recognizing RMH volunteers. In addition to service as a Volunteer Director, Pat joined the Board of Director’s in 1992 and served until 2010. Pat’s contribution will forever be remembered; her loyalty and passion for RMH established a strong and vibrant volunteer program. To date, RMH has over 500 loyal and committed volunteers. ♥

Pat O’Donovan: Remembering a Loyal Friend

More than a Home Away From Home

Colton’s wispy orange hair perfectly matches the bright striped Tigger he happily clutches. Rooms full of toys, books and stuffed animals like Tigger are part of what has made the Ronald McDonald House a home away from home for Colton and his family. At two weeks old, Colton was diagnosed with a heart disease at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Colton was hospitalized for three months before he was able to get a heart transplant. Knowing that Colton would need to be at Children’s Hospital for an extended time period, the family’s social worker arranged for them to be able to stay at Ronald McDonald House. “You just get thrown into this turmoil,” says Misty’s father, Rodney “and then these people just step up.” He describes the amazing feeling of walking into the House’s home-like surroundings which is such a relief after long hours spent in a hospital. RMH staff and volunteers who prepare meals, teach yoga classes and drive the van to and from Children’s Hospital have been an incredible help in day-to-day life and a vital source of support for Colton’s family. “Everyone is very friendly,” says Marcy. “Welcoming and comforting,” adds Misty. “Comforting” is a big factor in the sense of community fostered at RMH.“You think you’re alone in this,” says Rodney, “But meeting other families and being able to relate to what other people are going through provides a sense of community and friendship.” Colton is no longer staying long term at Children’s but still has regular appointments. Every time his family comes down from their hometown of Marquette, MI for one of Colton’s appointments, Colton’s family looks forward to staying at RMH. ♥

A Chance to Grow

As local hospitals provide young patients with the care they need to grow, RMH provides the emotional and financial support for families to flourish. The Willis Group cares about growth. In fact, the mission statement on its website uses the word four times in the first paragraph alone. It makes sense, then, that the international insurance broker—there are several offices in the state, including one just minutes from the Ronald McDonald House—would list growth as one of the main reasons it chose to partner with the House last fall. Emily Kratz, a wellness consultant for Willis, explained that the partnership with the Ronald McDonald House made immediate sense because Willis’ employees “knew what the House was and could see how their time and money was being used.” “There are so many opportunities to work with the House, to help it expand and better their facilities,” Kratz said. “We want to show other companies that they can get involved, too.” Willis is more than just a company that hands over a ceremonially large check for the sole purpose of a photo-op. Kratz spoke in depth about RMH’s needs and expansion goals in a way that demonstrated Willis of Wisconsin’s ongoing cooperative partnership with the House, which Kratz says will continue for at least another year. In September 2011, Willis of Wisconsin presented a check for $7,500 to the Ronald McDonald House, which was raised through a variety of fundraising events that Kratz said were “fun for our employees but also beneficial to the House.” Among those: five employees promised to shave their heads if Willis of Wisconsin raised at least $5,000. Kratz was happy to report that none of them reneged on the pledge. Then again, Willis almost raised enough to make them shave their heads twice.” In the end, it all comes back to growth. ♥

Emily Kratz (left) and Dale Thoma (right) of Willis of Wisconsin present a check to Robin Busalacchi and Lynda Kohler of the Ronald McDonald House for a total of $7,500.

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On the morning of December 21, the Ronald McDonald House and WKLH partnered in a live radio broadcast event called Home for the Holidays. The event took place from 5-10 a.m. at the House. Dave and Carole, WKLH morning show hosts, delivered an emotional show with information about our mission, the history of the RMH, information about our services, programs, and the critical need for growth. Five RMH families shared their touching stories. Starting up the promotions in November were three studio interviews with two RMH guest families along with Lynda Kohler, President of RMH. 124 McDonald’s stores promoted the event with special tray liners. Clear Channel Outdoor provided an outstanding donation of digital billboards, 165 spots across four locations, a donation valued at $42,000. The week of the 21st, the event was heavily promoted and advertised, Dave and Carole publicized to a 400,000 listening audience and a text club of over 40,000. The overall exposure for this first time event was extraordinary! The event was a huge success, raising nearly $35,000. Four weeks prior to the event, Dave and Carole began to build the excitement by auctioning

items from our Solid Gold memorabilia collection. A Billy Joel official 1978 tour jacket; Rolling Stones,

Mick Jagger autographed photo and official 1982 tour jacket; Lynyrd Skynyrd concert program and Stevie Ray Vaughan signed album and display, raised $4,450. During the event, 5 experiences were auctioned off, a three night stay at the Mirage in Las Vegas, show and dinner for two; PNC Major League Moment with the Milwaukee Brewers; New Year’s Eve Packer Game for 4, plus Packers

“Crunch Time Catch” contest; and a $500 service from Wachtel Tree Science. Carey Limousine donated service for both the Las Vegas and PNC experiences. The experience items raised $6,875. A surprise call came in from long time RMH supporter, Hall of Fame baseball legend, Robin Yount, who donated a signed baseball, a wonderful addition to the PNC Major League Moment. The phone bank was run by a dedicated team of volunteers from Kohl’s who answered questions, received donations and managed the sales of the auction items. RMH received a $500 donation from Kohl’s for their participation in the event. ♥

Home for the Holidays: First time WKLH Radiothon a Success

Dave and Carole’s RMH studio in action!

Left: Carole gives a big hug to Megan after her family’s on-air

interview.

Right: Betty shared her touching story with WKLH listeners.

For the first 5 months of her life, our newborn

granddaughter Lydia was in the hospital with

numerous medical issues. During that time our

family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House . The

grandmas took turns staying at the House with our 2

granddaughters, Ellen and Allison , so my daughter

and son-in-law could spend as much time as

possible at the hospital and still be close to their two

older children . It was great to have a place to stay so

close to the hospital so that Ellen and Allison could

visit their new sister often and get to know her.

The staff at the Ronald McDonald House was so

friendly and accommodating. Ellen and Allison

loved stopping to say “hi” to everyone when they

went through the lobby. The Ronald McDonald

House offered many in house activities such as art

therapy and story time that the girls loved. There

were also many community activities offered such

as YMCA classes, zoo and children’s museum passes.

As a grandma, I was thankful for all of these

activities because it is hard to keep a 3 and a 5

year old entertained all day!

I just can’t say enough about how welcome we

felt at the Ronald McDonald House. I know my

daughter and son-in-law felt torn between

spending time with Ellen and Allison and

spending time at the hospital with Lydia.

The RMH made it possible for them to stay

together as a family.

Thank You so much!

Grandma Gayle

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Second Annual Summerfest Rock ‘n Sole Run to Benefit RMHC

One of Milwaukee’s newest and much anticipated signature events is the Summerfest Rock ‘n Sole Run and you can be part of it! Plan to participate as a runner or a volunteer in this half-marathon, quarter-marathon and 5K event, which supports the Ronald McDonald House and the Summerfest Foundation. The run will be held Saturday, June 23rd and takes runners along Milwaukee’s beautiful lake front and onto the Hoan Bridge. The new race director has implemented many changes for this year regarding routes, extra water stations, music along the course and much more. For more information and to register or volunteer, go to www.rocknsolerun.com ♥

Toys

Infant, Pre-Teen and Sports Balls

Food ItemsIndividually wrapped snacksJuice boxes (100% Juice)Canned items: soup, chili, Spaghetti O’s

Gift Certificates Pick N’ SaveTargetBest BuyiTunesBarnes and Noble

For a more complete list, visit our website: www.rmhcmilwaukee.org

Wish List

Ronald McDonald House wins BBB Torch Award

For 28 years, the Milwaukee Ronald McDonald House has been dedicated to delivering our mission and operating with integrity. We have an exemplary reputation for ethical oversight and transparency, and are committed to accountability that transcends the highest standards of service. A leader in our community, we have built trust and fostered public confidence with our donors by ensuring that RMH spends its funds honestly and prudently. In October 2011, we were awarded the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Torch Award for Business ethics in the charity category. ♥

“I would like to thank all the volunteers and staff who make is possible for families like mine to stay at the Ronald McDonald House. It was such a relief when I was told we had a room, and that I would be close to my baby boy each day.”

Love ♥ NoteHeather M. • 7 Days • Fond du lac, WI

Award Winning Dedication: Steren Family Receives

2012 James W. Pihos Award

Twenty eight years ago the Steren family shared a dream of a place where families could stay together, close to their sick child. A place for family to flourish, to reach out to one another and offer the kind of caring found only in one place, the Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee. Sol Steren was called “The Grandfather of the House”, giving his time, leadership and strength to build the dream. In the beginning, no one associated with the Ronald McDonald House was more deserving of that term of affection. Sol helped nurture the idea of the Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee when the idea was little more than the seed of a thought. For the Steren family, no project was too small, no cost too big to fulfill the dream. Sol’s enthusiasm and love for the House was matched by his beautiful wife Rose. Her involvement was equally long-standing and dedicated. Rose served as a Trustee of the House, volunteered as a crafter and for the family dinner program. Rose supported every Ronald McDonald House event either as a volunteer and/or donor. Rose’s love for the House and her family was an inspiration to the countless volunteers and families that she touched. Sol and Rose’s son, Jeff Steren, joined the RMH Board in 1997 and throughout these years has been considered a backbone of the Board of Directors and active on the finance committee. Jeff’s enthusiasm, strong leadership, dedication and philanthropic generosity have been a constant source of strength and inspiration. Jeff’s willingness to do whatever it takes, exemplifies how deeply proud he is of his families’ legacy. On February 27th, at the annual Chefs’ Dinner event, the Steren family was awarded the James W. Pihos Award for their commitment of love, dedication and generosity to the Milwaukee Ronald McDonald House. ♥

Left: Bernie Westfahl, RMH Board of Directors; Ann Petrie, RMH CEO; Anthony Megas, James Pihos’ nephew; Jeff Steren, award recipient;

and Stephanie Petty, James Pihos’ niece

Ronald McDonald House Charities®of Eastern Wisconsin, Inc.

8948 Watertown Plank Rd.Milwaukee, WI 53226-4802

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

non-profit org.US Postage PAIDMilwaukee, WIPermit No. 568

Help us keep our mailing information current!Clip and return mailing label to us with your corrections or e-mail your change to gryack@rmhcmilwaukee.org.

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Ronald McDonald House Charities Eastern

Wisconsin is dedicated to easing the burden of

families whose lives have been disrupted as a result

of their child’s illness or injury. We provide a home

away from home and caring outreach initiatives.

Mission Statement:

RMH Chefs’ Dinner Our annual Chefs’ Dinner at the Italian

Community Center on February 27th

raised over $25,000 for our families!

The evening’s highlight, of course, was the wonderful meal! The twist that our award-winning chefs put on the American Steak House theme garnered rave reviews. Many thanks to the chefs, guests, committee members, volunteers and all our donors and sponsors including:

Mark your calendars now for next year. The theme will be New Orleans as we celebrate Mardi Gras on Monday, February 11, 2013.

88 Keys Piano Martini Lounge

Breadsmith

Buckley’s Restaurant

Bunzel’s Old Fashioned Meat Market

Capital Grille

Capitol-Husting

DeRosa Corporation

Five O’Clock Steakhouse

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee & Chicago

Marcus Hotels – Mason Street Grill and

Milwaukee Chop House

Maxie’s Southern Comfort

Rare Earth Farm

Surg Restaurant Group

Ward’s House of Prime

Zarletti