RMHC Newsletter - Ronald McDonald House Charities of Siouxland

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Siouxland Newsletter Fall 2011 Volume 36 Number 2
In This Issue:
Did You Know...
Page 2
MEASUREMENTS – our world is full of ways to measure things: height,
weight, length, width, volume. Distance is measured by miles, farms are
measured by acres. Even some of life’s most beautiful things like diamonds
are measured by the 4 C’s- carat, cut, clarity and color.
But some things are not so easy to meaure – how do you measure kindness?
How do you measure the impact that staying near your child has on his
recovery? At Ronald McDonald House of Siouxland, we use the 4 C’s as our
guiding measurements: children, compassion, caring and comfort.
CHILDREN- all of our services and programs are provided for children!
Everything we do is to improve their health.
Children & Education
Page 3
COMPASSION- this is the foundation of our service delivery, a strong desire
to alleviate the suffering for children and families that are dealing with serious
illnesses.
CARING- to be concerned about, protect, to make provision or look out for
is the way we treat our guest families.
COMFORT- to soothe, console, or reassure, bring cheer to and make
physically comfortable. This is the goal of the Ronald McDonald House and
related programs for children and families.
It’s In The Hole...
We strive to incorporate the 4 C’s in everything that we do. Our 2011 “Denim
to Diamonds” event gives YOU an opportunity to be a “4 C’s” Sponsor--check out the sponsorship levels on our website (www.ronaldhouse-siouxcity.
com) and help us to continue to improve the health of children in Siouxland.
Page 5
“Denim to Diamonds” is the theme for the Ronald McDonald House Charities
of Siouxland Fall Event to be held on Friday, November 18, 2011. The event’s
proceeds will directly benefit the guest families staying at the Siouxland Ronald
McDonald House and RMHC programs.
The dazzling evening will be held at the Marina Inn and will include a silent and
live auction, dinner and dancing music for the guests. A special appearance by
Ronald McDonald and a testimony from one of the Ronald McDonald House
guest families will top off this fun event!
For ticket information, please go to our website,
www.ronaldhouse-siouxcity.com
or call the Ronald McDonald House at 255-4084.
Helping kids
heal, keeping
kids healthy
Isn’t it great to have a casual dress day at work?
Does your company currently sponsor casual dress
down days? If so, please consider making this an
opportunity to support the Ronald McDonald House of
Siouxland! It’s simple—each person that “dresses down”
is encouraged to donate a small amount ($1 to $5) to the
Ronald McDonald House for the privilege to participate!
Contact Velvet at the Ronald McDonald House
(255-4084) for more information.
There are 308 Ronald McDonald Houses
in 31 countries!
Did you know?…..
that of those 308 Ronald McDonald Houses
we serve 12,000 children everyday!
Did you know?…..
Ronald McDonald House of Siouxland has served almost
2000 families since it opened in 1993!
Did you know?…..
It all started with one child…..Kim Hill
Did you know?….
In 1969 NFL Football Player, Fred Hill and his wife Fran,
fought vigilantly by their 3 year old daughter Kim’s side,
as she battled leukemia. Sleeping in a chair by her bedside,
eating whatever food they could get in the waiting room.
The Hills, tried to hide worry, sadness and fatigue in there
new found “home” called the hospital. Despite all odds., Kim, pulled through and
recovered. But their journey did not stop there. The Hill’s decided, after their experience, that they
needed to reach out and help other families who were going through the same ordeal that they had
just gone through. A place close by, to have a home cooked meal, a friend to talk to, people to help
them worry less…….
It’s been a very difficult summer for many of our
neighbors in Siouxland. The Missouri River flooding
created a great deal of damage and destruction.
Following the 4 C’s, Ronald McDonald House
Charities of Siouxland has participated with
compassion, comfort and caring to help our
community’s families and children. Whether it was
donating cleaning supplies, sponsoring events to
benefit Flood Relief or providing water to families
during their moves, the volunteers and supporters of
RMHC care about our neighbors.
Thanks to all who helped with these efforts
In 1974, a Doctor, the Philadelphia Eagles, McDonalds and an entire community built the first Ronald
McDonald House…..one family, one child, one community, were able to pull together and form a
place that a family can call “home” when they are away from “home”……..
“Thank you so much for you kindness and hospitality. You made our stay in Sioux City pleasant
and bearable….I don’t know what we would have done if you did not open your doors to us. It
was so nice to always see a caring face in the morning…”….9-14-11- Family from The RMHCSiouxland--Stay-37 nights
Kim Hill passed away at the age of 44, this past March…..We want to thank you for honoring her
memory and the families that have found strength because of her, with your donation dollars, poptabs,
wishlist items and donation of time through volunteering….
“At the time I didn’t enjoy being sick. But I’m glad I did get sick, because through my suffering, a
great thing has come from it.”- Kim Hill, 1983
Until Next Time……
Velvet
Share-A-Night
The Ronald McDonald House gives weary families a place to rest their heads after a long day at the hospital. A bedroom for
the family and large living areas provide a comfortable place to relax, prepare a meal and have quiet conversation. Families are
asked to donate $5 a night if they are able. Our real costs for a family to stay is closer to $80/night. Just place your donation
in the enclosed envelope and help us to continue to provide comfort to our guest families.
Over 10,000 hearts were sold during the 2011 “Give a Little
Love” campaign in the Siouxland McDonald’s restaurants!
For just $1, customers bought a heart that helped kids
and families that stay at the Sioux City Ronald McDonald
House. Thank you to all the McDonald’s crew members
that worked so hard to help others—we appreciate the
support. Five of the restaurants sold over 1200 hearts (thank
you McDonald’s located at Singing Hills, Sioux Center,
Sunnybrook, Morningside Ave, North Hamilton) earning
their crews a pizza party. One special employee, Kim Sturges
of Sunnybrook McDonald’s, sold the most hearts of any
employee and won a Wii!! Thanks to all!
With the help of Townhouse Pizza, the Ronald McDonald
House enjoyed March Madness 2011! About 50 players
filled out brackets and entered a pool to pick their favorite
NCAA basketball teams while also making a donation to
RMHC of Siouxland, too! It was a CRAZY year of upsets
so it was a fun year to watch the games while eating pizza
at Townhouse, which a % of those sales also helped RMH
kids and families. Plan to participate next year--- it’s an easy
WOW!!! The heat was on for the FIRST ANNUAL RMHC GOLF CLASSIC!!!! Over 110 golfers way to help.
braved the hot weather to enjoy a round of golf for a great cause on WED, JULY 20, 2011!!! This
fantastic and fun event was held at Whispering Creek Golf Club and included lunch, prizes, golf, cart
followed by a delicious dinner banquet at the Marina Inn. Ronald McDonald was there all day and
helped with a special golf clinic for the First Tee Program before the golf tournament began.
Tyson Foods, our presenting sponsor for this first EVER Ronald McDonald House Golf Classic, and
many other great sponsors helped us to raise over $40,000 to help improve the health of children and
families. Many hands helped to make this a special day and thanks to all who sponsored, played,
volunteered or supported in some way. Mark your calendars for MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012 for the The Pop Tab Collection program continues to thrive
2nd Annual RMHC of Siouxland Golf Classic! Seven RMHC scholarship recipients were on hand to at RMHC of Siouxland! With the help of the Pop Tab
volunteer (4 pictured above)!
Committee working in the Siouxland schools, we receive
Name
Sponsor Level
Name
Sponsor Level
tabs from over 50 schools. Many businesses and individuals
Tyson Foods
Presenting
Darling International
Hole Sponsor
save tabs for us, too, and every tab counts! In 2010, the pop
Dr. Pepper
Birdie Sponsor
Mike Bennett
Hole Sponsor
tab revenue (from recycling) was over $5000.
McDonald’s Siouxland Coop Birdie Sponsor
Coca-Cola
Hole Sponsor
The traveling trophies were awarded to the elementary and
Adwerks
Media Sponsor
Condon Motors
Hole Sponsor
middle school that turned in the most tabs--- this year’s
KCAU
Media Sponsor
Rose Packing Plant
Hole Sponsor
winners were: Charter Oak/Ute Elementary collecting 518
Powell Broadcasting
Media Sponsor
St. Lukes Hole Sponsor
pounds of tabs(!) and Remsen-Union with 285 pounds of
RBC Wealth Mgt
Hole Sponsor
American Pop Corn
Hazard Sponsor
tabs! Congratulations!
Mercy Medical
Hole Sponsor
Zook Motors
Hazard Sponsor
Mark Your Calendar!
Thurs, 10/13/11 Happy Hour at Eldon’s Restaurant 5:00-7:00 PM
Fri, 11/18/11 “Denim to Diamonds” Fall Event, Marina Inn 6:00-11:00 PM
Sun, 12/04/11 Santa Brunch at Minerva’s
Mon, 6/11/12 2nd Annual RMHC Golf Classic, Whispering Creek Golf Course, 11:30 Shotgun start
Quotes From Families!
Ben
“There are not words adequate to express our thanks
for all your support when Ben was in the NICU”
Jess
a key to success!
May is a time to celebrate with those who graduate and look forward to new challenges ahead! RMHC
of Siouxland’s participation in the RMHC Scholarship Program gave us great cause for celebration
in 2011! This was the 6th year that RMHC has had the privilege to award scholarships to area high
school seniors to help with future education costs. After reviewing several applications, the committee
awarded (14) $1500 scholarships to the following students based on outstanding academic achievement,
volunteer activities, financial need and personal statements and recommendations:
Student
Stephanie Begnoche
Gary Christiansen
Kari Lenz
Sara Watt
Kayla Hoogendoorn
Adam Brand
Erin Olson
Noel Gonzalez
David Valdovinos
Maidely Garcia
MariselaQuezada Lemus
Marisol Leon
Edgardo Ramirez
Jane Ngo
High School
Remsen- Union
Dakota Valley
Primghar
Yankton
Sheldon
Dakota Valley
Dakota Valley
SC East
South Sioux
SC West
South Sioux
South Sioux
SC North
South Sioux
College/Major
Briar Cliff- Biology
USD- Computers
Westminster- Educ
Univ Sioux Falls- Social Work
Univ of Iowa- Pharm
Univ. of South Dakota-Biology
UNI- Education
ISU- Engineering
Wayne St
Univ of Iowa - Educ
Wayne St-Nursing
WITCC- Psych
Univ of Iowa- Psych
Univ. of Nebraska-Art/Comm
Logan
“I don’t know how we could have get through Logan’s
4 week stay in the NICU without you. Since our stay
we have been speaking volumes of what you do for
families in need; and will continue telling our story so
that future families can have a great experience.”
Sara
In addition, RMHC of Siouxland’s Alumni Scholarship program provided (6) students $1500 each to
continue their education. These students had received an RMHC scholarship their first year and have
reapplied for scholarship funds as they continue their studies. The award winners are:
Name
Kristi Buss
Lisa Thvedt
Gabrielle Kachera
Katherine Tjeerdsma
Alejandra Gonzalez
Thanh Ho
College Attending
Central Community College
Northwestern College
Augustana
Wartburg College
Univ. of Iowa
Univ. of South Dakota
College Major
Dental Hygiene
Elem. Ed.
Nursing
Biology
Psychology/Nursing
Health Science
Congratulations to all these students and we wish them well in their education endeavors.
Henry
“Dan and I will forever be grateful for everything you
and the Ronald McDonald House have done for our
family. God Blessings to you all! My cup runneth over!”
Tanya
The 4 C’s of Giving
The Ronald McDonald House in Siouxland is grateful to
the many organizations and individuals who donate their
talents and services to assist our families of children to
help us provide comfort, compassion and caring. Thank
you to the following for your on-going support:
McDonald’s Restaurants of Northwest Iowa Coop
Catalyst Systems • Coca-Cola Company
Northwest Iowa Cattlemen’s Associations
King, Reinsch & Prosser • Merry Maids
Henjes, Conner & Williams • Presto-X
Rock Solid Marketing • St. Luke’s Reg. Med Ctr.
Tyson Foods • Townhouse Pizza
Waste Management • Wal-Mart
LaZ Boy Furniture
The three Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa were once again the beneficiaries of the Iowa Governor’s
Charity Steer Show and Auction held during the Iowa State Fair in August. It was a fantastic time to
watch 23 celebrities lead their steer around the Fairgrounds Pavillion. The pavilion was packed and
Ronald McDonald was there to delight the crowd! After the show, the steer were auctioned off and
raised over $106,000 for the Iowa RMHC’s! A special thank you to the Northwest Iowa McDonald’s
restaurants Coop for sponsoring a steer. Once again, Reed Yackley coordinated the 7 Northwest Iowa
County Cattlemen’s Associations for also sponsoring a steer--- we couldn’t do it without you!
Mary Taylor was honored with the Virginia Keck award at our
recent Volunteer Banquet. Mary has volunteered at the Ronald
McDonald House since 1994, and continues to be a vital asset
to our organization. Mary never hesitates to assist us with our
projects and never misses a Thursday at 2:00 to do her two hour
shift. That is, unless, of course, she is not traveling across the
United States or to Alaska visiting her family! It is very hard to
keep up with Mary Taylor! The Virginia Keck award spotlights
one our our many volunteers who personifies the character and
values that encompass a Ronald McDonald House Volunteer.
Virginia volunteered for several years, until her death 4 years
ago. Congratulations, Mary!
If you are interested in becoming an RMH Volunteer, please
contact us either by calling 255-4084 or looking on our website
(www.ronaldhouse-siouxcity.com) for the volunteer application Mary was recognized in 2011 for the
form. We welcome new volunteers and hope to hear from you. Virginia Keck Volunteer award.
RMHC of Siouxland, Inc.
Board of Directors
The RMHC of Siouxland, Inc. Board of Directors provides
leadership and strategic direction for RMHC of Siouxland.
2011 provided us a chance to thank those who have completed
their terms: Tom Ross, Claudia Killinger, Darlene Salmen,
Ellen Schneider and Todd Waggoner. We welcome new
members: Greg Berenstein, Jami Langholdt, Todd McGregor,
Beth Noel and Dave Radke.
Tracy Meis, President
Anne Kellogg, Secretary
Greg Berenstein
Jeff Carlson
Steve Eavenson
Jami Langholdt
Shawn Keizer
Kevin Negaard
Tim Oakley
Carolyn Rants
Lynn Wold
Paul Wofford, Vice President
Nick Kuehl, Treasurer
Sandy Bergdale
Jeanne Delfs
Matt Greer
Tracy Larson
Todd McGregor
Beth Noel
Dave Radke
Susan Unger
Staff:
Barb Knepper, Executive Director
Velvet Jeratowski, Daily House Manager
Pam Schermerhorn, Resident/Night Manager
RMHC Matching Grants: Spring 2011
Improving children’s health in the Siouxland community is our mission! One of the goals of RMHC
of Siouxland is to assist other Siouxland agencies with funding for programs that will improve children’s
health. Through our Matching Grant Program, we are able to contribute funds from our local budget
which are then matched with funds from RMHC Global. For ten years, RMHC of Siouxland has
provided over $420,000 of funding support to improve children’s health!!
In March 2011, the Matching Grant committee reviewed several requests for funding assistance and
awarded almost $23,000 to 8 Siouxland agencies and helping over 4000 children. The following
programs were selected based on their contribution toward improving children’s health and increasing
pediatric dental access and care:
LIST OF GRANT RECIPIENTS
Plains Area Mental Health (LeMars)- to purchase therapeudic toys
CNOS Sxland Sports Medicine Foundation to purchase concussion testing kits
Onawa Foundation to help renovate Gaukel park
Boys Club to purchase volleyball equipment
Girls Scouts to assist with obstacle course
SHIP/Beyond the Bell- assist with swimming lesson costs
Siouxland Dental- funding for free dental screening day for kids
Siouxland Community Health- to purchase supplies/educational materials for children’s oral health
Grants are reviewed two times/year (March 1 and October 1 deadline). All grant requests must
improve children’s health in the Siouxland area. For more information, please contact the Ronald
McDonald House.
Queen Bed Sheet Sets
Laundry Detergent
Frying Pans/with lids
Dryer Sheets
Postage Stamps
New baby items for gift bags
Plastic Drinking Glasses
Electric Skillet
Baking & Cooking Serving Utensils
Lg.Packing Tape
Aluminum Foil
Nightlight bulbs (15W)Dishwasher
Detergent
Gift Bags-Extra Lg.
Trash Bags (13 gal)
Toothbrushes/toothpaste
Pringles Snack Stacks
Snack bags of Potato chips
Fruity Snacks for kids
Snack size fruit cups
Fruit Box Drinks
Plain Paper Plates
Bottled Water
Boxed Cereal
Break apart Baking Cookies
Clorox Wipes
Granola type snack bars
Band- Aids
Plastic forks/spoons
2
1
3
4
1) Unity Preschool held a wish list drive and raised over $600 plus items for the Ronald McDonald House. 2) Kelsey’s mom stayed here 16 years ago when Kelsey
was born, Kelsey gives back by organizing a wish list drive for her Silver Award thru Girl Scouts. 3) The Westwood High School class keeps saving pop tabs 4) Into
The Streets- kids giving back to kids through volunteering.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Siouxland Inc.
2500 Nebraska Street
Sioux City, Iowa 51104
712.255.4084
712.255.4281 FAX
www.ronaldhouse-siouxcity.com