Spring 2014 Newsletter - Ronald McDonald House Charities of

letter
from the director
Dear Friends,
Thank You
Thank you to all the individuals and
groups who continue to dedicate their
time and talents to raising money for
“The House That Love Built.”
A J Miller Landscape Architecture, PLLC – Daughter’s Lemonade Stand: $25.85
Bolivar Road Elementary School – Denim Day: $65.00
Bryant & Stratton College – Jeans Day: $110.00
Cayuga Correctional Facility – Staff Jeans Fund: $500.00
Centro – Employee Collection:
Melinda Lewis’s (featured in
our cover story) fear of being
separated from her husband and
2-year-old daughter when she
needed them most was eased
when she knew there was a place
her family could stay together.
Fortunately, our organization was
able to offer a worried mother
the strength and support she needed by enabling her
to keep her young family together during the birth of
their second child and his medical care thereafter.
Over the years, supporters like you have selflessly given
your time, talents and assets to help us serve families
of children receiving medical treatments. Your support
makes it all possible, whether it comes as a gift now or
a legacy pledge for the future. As you begin to plan
your legacy, please consider the CNY Ronald McDonald
House. Keep in mind, the promise you make today will
give us the opportunity to support a family in need
decades down the road.
We thank you for your continued support that helps us
to keep families exactly where they belong…Together.
Volunteer Fairs
Few things are more satisfying than donating time and
energy to a great cause. RMHC of CNY makes itself as
accessible as possible to community members who are
looking to volunteer. Recently, we have been fortunate
to attend volunteer fairs at Welch Allyn and the Christian
Brothers Academy Service Fair. Learn more about
volunteering with us, at www.cnyronaldmcdonaldhouse.
org or call Lee Wilder at 315.476.1027.
$1,621.50
CFCU Community Credit Union – Charity Jeans Friday: $479.19
Chris Lansing Neighborhood Collection: $810.00
Excellus BCBS – Jacob’s Bake Sale: $543.00
Empire State Marathon: $1,700.00
Fayetteville-Manlius Schools – School Store Proceeds: $400.00
First Niagara Bank – Jeans Day for Charity: $350.00
ITT Goulds Pumps – Jeans Day on Fridays: $150.00
Pediatric Cardiology Associates, LLC – Jeans Day: $139.00
PROActive Physical Therapy – Jeans Day: $63.00
Racing for Ronald McDonald House: Record-Breaking Support
In the fall, we held our 12th annual Many Hearts One
Home Celebration at the SRC Arena at Onondaga
Community College. With more than 400 guests, and
décor provided in part by Northeast Decorating, we
celebrated our first anniversary in our new House
and recognized the “cornerstones” that have shown
their dedication and support from the beginning. The
honorees included: Chris Geiger, Jim and Ellie Grooms,
Aaron D. Hugo, Kathy Kotz, Patrick Leitgeb, Maureen
McGlynn, John Osta, Garry Payne, Paul M. Ross and
Matt Schiro. A silent and live auction hosted by Bernie
Brzostek, with items donated by local individuals and
$3,650.00
Syracuse Claims Association – Annual Golf Tournament: $550.00
Walt’s Hobby Shop – 26th Annual Billy Leader Memorial Race: $3,500.00
WonderWorks Syracuse at Destiny USA – 1-Year Birthday Party: $1,200.00
External fundraisers, both big and small, are a tremendous source of support for the CNY Ronald
McDonald House every year, and they can be very easy to coordinate. Thinking of supporting
the CNY Ronald McDonald House by holding a dress-down day at work, setting up a bake sale in
your neighborhood with the kids or going on a bowling outing with your co-workers? Visit our
website, fill out a host application form and we will help you get started.
leave a
Legacy
For more than 30 years, Ronald McDonald
House Charities of CNY has helped thousands of
children and families gain access to the health
care they need. If you are passionate about our
charitable work, please consider making a legacy
pledge to RMHC of CNY.
With just a little planning and a big heart, you
can arrange a charitable plan that brings help
and hope to families in the region. Your future
donation can be made through a bequest, life
income gift, or a gift of retirement assets or life
insurance policies. For more information about
making a Planned Gift to Ronald McDonald
House Charities of CNY, please call 315.476.1027.
Welcome Bags Donated for Guest Families
A partnership with Thirty-One Gifts has led to
the donation of 150,000 “Welcome” bags to
Ronald McDonald Houses across the U.S. The CNY
Ronald McDonald House is now able to offer one
organizing utility tote to each guest family for
the coming year. New moms are using them as
diaper bags, while other families can now easily
bring their meals back and forth to the hospital.
Thank you!
Remember
Our Donation Boxes
Whether you’re driving through or dining
in, please remember our charitable-donation
boxes at your local McDonald’s. Your spare
change directly supports the children and
families of Ronald McDonald House Charities.
The boxes are
one of the largest
fundraisers each
year for our local
organization.
Mother’s Day and
Father’s Day Gift Ideas
Today you can give the gift of a
permanent piece of our new home by
purchasing a brick paver in honor or
memory of a loved one. Personalized
brick pavers will be placed in the
outdoor patio at our new House.
It’s also a great gift idea for
Mother’s Day, Father’s Day,
birthdays, special occasions and
holiday gifts. Buy your brick now at
www.cnyronaldmcdonaldhouse.org.
Southside Church of Christ coordinated a bountiful Thanksgiving dinner and
delivered it to our guests on Thanksgiving morning.
Our guests are always grateful for the delicious home-cooked meals prepared
by our volunteers. Individuals, businesses and organizations are encouraged
to support our guest families by making meals. For more information,
contact Lee Wilder at 315.476.1027 or by email at lwilder@rmhcny.org.
CPR-Certified
Donations made from Sept. 2 through Feb. 1, 2014.
Beth Trunfio
Executive Director
Sixth-grade students from the LaFayette Central School District visited the
House in the fall. The students worked with their school to collect Wish List
items and provided a wonderful pancake breakfast to our guest families.
The CNY Ronald McDonald House had a special visit from members of the
McDonald’s regional corporate office in Philadelphia and a couple of our
local McDonald’s owners. Steve Kerley, Jennifer Renna, Frank Bessasparis,
JR Newlon and Chuck Turnage were accompanied by two owner-operators,
Ralph Crawford and Mike McLaughlin, who cooked dinner for our guests.
$500.00
Travel Leaders/Casey Travel LLC – Christmas Party: Comfort Food
businesses, along with live entertainment provided by
the McGriff Brothers and Mike the Cartoon Magician
and an appearance by Ronald McDonald, helped to
make the event a tremendous success. In fact, we broke
our previous record, raising more than $107,000 to
support our ongoing operations. Thank you to all who
attended and contributed! Thank you to our sponsors
Burdick BMW, Aspen Dental, JGB Enterprises, KPMG
LLP, Neonatal Associates of Central New York, Crouse
Hospital, M&T Bank and NBT Bank.
Big Chill, Big Success
More than 100
participants plunged
into the Seneca River
as part of the 2014
Baldwinsville Big Chill
weekend. A total of
$8,500 was raised for
Ronald McDonald
House Charities of
CNY thanks to the
Greater Baldwinsville
Chamber of
Commerce, the Village of Baldwinsville, the Village of
Baldwinsville Fire Department, Greater Baldwinsville
Ambulance Corps, the New York State Trooper dive team
and many local businesses. We are truly grateful to everyone
who contributed to making this a safe and fun event for the
whole family.
Many thanks to all the individuals and groups who dedicate their time and talents to raising money for “The House That Love Built®.”
Ed Moser, from Rural/Metro Medical Services of Central New York, donated his
time to train the staff at the House. Several staff members, including weekend
managers, took the CPR course, along with defibrillator training.
The Heart Of Our Home
It takes many hearts and hands to run this
home and we couldn’t do it without support
from the community. Many local groups
and companies have lent time to the House,
including Ernst & Young, Oviatt Hearing &
Balance, SUNY Upstate medical students,
People to People, SUNY Upstate Center
for Civic Engagement/Division of Student
Affairs, FedEx, Vineyard Church, Syracuse
University Ambulance, Mended Little Hearts,
United Synagogue Youth, the Le Moyne Lady
Dolphins basketball team and more.
1100 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13210
P: 315.476.1027 | F: 315.476.5022 | cnyronaldmcdonaldhouse.org
Non-Profit
Organization
US Postage
paid
Syracuse, NY
Permit No. 999
Sixth Annual
Bella Casa
Celebrity
Fashion Show
Thursday,
May 8, 2014
Holiday Inn
Liverpool, N.Y.
EVENT SELLS OUT
EVERY YEAR!
home
A publication of Ronald McDonald House Charities®
of Central New York..
away from home
A Mother’s Message
Prior to my son’s birth, I had no concept of what a Ronald McDonald House really was. I didn’t know about the amazing
rooms and amenities or that the House was close to the hospital and offered the ease of transportation.
Staff Members
Beth M. Trunfio
Executive Director
Jennifer Leitgeb
Development Director
Lee Wilder
House Program Manager
Jessica Ockenden
Fund Development Associate
Karen Hynes
Administrative Office Assistant
Tammy Burgmeier
Evening Assistant
Anne Dashnaw
Housekeeper
SAVE THE DATE!
I couldn’t believe there was a home away from home where our whole family could be together and be happy while
going through tough medical issues. But above all, I had no idea the compassion that our family would be shown by the
volunteers and staff of the Central New York Ronald McDonald House.
VISIT CNYRONALDMCDONALDHOUSE.ORG
TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEW E-NEWSLETTER
Student Support
Abbey Phillips is from the Cortland area, and despite a hectic
schedule she is one of our most reliable and conscientious student
volunteers. Abbey, who has supported us for three years, will
soon attend SUNY Upstate Medical University.
Three very dedicated Syracuse University students, David
Magnarelli, Shawn Cregg and Scott Rosenthal, have volunteered
regularly for several years. They are always willing to help with
anything, including recent special fundraising projects. All three
have become engaged not only with our organization, but with
many aspects of the community. We wish them all the best in
pursuing their dreams!
save the date
Kim’s Walk of Hope
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Rockport, Mass.
Racing for
Ronald McDonald House
June 2014
Oswego Speedway
Oswego, N.Y.
Christmas in July
July 2014
NY State Trapshooters
Sporting Clay Days for Kids
July 2014
Cicero, N.Y.
Artie’s Party at
Syracuse Nationals
Friday, July 18 Sunday, July 20, 2014
New York State Fairgrounds
11th Annual RMHC of
CNY Golf Invitational
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014
Turning Stone Resort Casino
Verona, N.Y.
13th Annual Many Hearts
One Home Celebration
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014
SRC Arena at Onondaga
Community College
Syracuse, N.Y.
For more information about upcoming events,
visit www.cnyronaldmcdonaldhouse.org.
Throughout the pregnancy of my son, Adam Patrick Lewis, my husband, Patrick, and I knew it may be necessary to
deliver him at Crouse Hospital, even though we live in Binghamton. I fought this idea, thinking that it would tear our
family apart due to the distance. I couldn’t bear the idea of being away from our 2-year-old daughter, while at the same
time I didn’t want to do anything that would compromise our son’s health. The CNY Ronald McDonald House was the
missing piece that made it possible to receive the very best medical care and stay together as a family.
While Adam was cared for at Crouse Hospital, our lives maintained some normalcy thanks to the CNY Ronald McDonald
House. The House was so clean, relaxing and spacious, and the staff thought of everything! We had meals together as
a family and with the dedicated fridge, freezer and pantry space, we could keep some of our favorite foods in the
kitchen. Our daughter stayed busy with all of the toys, puzzles and books in the House’s amazing playroom.
The amenities and conveniences of the House were so wonderful,
but what really made our stay memorable were the people. The
compassion that everyone at the House offered is unsurpassed.
Not only did they show concern for our baby Adam, but they also
truly cared about the wellbeing of our whole family.
We are truly thankful to all of the staff, volunteers and others
involved with the CNY Ronald McDonald House. We will never be
able to express how much their support meant to us and how
they changed our lives for the better, during such a difficult time.
“The CNY Ronald McDonald
House was the missing piece
that made it possible to receive
the very best medical care and
stay together as a family.”
-Melinda Lewis,
Recent guest at the CNY Ronald McDonald House
For ticket, advertising and sponsorship information on any of the
above events, contact Jessica Ockenden at 315.476.1027
or jockenden@rmhcny.org.
1100 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13210 | cnyronaldmcdonaldhouse.org
Spring 2014
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central New York
© 2014 McDonald’s
Leola Rodgers
President
Aaron D. Hugo
1st Vice President
Kathleen Kotz
2nd Vice President
Karen Ohliger
Treasurer
Colleen M. Schmidt
Secretary
Chris Geiger
Intermediate Past President
Justin Hummel
Douglas K. Lattner
Yvonne Annese LoRe
Mike Madigan
Steven Malone
Maureen E. Maney
Hon. Anthony J. Paris
Henry Pearl
Mark Renquin
Jonathan V. Riddell, MD
Matt Schiro
Brian Sickora
© 2014 McDonald’s
2014 Board of Directors