Family News - Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati
Family News
Summer Edition 2010
An Expression of Gratitude From Raylee’s
Aunt Barbara
Kim’s aunt, Barbara Deem, flew to Cincinnati
Children’s to be with Kim and Raylee. Barbara
says, “The doctors had already told Kim to prepare
herself for the possibility that she may lose her
only son.” They were all tired and scared. But,
thankfully, there was a room at Ronald McDonald
House – right across the street from the hospital.
“The doors were opened and we were given a
room right on the first floor,” explains Barbara.
“The staff was so warm and friendly that we
immediately felt that we were in a safe place to
handle the emotional climb that we were about
to make.”
Both Kim and Barbara felt welcomed, supported
and cared for as Raylee underwent his life-saving
surgery and began his slow, challenging climb to
recovery. “Everywhere we were in the House we
were greeted with smiles,” says Barbara. “The
House was always clean and bright and comforting.
There is a wonderful mix of utility, function and
peace in all corners of the House.”
The outpouring of generosity and genuine care
meant so much. Barbara marvels, “To know that
people who may never know our names or our
story had already paved the way for us to be taken
care of was quite overwhelming.” The care and
services provided by Ronald McDonald House –
through the support of our caring volunteers and
La-Z-Boy Champions RMHC .............................................2
Duke Energy Spring Spruce-Up ...........................................3
RMHC on Facebook and Twitter . .......................................3
Five-year-old Raylee Chapman had suffered
with a seizure disorder his entire life. His only
hope of ever being seizure-free was at Cincinnati
Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Alone and
scared, Raylee’s mom, Kim, drove five hours
from their home in southern West Virginia – with
Raylee slipping away hour by hour – so that Raylee
could have life-saving brain surgery.
“We immediately felt that we were in a
safe place to handle the emotional climb
that we were about to make.”
The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation
Provides Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle ................................2
Adopt a Room – Make a Difference......................................4
Cincinnati Children’s makes U.S. News
& World Report’s Honor Roll ..............................................4
48 By 48: Drew Johnson Shares His Mission
With Ronald McDonald House ...........................................5
Red Tie Gala . .......................................................................5
Pillars of the House................................................................6
Raylee went to surgery clutching his Ronald McDonald doll.
A Volunteer’s Legacy - Planned Giving .................................6
“So very many willing, precious people
made a seemingly impossible crisis
in our family bearable.”
Make Gift Giving Easy..........................................................7
generous donors – made one of life’s most terrifying
moments manageable. “So very many willing, precious
people made a seemingly impossible crisis in our family
bearable, just by being there when we needed them,”
says Barbara. “To have a clean bed and a shower, a hot
meal (usually eaten at midnight when we came over
from the hospital) and
even the simple needs
like new batteries for
our camera – these
comforts strengthened
us day by day.”
Barbara insists, “We
are truly humbled and
thankful. Kim and I
Raylee is all smiles
will never forget the love
that sustained us in our
Cincinnati home.” And, most importantly, says Barbara,
“Raylee had a successful surgery and has been given a
second chance at life!”
“Raylee had a successful surgery and has
been given a second chance at life!”
To see more of Raylee’s incredible journey, please
visit our website at www.RMHcincinnati.org .
Notes from our Executive Director........................................7
Pop Tabs from former guest Jeremy ......................................8
Save the Date.........................................................................8
Our Mission:
Ronald McDonald House provides an
affordable “home away from home”
to families and their children seeking
medical treatment at Cincinnati
Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
Our Vision:
To offer all the comforts of home to
every family with a hospitalized child.
Summer Edition
2009 Friends of the House
Ronald McDonald House is fortunate to
receive annual cash donations and donated
products and services from very generous
corporations.
Champion: $25,000 +
The Coca-Cola Company
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
DSS Installations
Ideopia
La-Z-Boy Furniture
McDonald’s Cooperative of Greater Cincinnati
PNC Bank
Procter & Gamble
The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr.
/ U.S. Bank Foundation Provides
Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle
Since many of our families are without a car during
their stay with us, we are fortunate to be able to
provide shuttle services to and from the hospital,
area grocery stores and retailers.
Benefactor: $10,000 - $24,999
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Bonus Building Care
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Cincinnati Mine Machinery Co.
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Dr Pepper Snapple Group
Duke Energy
Empower Aviation Air Charters
Frost Brown Todd, LLC
Hyde Park Landscaping
Klosterman Baking Company
Kroger Co.
Louis Trauth Dairy
Macy’s, Inc.
Messer Construction Company
Neyra Industries, Inc.
On Your Feet, LLC
Richard Goettle, Inc.
Rough Greenhouses
Standard Textile, Inc.
Ronald McDonald House guest families have
a brand new mode of transportation. The Carol
Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. / U.S. Bank Foundation
recently funded the purchase of a new wheelchairaccessible vehicle for Ronald McDonald House.
Macey Powell and her mother, Heather, of
Somerset, Kentucky, were among the first
passengers to ride in this new vehicle.
r
Macey and he
mom, Heather
In response to this wonderful donation, Macey
simply said, “Thank you, The Carol Ann and
Ralph V. Haile, Jr. / U.S. Bank Foundation.”
Friends of the House Spotlight La-Z-Boy Champions RMHC
Partner: $2,500 - $9,999
2
Accent on Cincinnati
American Contracting Services
Anneken, Huey & Moser
APEX 360
Bob-Nan Ventures, Inc.
Brand Source
BrownCOW Technology, Ltd.
Bryan W. Stephens CPA
Camargo Rental
CCHMC - Colorectal Center for Children
CCHMC - Department of Otolaryngology
CCHMC - Department of Radiology
CCHMC - The Heart Institute
Chastang’s Tile & Marble, LLC
Chemed Corporation
Cincinnati Bell
Cincinnati International Wine Festival, Inc.
Clear Channel Cincinnati
Denver Ticket Company
Dillard’s
EXEL
E-Z-Go
Fifth Third Bank
Gastro Consultants of Greater Cincinnati
GBBN Architects
Goodwin Lighting Services
Great American Insurance - Bond Division
Great American Insurance Co.
- Property & Inland Marine Division
Greater Cincinnati Marine
HDR Engineering, Inc.
Heidelberg Distributing Co.
Innergreen
John R. Jurgensen Company
Johnson Investment Counsel, Inc.
Keating, Muething & Klekamp
Ken’s Beverage, Inc.
Kenwood Country Club
Kilroy Restaurants, Inc.
Krombholz Jewelers
Links Unlimited, Inc.
Continued on page 3
A friendly face, a home-cooked meal, a comfortable bed, a hot shower and a safe
place to rest and rejuvenate are all things that we sometimes take for granted unless
we no longer have immediate access to them. Thanks to La-Z-Boy and other generous
supporters, our House provides guest families with all the amenities of home when
they find themselves in an unfamiliar city seeking the best medical treatment for their
children. La-Z-Boy furnishings make our shared living areas so welcoming with plenty
of cozy spaces just perfect for curling up with a child for a movie or story time. Our
guest families love retiring to one of these cozy sofas after a long day at the hospital.
a be
Melissa reads
d tim
Our House has received more than $25,000 in
furniture donations, as well as deep discounts
on items purchased from La-Z-Boy, making
them one of our Champions. We would like to
take this opportunity to recognize La-Z-Boy
Vice President Chuck Hausfeld and his team
for their compassion, generosity and superior
customer service. We are so grateful for our
partnership with La-Z-Boy. Chuck and his
team continue to go above and beyond –
they have furnished a majority of the rooms
in our House with La-Z-Boy’s high quality,
extremely comfortable furniture and have
even encouraged their customers to give
s
xi
le
A
er
ht
to Cincinnati’s Ronald McDonald House.
e story to daug
Ronald McDonald House is grateful to LaZ-Boy and all of our Friends of the House. To find out how your company
can become a Friend of the House, please visit www.RMHcincinnati.org or contact
Development Director Jill Miller at JMiller@RMHouse.org .
Summer 2010
Duke Energy Spring Spruce-Up
Duke Energy Regional President Julie Janson rolled up her sleeves
alongside her staff and helped make some needed improvements to the
outdoor play garden at Ronald McDonald House in Avondale. The Duke
team was busy with spring cleaning and painting, planting shrubbery and
flowers and power-washing the entire play area. Duke also purchased and
installed two brand new play sets.
Duke Energy’s efforts are part of
the company’s Volunteers In Action
Program, a grass-roots community
service
effort
that
encourages
and promotes giving back to the
communities where its employees
and retirees live and work.
To find out how you can volunteer to help Ronald McDonald House,
visit www.RMHcincinnati.org or contact Coordinator of Volunteer Services
Stephanie Crellin at SCrellin@RMHouse.org .
See what people are saying about RMHC on Facebook
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati
Got milk? Thanks to our generous in-kind donors at Trauth Dairy, the fridge
at Cincinnati’s Ronald McDonald House is always well stocked with essential
dairy items. If your corporation would like to become an in-kind donor,
contact RMHC Development Director Jill Miller at JMiller@RMHhouse.org.
I’m not a coffee drinker, so I was always very grateful
to have the chocolate milk cartons in the fridge : )
Chrissy Davis
Trauth Dairy, thank you from a New Zealand family
who used the milk products donated. It contributes to
making this House a “home away from home.” From
milk for my coffee to chocolate milk for the kids, it
was nice to have it on hand.
Thank you!!!!
Partner: $2,500 - $9,999
-continued
Lisa A. Woods Custom Draperies
M&M Restaurant Supply
MCF Advisors, LLC
Medicity, Inc.
Middletown Journal
Nature’s Flowers
Newport Aquarium
Patheon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Robert C. Rhein Interests, Inc.
Schiff, Kreidler-Shell, Inc.
Stamp Your Art Out
Studio+Z Films
USA Today - Cincinnati
Valenti Salon
Hal Welge Building Contractor, Inc.
Western & Southern Financial Group
Wood, Herron & Evans, LLP
Supporter: $1000 - $2,499
“Ronald McDonald House is such
a comfort for families who come to
Cincinnati seeking care for their
critically ill children,” Janson said. “Whether the child is in the hospital
or seeking out-patient care, Ronald
McDonald House is a supportive
‘home away from home’ for the
entire family during difficult times. Adriaan
and Chance enjo
y the new playset
Duke Energy is happy to lend a
hand to ensure the House remains a
welcoming home when families need it most.”
Sue Elsbach Kozik
2009 Friends of the House
Heather Powell
So generous. Thanks for all you do. My daughter
loves chocolate milk and it was one less thing to worry
about. RMH has done so much for our family. Thank
you to all its donors.
Johnna Bowling
Thanks so much for everything. You took us in and
welcomed us as your family. The staff and everyone
there was such a blessing to our family, thanks for
being there. Couldn’t have done it without you.
Adrian Durban Florist
Aeropostale
Altrua Marketing Designs
Archway’s Hebron, LLC
Arnold Printing
Ashley Ward
BEAT Personal Training
Best Buy Store #617
burton + Burton
Cassidy Turley
CCHMC - Division of Hematology and Oncology
Cincinnati Sportservice
Double Arch Management, Inc.
DRS Environmental Systems Co.
dunnhumbyUSA
The Energy Consultants, Inc.
Fischer Homes
GoldenT, Inc.
Graf & Stiebel
Harland Financial Solutions
Hubert Company
KDM P.O.P. Solutions Group
Steven Kleeman, LLC
Kopco Graphics
LambWeston
Lautman Maska Neill & Co. Inc
Libby Perszyk Kathman
Lyondell Bassell
Magee’s Express, Inc.
Market Strategies
Mason, Schilling & Mason Co, LPA
Maxim Crane Works, L.P.
MBA, Inc.
McDonald’s Corporation Regional Office
Medical Communication Consultants
Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati
Mercy Healthplex - Anderson
Miller-Valentine Group
Monti Incorporated
Neat, Redpath & Spaeth
Wealth Management Group / Merrill Lynch
Neyer Plumbing
Noday Restaurants
Pinnacle Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Pomeroy IT Solutions
Roberto Osona Photography
Rumpke Consolidated Companies, Inc.
Schwan’s Food
Scripps Networks Interactive
Skyline Chili, Inc.
UBS Financial Services
Union Central Insurance & Investments
US Bank
US Bank Arena
Wal-Mart Stores - Cincinnati
Wellington Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine
WLWT-TV News 5
23
Summer Edition
Adopt A Room
Current Room Sponsors
Our generous annual room sponsors help underwrite the
cost of families’ lodging, enabling us to serve all families,
regardless of their ability to make a monetary donation.
Alpha Delta Pi, Eta Epsilon Chapter
Pam & Gordon Bonfield
Neal, Lynne, Courtney and Matthew Brackman in
loving memory of Bob Pagenkopf
Vonnie Butera and Family
Lee and Shannon Carter
Dave, Jen, Mia & Maxwell Carver
CCHMC Medical Staff in honor of James M. Anderson
Pam Chidester
Chastang’s Tile Service & Installation
Cincinnati Children’s Dept of Radiology
Creative Media Concepts, Angela Lacy and Sheryl Waite
The Dinsmore Family in Honor of Staff Sergeant Mark
“Tony” Wojciechowski
Duke Realty Corporation
dunnhumbyUSA
FCCLA - Scott H.S. KY
Jenna Lehkamp - Project Leader
Dr. and Mrs. H. B. Francis
General Electric Evendale Employees’ Community
Service Fund
Bob and Dana Gruber Family
John Hauck Foundation
HDR, Inc. – Cincinnati
The Heinichen Family
Trey & Tina Isgrig Family
Bill and Lisa Jacoby
The Jents, Morrises, Paolellos & Wm. Stenger
Johnson Investment Counsel, Inc.
In memory of David C. Tedford
Melissa Johnson in memory of Sophie Meinhardt
Bill & Carol Kilroy – McDonald’s Restaurants
Klosterman Baking Company
Lewis and Topmiller Families
Mike and Sandy Voge and Joseph and Marti Otto
The Luciano Family
Dr. and Mrs. Paul McEnery
Scott & Robi McIntire
Lisa and Terry McLaughlin in loving memory of
Mitchell Ryan
Messer Construction Co.
Miami Trails Masters - Loveland, Ohio
The Students of Mount Notre Dame High School
Neat, Redpath and Spaeth Wealth Management Group
In honor of their clients
Neyra Industries, Inc.
Steve & Becky Osborne Family
Oak Hills High School Class of 2010
Patheon Pharmaceuticals
The Raymond & Anna Johnson Foundation and
The Family of Alan S. Threlkeld
Larry Renner Family
Marilyn and Bob Rhein and Family
Ronald McDonald House Staff
Frederick & Susan Ryckman
Maria Theresa Schaefer Donor Advised Fund at the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation
Robert C. and Adele R. Schiff Foundation
The Phillip Smith Foundation
Bob & Lynn Stenger
Gary & Joan Thompson
Turpin Hills and Mason Middle School “Pay It Forward”
Valenti Salon & Spa Team & Their Generous Clients
The Vontz Family
Hal Welge Building Contractor, Inc.
Wood, Herron & Evans, LLP
The Craig Young Family Foundation
4
Adopt a Room – Make a Difference
You can help us reach our 2010 fundraising goal! By considering a
room adoption ($3,000, $5,000, or $10,000), you can bring us one step closer
to securing an annual room sponsor for each of our 78 guest bedrooms.
By annually sponsoring a room at Ronald McDonald House, you will have a direct
impact on the lives of families, who throughout the year will call your adopted room
“home” while their children are receiving life-saving medical treatment. For an entire
year, your room will provide a safe, secure
place in which Ronald McDonald House
guest families can rest and re-energize after
long days spent at the hospital. Your room
sponsorship will help underwrite the cost of
caring for families, regardless of their ability
to donate.
It means so much to our families to see
the name of an individual, corporation,
foundation or school on the door to their
Thank you for providing a home for our family
room. Many of our guest families take time
to write to their room sponsors:
Dear room sponsor,
Everyone agrees that Ronald McDonald House is a constant lifeline when your
own child’s life is in jeopardy. Such generosity in so many ways allows us to focus
on our chronically ill child. Thank you so much again and again.
– Guest Family living in room #75
A room adoption is a great way to honor someone. Whether as a birthday, anniversary,
holiday or memorial gift, a special plaque will hang on the door recognizing the person
or group who adopted the room and/or the person in whose honor it was adopted.
To find out more about adopting a room, contact RMHC Development Director
Jill Miller at JMiller@RMHouse.org or 513.636.9679.
Congratulations to Cincinnati Children’s
Hospital Medical Center for making the U.S.
News & World Report’s Honor Roll
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center is one of only eight pediatric hospitals
in the United States to be included on the Honor Roll in U.S. News & World Report’s
2010 edition of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals.
Cincinnati Children’s ranked in the top 10 in all these specialties:
Gastroenterology, Pulmonology, Kidney, Neonatology, Cancer, Urology, Orthopedics,
Diabetes and Endocrinology, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Heart and Heart Surgery.
Summer 2010
48 By 48: Drew Johnson Shares His Mission
With Ronald McDonald House
Drew Johnson says he had an epiphany: “It literally came to me while I was in
the shower.” Drew decided he wanted his lifestyle to be about serving others.
Unlike many who volunteer, however, Drew didn’t just go out and sign up with
a local organization. No. Instead, he left his home in Boise, Idaho, hopped in
his car and vowed to hit 48 states in 48 weeks – volunteering in each state for
five out of every seven days.
As luck would have it, Drew decided to share his mission with our Ronald
McDonald House. For two days, Drew worked alongside our other House
volunteers. He cleaned rooms, swept up pop tabs in the garage, played with
kids and even helped sort out the recyclables in the dumpster. No task was
too large or too small for Drew.
Drew hopes his 48 By 48 campaign will motivate others to volunteer.
Ronald McDonald House currently boasts more than 340 guest services
Drew takes tim
e to do some Leg
o building with
volunteers, as well as meal groups who come daily to prepare homeour children
cooked meals for our guest families. For information on becoming a
guest services volunteer, contact Coordinator of Volunteer Services Stephanie
Crellin at SCrellin@RMHouse.org . If you and a group of friends, organization or co-workers would like to
prepare a meal for our guests, please contact Meals and Activities Coordinator Lisa Davis at LDavis@RMHouse.org . You can learn
more about our many volunteer opportunities by visiting www.RMHcincinnati.org .
The 2010 Ronald McDonald House
Red Tie Gala Presented by PNC Bank
“Well, I must say,” said Alice, “I have never heard it that way before.”
“I know,’ replied the Caterpillar, “I have improoooved it.”
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, that’s precisely what our Red Tie Gala committee has done – they’ve
improooved it. Co-chairs Daphne Jergensen and Chrissie Blatt, along with their incredibly clever committee, have gone
simply mad for this year’s Red Tie Gala.
So – right now – get out your pocket watch, your planner, your smart phone. Whatever sort of contraption you use, get
it ready. Hurry. You simply mustn’t be late for this very important date:
“Adventures in Wonderland”
Saturday, October 23 at Six O’clock
Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
Tickets $150
This is one rabbit hole you will want to go down.
All gala proceeds will benefit the families living at Ronald McDonald House.
To secure your seat today, contact Tracy Carl at TCarl@RMHouse.org or (513) 636-5551
Thanks to Ideopia for all their creative efforts for our Red Tie Gala
Did you know that you can easily double the impact of your gift?
Please check with your HR department to see whether your employer offers a matching gift program.
5
Summer Edition
Pillars of the House Society
The Pillars of the House Society recognizes those thoughtful donors who have left a legacy by including
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati in their will, trust, life insurance policy or other planned gift.
Their generosity and foresight are helping ensure that we can care for a growing number of guest families for generations to come.
We are eternally grateful to each of our Pillars for supporting our House and our guest families in such a lasting and life-changing manner.
Lauren Abel
Bob & Sydney Anning
Anonymous (22)
Zilpha Curtin
Robert & Julie Delaney
Mrs. Stona J. (Barbara) Fitch
Tuck Fraser
Marge Gallagher
Jennifer Goodin
Paul & Linda Groen
Gayle Hauser
The Trey & Tina Isgrig Family
Robert & Mary Keefe
Algis & Janice Koncius
Dr. Leonard & Karen Lind
Bill G. & Meredith McBeath
Scott & Robi McIntire
Kinny & Kathi McQuade
Lucille Miller
Tracy L. Monroe
Robert & Dell Ann Sathe
Richard M. & Joanne M. Schwartz
Mike & Monique Sewell
Susan E. Sewell
Barbara M. Stern
Anita Threet
Paul & Judith Tudor
James S. & Karen B. Wachs
Barry & Karen Weinstein
Franklin H. White
James & Linda Wood
The Estates of:
Gloria Byrd
Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Cobb
Edith C. Geers
Gwenneth O. Foss
Joan Kroc
John Milner
Evona Evatine & James William Reed
Raymond H. Ruff
Miss Mary Louise Schroth
Jovita E. Schurrer
Mary Ann Spellmire
Kay J. Woodward
* Listing as of June 2010
For information about planned giving and ways of remembering Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati in your estate
plans, please contact Tracy Monroe, Director of Planned Giving, at (513) 636-9703 or TMonroe@RMHouse.org
A Volunteer’s Legacy - Planned Giving
“It was easy. It was really painless.” These are the words of
volunteer Robi McIntire in speaking of the planned gift she and
her husband, Scott, have made to Ronald McDonald House. As a
volunteer of nearly ten years, Robi McIntire sees first-hand how
great the need is. All of this moved Robi to make a planned gift.
“You see the need just by being here, anywhere in the House. You
can’t even walk into
the kitchen without
“It was easy. It was really painless.”
feeling the need.” Robi
also recognizes that
Ronald McDonald House is a good steward of its donated funds.
“I could not, in good conscience, leave money to an organization
without knowing that the money would be used responsibly. I
know – from watching and listening during my time at the House
– that our donation will be used to make a direct impact on the
families who need help. My time and my money make a difference
here. And, that feels good.”
With this first-hand knowledge – and a passion for our mission
– Robi and Scott decided
to make a planned gift.
“My time and my money make a
They had purchased
difference here. And, that feels good.”
an insurance policy to
provide for their children.
But with the kids now
grown, they decided to name Cincinnati’s Ronald McDonald
House as the beneficiary. For Robi and Scott, the insurance
policy seemed like the right thing to do. They felt comfortable
making this decision now rather than later. “I know that if I had
6
written this request into my will,
my children would have honored
it. They know my passion,” says
Robi. “But why not do something
ahead of time to let people know
how I feel?”
“I strongly believe you have to
give back,” Robi explains. Robi
and Scott have worked very
hard and have been fortunate
to have healthy children. “And for
that,” Robi says, “you have to give
back.”
Thank you fo
r your gift!
No matter where you see yourself financially, you can make a
difference. By including a charitable gift to Cincinnati’s Ronald
McDonald House in your
“Why not do something
will or by naming the
ahead of time to let people
House as a beneficiary of
know how I feel?”
a life insurance policy, you
can help us ensure that our
House – and our hearts –
remain open to care for families for generations to come. Your
planned gift, even a small one, can have a big impact over time.
To learn more about making a planned gift, please contact
RMHC Director of Planned Giving Tracy Monroe at TMonroe@
RMHouse.org or 513.636.9703 or anyone in our development
department.
Summer 2010
Make Gift Giving Easy
Thank You
from our Executive Director
What an amazing spring this has been. Cincinnati’s Ronald
McDonald House continues to thrive thanks to our caring and
thoughtful community. The signs of your generosity – even
during such difficult economic times – are everywhere. In this
edition, you have seen many examples of our incredible donors
and volunteers.
Our outdoor play area is undergoing a major overhaul. We have
a new wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Our Golf Classic and Red Tie
Gala continue to grow and to receive the support of our talented
volunteer committees and our generous corporate sponsors. We
have comfortable furnishings in every room of our House. Our
volunteers continue to give so generously of their time as well as
their treasures. Meal groups visit daily, providing delicious homecooked meals for our guest families. And, we have 59 annual
room sponsors (our goal this year is a sponsor for all 78 rooms),
who allow us to care for our guests regardless of any family’s
ability to contribute. All of this – and more – is made possible
through your generosity.
Because of you, our supportive and caring community, we
continue to receive letters like the one you’ll see from former
House guests Raylee and family, and visits from kids like Jeremy,
who want to give back to say thank you. Because of you, families
who travel to Cincinnati to seek the very best medical help for
their children have our House to call their “home away from
home” during some of life’s most trying of times.
Once again, I’ll say these words that we can never say enough –
thank you. All of us at Ronald McDonald House are truly grateful
for your continued support.
Jennifer Goodin
Executive Director
We all want to be thoughtful and caring in our gift
giving. We want to make sure that the gift is well suited
to the receiver and to the occasion being celebrated.
But gift giving can be overwhelming, not to mention
time-consuming and expensive.
Here’s a suggestion for making gift giving more
meaningful – for both the giver and the receiver.
Consider a Ronald McDonald House tribute gift to
celebrate that special someone. Whether it’s a birthday,
wedding, baby shower, anniversary, graduation or even
an end-of-year thank you gift to your child’s teachers,
a contribution to Ronald McDonald House makes a
wonderful gift. And, you never have to worry about the
size or color. We’ll send your special someone a card
on your behalf, explaining the care and comfort the gift
will provide our guest families.
Our guest families, if they can, are asked to donate
$25 per day while they live at Ronald McDonald House.
Under the weight of mounting medical bills, however,
even this small amount is often too much. Any amount
that is meaningful to you will make a difference to our
Ronald McDonald House guest families. For example:
$25
$75
Covers a guest family’s requested
donation for one day.
Covers a guest family’s requested
donation for a weekend.
As you plan for the gifts to the people who are special
to you, please consider making your gifts even more
meaningful – by helping Ronald McDonald House keep
families together when it matters most.
To make a tribute gift, go online or contact Shirley Wuske
at SWuske@RMHouse.org or at 513-636-9304.
Whether you’re driving through or dining in,
please remember our Charitable Canisters
at your local McDonald’s. Your spare change
directly supports the children and families
living at Ronald McDonald House.
7
NONPROFIT
Ronald McDonald
House Charities
U.S.POSTAGE
PAID
Cincinnati, OH
Permit No. 9772
OF GREATER CINCINNATI
350 Erkenbrecher Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45229
Phone: 513.636.7642
Fax: 513.636.4887
Email: SDukes@RMHouse.org
www.RMHcincinnati.org
If you receive an extra newsletter, please pass it on to a friend or let us know so we
can correct our database. If you know someone who would like to receive our
newsletter, please send us their name and address. If your name and address shown
on the mailer panel of this newsletter are not correct, please let us know by contacting
Shawnie Dukes at SDukes@RMHouse.org or 513-636-7642. Thank you!
Pop Tabs from Jeremy
Jeremy Smith of Springdale, Arkansas, was recently back in
town for a check-up at Cincinnati Children’s.
Not only is Jeremy recovering
beautifully from his bone marrow
transplant, but he is also finding a
way to give back – to say thank you
to Ronald McDonald House – for the
support he and his mom received
here. Jeremy organized his own pop
tab collection program. And, the
money he earned from recycling his
tabs came right back to Cincinnati’s
Ronald McDonald House.
Last year, Ronald McDonald
House
raised more than $13,000
Jeremy Smith
from recycled pop tabs. We were
also fortunate that two local schools -St. Vincent Fehrer
in Kenwood and St. James in White Oak - raised more than 1
million pop tabs each! Well done, teams.
Remember to pop those tabs. Just bring your tabs to Ronald
McDonald House and we’ll do the recycling for you.
Save the Date
October 23 –Red Tie Gala
Adventures in Wonderland
November 25 – Thanksgiving Day Race
December 6 – Share a Night Lighting Ceremony
For more information, please visit our website at
www.RMHcincinnati.org or contact RMHC Events
Manager Tracy Carl at TCarl@RMHouse.org or
(513) 636-5551
When you pull the tab
to open a soft drink, remember that those little
tabs add up to some
big dollars for Ronald
McDonald House. Please save your tabs
and bring them to Cincinnati’s Ronald
McDonald House. We will recycle them to
raise funds for all the children and families
who call our House “home.”