Heart
BEATS
The 12th Annual Red Shoe Gala is Coming! One of the most anticipated nights of the year is almost here! The 12th Annual Red Shoe Gala, presented by McDonald’s of the Ozarks, promises to be another unforgettable evening filled with entertainment, excitement, and opportunities to support our mission. Guests can look forward to an exciting lineup of activities throughout the night. We are thrilled to welcome back The Hips, whose high-energy performance and crowd-favorite hits are sure to have guests filling the dance floor once again. The Gala will also feature the chance to bid on exclusive experiences and one-of-a-kind packages during the Live Auction. In addition, the Super Silent Auction will offer an incredible variety of items and experiences. Returning this year are the fan-favorite Shoebox Surprise, the St. Louis Children’s at CoxHealth ShowStopper 360 Spin Booth, the Commerce Bank Selfie Mirror, and the Red Shoe Cam. Guests can also enjoy the Bourbon Lounge, where both bourbon enthusiasts and newcomers can sample exceptional selections throughout the night. The Red Shoe Gala would not be possible without the generosity and dedication of our sponsors and volunteers. Their support, commitment, and countless hours of hard work help make this event a success year after year. We extend our heartfelt thanks to every sponsor and volunteer who plays a role in creating this incredible evening. Be sure to visit https://rmhcozarks.org/events/red-shoe-gala/ for a complete list of sponsors! We look forward to celebrating with you on October 2 and making the 12th Annual Red Shoe Gala our best one yet!
EARLY FALL 2026
Birthdays July 6 Mindy Munoz July 11 Sarah Seiden July 12 Rebekah Mitts August 5 Ashley French August 30 Brooke Gonzales August 31 Olyvia Comer September 1 Debbie Kinser September 12 Tamika Hawkins September 16 Skylar Ball September 25 Rachel Tripp October 13 Alexis Baker October 17 Linsey Allen October 24 Julie Holt October 28 Beka Rasor
Experience the Magic of the
2026 Cup O'Cheer Homes Tour
Holiday Tea & Market The 2026 Cup O'Cheer Homes Tour Holiday Tea & Market, presented by American Glass, returns on Friday, November 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., offering a festive day filled with beautifully decorated homes, delicious holiday treats, unique shopping opportunities, and seasonal inspiration. One of the key reasons Cup O’Cheer is possible is because of the 200 volunteers who serve as hosts at the homes, servers at the Holiday Tea, shuttle drivers for guests, and more! We hope you will consider joining this volunteer effort! Email baylor.hodges@ rmhcozarks.org for more information. This year’s tour offers five beautifully decorated homes, each uniquely styled for the holidays. From elegant traditional décor to creative seasonal designs, these exceptional residences showcase the warmth, beauty, and magic of the Christmas season. A favorite stop during the event is the Holiday Market, Tea & Desserts, conveniently located at Life360 Church in Chesterfield. Guests can take a relaxing break from touring to enjoy tea along with sweet & savory treats. Also located at Life360 Church in Chesterfield, the Holiday Market will feature a wide variety of vendors offering unique gifts, handcrafted items, holiday décor, specialty foods, boutique merchandise and jewelry. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at https://rmhcozarks.org/events/ cup-o-cheer/ or in person at the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South.
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House Volunteer
Spotlight Sandy Davis For more than a decade, Sandy Davis has shared her time, compassion, and heart with the families served by Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks. Sandy's connection to RMHC began through her son, who worked at a McDonald's owned by Donna Powers. After hearing about the Ronald McDonald House and retiring, Sandy was looking for a meaningful way to give back. Her son suggested volunteering at the House, and she has been faithfully serving ever since. Since beginning her volunteer journey in 2011, Sandy has found great joy in helping families during some of life's most challenging moments. Whether preparing meals, offering encouragement, or simply being present, she treasures every opportunity to support families staying at the House. One of her favorite memories was caring for a set of triplets while their mother took a much-needed break. Sandy fed the babies, got them settled to sleep, and prepared lunch for their mother so she could enjoy a quiet moment while watching her children rest peacefully.
When she's not volunteering, Sandy enjoys baking, sewing, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren. Her passion for serving others extends beyond RMHC, as she also helps foster parents through AFC and Crosslines by assisting them in shopping for clothing for children in their care. Over the years, Sandy has built many lasting friendships through her volunteer service. Several relationships have grown stronger with each passing year, including her special friendship with fellow longtime volunteer Amy Grubaugh. When asked what advice she would give someone considering volunteering, Sandy's answer is simple: "Do it! Volunteering strengthens your soul. A volunteer gives their time, themselves, and their love, but receives strength for a lifetime by getting as much back as they have given away." Sandy's kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment have touched countless families throughout her years of service. RMHC is grateful for volunteers like Sandy who help make the House feel like home.
Larry Meinsen Think about all the things that can happen in 20 years. A mortgage can be paid off. A tree can grow from sapling to full maturity. Children can grow into adults. Twenty years is an incredible amount of time, and the accomplishments that can be achieved during that span are truly remarkable.
Larry is also known for stepping up whenever help is needed, especially during Share a Heart and Round-Up campaigns, where he can often be found assisting the Development Team wherever he is needed most.
For the past two decades, Larry Meinsen has been an invaluable part of the volunteer program at Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks. Week after week, Larry faithfully completes tasks that support both Houses and
through August 31st
House Near Cox South Families Served ........... 122 Nights............................. 1,326 Families from Missouri .............................. 111 Families from other states ........................ 11 Program to date....12,378
House At Mercy Kids Families Served...........286 Nights...............................2,183
the Tooth Truck, helping ensure our mission continues to make a difference for families in need.
Choosing to spend 20 years selflessly volunteering your time and talents to support an organization is even more extraordinary.
House Statistics Year to Date
We are deeply grateful for Larry's dedication, generosity, and unwavering commitment to our organization. Please join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone and thanking Larry for 20 years of service. Twenty years... and counting!
Families from Missouri............................. 275 Families from other states......................... 11 Program to date...... 5,357
Heart Beats is published quarterly for volunteers and friends of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks and The Tooth Truck, Inc. ©2026 RMHC of the Ozarks The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates and are used under license: Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, RMHC, Keeping Families Close. The Tooth Truck name and logo are owned by The Tooth Truck, Inc.
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Heart of the House Staff From The
House Near Cox South
Happy Anniversary 1 year Julie Herigodt Mercy House Volunteer Landon McMillen Cox House Volunteer Gabriella Norcross Cox House Volunteer
2 years Alexis Baker Family Care Manager Randell Boggs Development Coordinator Mellissa Glass Tooth Truck Office Coordinator April Womack Healthy Smiles Academy Program Coordinator
3 years Skylar Ball Family Care Manager
4 years Austin Gormley House Program Assistant
9 yearsBeka Rasor Cox House Volunteer
11 years Grace Stagner Cox House Volunteer Travis Weitzel Cox House Volunteer
13 yearsRebekah Mitts Organization Volunteer
20 years Larry Meinsen Organization Volunteer
37 years Sandy Emberton Mercy House Volunteer Bonnie Keller President & CEO
Current Active Volunteers: Terri Carr Jude Daves Shantel Doyle Vanessa Goetz Amy Grubaugh Jake Johnson Nick Johnson Landon McMillen Eileen Meinsen
Randy Slocum Grace Stagner Kim Stagner Scott Weitzel Travis Weitzel Jackie Woolsey
Welcome, New Volunteers to the House Near Cox South: Jonathan Merrill, Jackie Woolsey
House At Mercy Kids Current Active Volunteers: Kristy Allen-Braun Samantha Ball Aly Brown Cyndi Bussen Olyvia Comer Sandy Emberton Tristian Failla Alana Foster
Ann Griesemer Sarah Han Carol Harris Tamika Hawkins Chiquita Hendrick Julia Herigodt Zachary McCubbins Jude McMannis
Julee Petersen Alexandra Ross Barb Ruark Kathy Rice Maddie Schmidt Grayden Schmitz Molly Stood Sarah Wilkerson
Welcome, New Volunteers to the House at Mercy Kids: Kristy Allen-Braun, Julee Petersen, Jude McMannis
RMHC Staff President & CEO Bonnie Keller
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS
Director of Finance & Administration Debbie Kinser
Program Manager Laura Winstead
House Program Assistant Makayla Martin-Wise
House Program Assistant Austin Gormley
Family Care Managers Lindsey Allen Skylar Ball Tyler Biggers Brooke Gonzales Jennifer Grooms Julie Holt Zach McCubbins Jack Osborn
Tooth Truck Program Director Mindy Muñoz Director of Philanthropy Ashley French Director of Programs Rachel Tripp Development Assistant Kim Booth Development Coordinator Randell Boggs
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Larry Meinsen Jonathan Merrill Don Nance Gabriella Norcross Brenda Podewitz Beka Rasor Becky Reser Crystal Schneider Jullian Schroeder
Volunteer Coordinator Baylor Hodges
Family Care Managers Lindsey Allen Alexis Baker Brooke Gonzales Katie Haynes Julie Holt Anna Majerus Lorna Schudy Welcome new staff members Tyler Biggers Katie Haynes Brooke Gonzales
Laura Winstead Rachel Tripp
Family Dinner Spotlight Heart of New Start Church When did your group start providing meals for the House? We started providing meals for the House last June. How did your group get involved with the Meals from the Heart program? Several years ago, we had been a part of a different church Meals from the Heart group and as we were later coming up with things to do as a volunteer group, the idea of doing dinner popped into our heads! We know how great this program has always been and wanted to get involved again. We have close to 10 people in our group who rotate in and out of providing dinners. We all love being involved when we are able to! What are your favorite things about participating in the Meals for the Heart program? We like getting to meet the families and hear their stories and be a part of that story while providing a meal in the House. Being able to help these
families even a bit while they are in such a rough situation means a lot to us. A little can go a long way! Do you have any favorite memories while serving dinner here at the House or any favorite dishes that you have made? We prayed with a mom who had been staying in the House by herself when she came to eat one of the evenings, and she was just so appreciative of the food we provided that night as well. We even stayed in touch with her for a bit after the fact just to see how her little boy was doing! Just meant a whole lot
DINNER GROUPS!
Visit our Meals from the Heart Calendar and sign up for open dinner dates today! https://rmhcozarks.org/volunteers/meals-from-the-heart/
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH Chartwells Cox Acute Care Cox Dietitians Cox IT Cox Nutrition Therapy Cox South Dietitians Gentle Balance Massage
Hamilton Family Heart of New Start Hillcrest Presbyterian Jack Henry Julie Pappenfort Katrina Chaviz & Family Oak Grove Church
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS
Arvest Bank Bambinos Bricktown Brewery Chartwells Cox L&D Cross & Crown
Jordan Heinz State Farm Kamryn Hesington L&D Council Unit Mercy Epic Mission Control Mercy Nutrition Services Mercy Pre Registration
to us, being able to do something like that for her. What would you say to other groups of volunteers that are considering the Meals from the Heart program? Go for it! It is a blessing to be able to serve the families in the House. We are helping them, but they are also helping us by just letting us be able to provide a meal for them. Truly, it is such a blessing to be able to come to the House and do something like this for the families; it means a whole lot to us!
On Angel’s Wings Ozarks Family Church Parkcrest Baptist Perryman Family Pizza Ranch Pyatt Dental Rotary Club of Springfield
Shannon and Amber Team Janet Team Mighty Millie Union Hill University Plaza
Mercy Regional Resource Michael Cho O’Reilly Hospitality On Angel’s Wings Perry Family Pizza Ranch
SBU Nursing Southeast Rotary TownePlace Suites University Plaza Ziggies
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Around the Houses
Same Places, WISH LIST New Faces HOUSE
Please join us in welcoming six new staff members to our Ronald McDonald House Team!
Food Items
Brooke Gonzalez
Shelf stable milk K-Cups Individual coffee creamer Individually wrapped snacks Canned soda Bottled water
A Springfield native with a love for adventure, Brooke spent time in Florida working as a boat captain and holds a 50-Ton Master Captain's License. She and her husband also embarked on an incredible four-month backpacking journey around the world. Be sure to ask her which destination was her favorite!
Gift Cards Gas cards Walmart Amazon Target
Family Items
Beauty gift sets for women Body wash sets for men Adult and child activity books Travel coffee mugs Deodorant Fleece throw blankets Small gifts for children Gifts for teens
Brooke is currently training for a 50K race this November and brings a deep personal connection to our mission. Having experienced a similar birth journey as many of the moms who stay at the House, she feels a strong bond with the families we serve. Brooke and her family have been personally impacted by the Ronald McDonald House mission, and she is excited for the opportunity to help others navigate difficult times with care and support.
Miscellaneous Items
White Queen fitted sheets White matching bath towels Bakeware Cookie sheets Set of pots and pans Daily planners Lip balm Small bottles of lotion Crayons Blank note cards Notebooks Board games Rubik’s cubes and mind puzzles Playing cards Travel-size hand sanitizer Travel manicure sets Individual packs of tissues On-the-go drink mixes Small stuffed animals Sweatpants (all sizes) Boys, Girls, Mens and Womens Underwear (new and unopened) – all sizes
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Katie Haynes
Katie is an Ozarks native who was born in Branson, Missouri, and brings a heart for hospitality and supporting families during challenging times. In her free time, Katie enjoys reading, writing, playing video games, watching anime (she's currently enjoying Vinland Saga), and caring for animals. She is excitedly planning her January 2027 wedding to her fiancé, Walter, in Eureka Springs. Katie was drawn to our mission because of her passion for helping families and those receiving medical care. She believes family is incredibly important and is honored to support families when they need it most.
Laura Winstead
For some, Laura may be a new face, while others may be experiencing a little déjà vu. No need to pinch yourself, she's really back, and we're thrilled to have her on the team! Originally from the St. Louis area, Laura is a graduate of Missouri State University with a degree in Entertainment Management. She and her husband, John, have two sons, Ryan (18) and Luke (10). The Winstead family recently welcomed a cat named Wolfman to their continues on page 7
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household. When she's not at the House, Laura enjoys attending concerts, curling up with a good book, and listening to true crime podcasts. She also serves on the PTA Board at her son's school. Since returning to Ronald McDonald House, Laura says her favorite parts of the job remain the same: building meaningful relationships with the families we serve and offering support when it's needed most. She also values the strong connections she shares with our volunteers and staff, describing the House as an extended family. We're excited to have Laura back and look forward to the compassion, experience, and dedication she brings to the role!
Rachel Tripp
Rachel joins us from Community Foundation of the Ozarks, where she served as a Program Manager overseeing field-of-interest and benevolence grant programs, the Fiscal Sponsorship Program, and the Youth Empowerment Project. Originally from Northeast Arkansas, Rachel holds a bachelor's degree in Social Work from Missouri State University and a master's degree in Nonprofit and Civic Leadership from Drury University. She currently serves on the Springfield Ballet Board and as Board Chair of Empower Missouri. In her free time, Rachel enjoys golfing, camping, and spending time with her family, Jon, Reggie (16) and Owen (14), and their two dogs and cat. We are excited to have Rachel on our team and look forward to her leadership and impact on our programs!
Tyler Biggers
Born in Springfield, Missouri, but raised primarily in Arkansas, he brings a passion for supporting others and making a positive impact on the lives of those around him. In his free time, Tyler enjoys reading, woodworking, leatherworking, twostepping, and training in MMA. A fun fact about him is that he has a twin sibling and is the only boy among 18 cousins! He was drawn to Ronald McDonald House because of his desire to be a source of support for others in any way he can. The organization's mission and reputation for helping families during difficult times felt like a perfect fit, and he is excited to work alongside our staff while serving the families who call the House home. We're thrilled to have Tyler on the team and look forward to the compassion and dedication he brings to our mission!
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HAPPY WHEELS
WISH LIST
Staff Stuff
Small bottles of lotion Mini hand sanitizers Activity books (crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word finder) Small packs of crayons for the activity books Travel manicure sets Chapstick Individual packs of Kleenex Individually packaged snacks (Goldfish, granola bars, Teddy Grahams, gum, mints, Lifesavers, etc.) 12-ounce water bottles
Meals from the Heart Recipe Pasta Bake
INGREDIENTS: • 8 ounces of mostaccioli or similar size pasta • 1 pound lean ground beef • 1 onion, chopped • 1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese • 1 (4 ounce) can mushrooms, drained
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INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish. 2. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in mostaccioli and return to a boil. Cook mostaccioli uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well. 3. Meanwhile, cook ground beef and the chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until browned. 4. Combine spaghetti sauce, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, mostaccioli, and ground beef mixture in a large bowl; transfer to the prepared casserole dish. 5. Bake in the preheated oven until very hot, about 20 minutes. Then serve and enjoy!
Mission Moment Hunter and Julie Schenewark Hunter and Julie Schenewark welcomed their precious baby boy, Gideon, into the world on June 30th, 2026. Gideon was admitted to the NICU for treatment of Neonatal Hydrops. This serious condition causes severe fluid buildup in at least two areas of a baby’s body, such as the skin, abdomen, or around the heart and lungs. As Gideon began receiving the specialized care he needed, Hunter and Julie remained by his side, facing each day with hope, strength, and love for their new son. The Schenewark family applied to stay at the Ronald McDonald House, and because of high occupancy, they first used Day Use services before a room became available on July 4th. Hunter and Julie spent much of their time in the NICU, staying close to baby’s side. Before heading home, the Schenewark family left us a heartfelt note that captured, in their own words, the relief and gratitude they felt during their time here.
In their note, they shared how much relief the House provided during such an uncertain time: “Having a room just upstairs from our critically ill baby was such a tender mercy. It was shocking what a relief it was to able to step away from the NICU and take a break at the Ronald McDonald House that by contrast was so comfortable” They also expressed deep gratitude for the care and support they received, writing, “The RMH has made such a big difference. Meals and food here Fed.My.Soul! Thank you for all the good you do—we will never forget!” Their words prove how powerful the resources Ronald McDonald House provides can be to each family. After 18 days in the NICU, the Schenewark family was finally able to take Gideon home on July 17th, 2026. Their journey is a beautiful reminder of why the Ronald McDonald House matters: in the middle of fear, exhaustion, and uncertainty, families can find a place of rest, encouragement, and care.
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Heart of the Truck
Volunteers Jackson Carroll Kenzie Denney Sam Gamwell Kaylee Ludwig Landon McMillen Joslyn Magers Emily Pendleton Brayden Pierce Aubrey Sparrow Sam Stotelmyer Zina Umran
Anniversaries 1 Year Kenzie Denney Zina Umran
Birthdays July 3 Megan Sanders July 4 Dr. Betsy Rogers July 10 Dr. Sarah Cimino July 16 Rebekah Paredes August 29 Mellissa Glass
Tooth Talk
Dental Care without Barriers By Office Coordinator Mellissa Glass Every child deserves access to quality dental care and a positive experience at the dentist. The Tooth Truck makes both possible by bringing dental services directly to students at school, removing barriers such as transportation challenges, missed work, and other obstacles that can prevent families from accessing care. School-based dentistry allows us to reach children where they are and provide the treatment they need in a familiar, comfortable environment. We know that early dental experiences can shape a child's attitude toward oral health for years to come. That's why Dr. Sarah and her team focus on creating a welcoming experience where children feel comfortable, supported, and confident throughout their visit.
ensure all children have a cavity-free smile before leaving their school. Our amazing volunteers work one-on-one with each child to share the importance of caring for their smiles. By bringing dental care directly to schools, The Tooth Truck improves access to essential services while fostering positive attitudes about oral health. Healthy smiles, positive experiences, and fewer barriers to care are at the heart of our mission. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to be healthy, comfortable, and confident in their smile, and we're proud to make that difference; one child, one school, and one smile at a time.
Each child receives a cleaning, dental evaluation, oral hygiene instruction, and a treatment plan. Our team plans out any additional appointments needed to
Our dental assistants are experts at making children feel comfortable by explaining every procedure in simple, kidfriendly terms, so patients know exactly what to expect during their visit.
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Every Tooth Truck visit begins with a professional dental cleaning, helping little smiles shine before Dr. Sarah checks for cavities and other dental concerns.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks
Through August 31st, 2026 Year to Date Children Treated:.................................... 994 Year to Date Dental Appointments:.................1,463 Program to Date Dental Appointments:..............74,785 Program to Date Value of Treatment:......... $29.1 Million
HSA Stats
Year to date through August 31st Year to Date Brushing Participants: ......................2,297 Program to Date Brushing Participants:.................... 17,692
STAFF
Through compassionate care and a series of visits, Dr. Sarah and the Tooth Truck team help transform smiles, build confidence, and create healthier futures for children in our community.
Welcome, New Volunteers to the TT
A huge thank you to Tooth Truck volunteer Aubrey Sparrow for the time she has dedicated to helping the Tooth Teacher launch the Healthy Smiles Academy in classrooms throughout Springfield and the surrounding districts this fall! Her kindness, passion for toothbrushing, and positive energy have dazzled students in classroom after classroom. We are so grateful for the enthusiasm and heart she brings to helping kids build healthy smiles and lifelong habits! Sam Gamwell We are thrilled to welcome new members to The Tooth Truck Landon McMillen volunteer program. Through meaningful interactions with our patients, these volunteers will play an important role in creating a Emily Pendleton positive dental experience by offering encouragement, support, Sam Stotelmyer and reassurance before each visit. Their dedication helps strengthen our mission, and we are thankful for their willingness to serve our community.
PRESIDENT & CEO Bonnie Keller PROGRAM DIRECTOR Mindy Muñoz GENERAL DENTIST Dr. Sarah Cimino HEALTHY SMILES ACADEMY PROGRAM MANAGER April Womack COMMUNITY DENTISTS Dr. Aaron Dannegger Dr. Caryl Earp Dr. Emily Rockne DENTAL ASSISTANTS Amanda Honor Rebekah Paredes Megan Sanders Pasty Santiago Kassidy Tuttle OFFICE COORDINATOR Mellissa Glass
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Heart Beats
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Volunteer Opportunity! Friday, November 20! A great Mark your calendar for
Homes Tour Holiday Tea & Market
opportunity to volunteer at the Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour, Holiday Tea & Market! Email Baylor.Hodges@ RMHCozarks.org for information.
November 20, 2026