sign in sign up
<<
Home , Tampa Bay Times

Love Notes spring 2012 | volume 27

2011 Annual Report Plus A Publication of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of , Inc. Inspiring family stories

Love Notes • Spring 2012 1 2012 RMHC Board of Trustees Officers Edward Ameen, Chairman Ana Wallrapp, President John Iwanicki, Vice-President Claudia Straw, Treasurer Diane Keane, Secretary Dan Honegger, Immediate Past President

Members Message from the Brian Auld Pam Barber Executive Director William Cassidy Kristy Chase-Tozer A new year fills me with anticipation of all the great things to Tina Dyakon Brian Ford come. I am amazed to think that we are entering our 32nd year of Chris Frost providing comfort and care to thousands of pediatric families. Steve Griggs The challenge of providing the same level of service to our Jeff Harring programs with less income has compelled us to count on more Stacy Howell partnerships and community fundraisers. While we still rely on Harry Hutt many individuals to help us raise critical operating funds, we are George Meyer always looking in new ways and directions to find financial support. To that end, we are very Dan Paone Bonnie Patchen excited to announce the launch of a new partnership with Walgreens that will allow us to reach Tom Powers an even wider audience. Beginning in March, RMH donation canisters will be placed at the cash Bob Sanders registers in 40+ Pinellas County Walgreens stores. As a new partner, Walgreens is also committed Don Schreyer to supporting our Storybook Ball, along with developing new initiatives down the road for our Julie S. Stapf charity. We are very grateful to be a part of the Walgreens family. Tom Waters Other partners that we rely on for community fundraisers include Pediatric Services of ’s Susan Wendt Suncoast Classic Run for Kids, Kimal Lumber, the Taylor Family and Southwest Airlines, who raise Jill Wolf Janice L. Davis substantial funds from their golf and fishing tournaments to support operations of our four Houses. Executive Director & CEO I invite you to become a RMH partner and/or hold a fundraising event on our behalf. We can’t Donna Young do alone and we thank you for your continued support of our families, who need our help each House Director & COO and every day of the year. May the year ahead bring much meaning and joy to you and your family. Staff Fondly, Administration Joo Hooi Albritton, Donor Relations Mgr. Alison Barrick, Mktg/Comm. Manager Lauren Sawyer, P/T Events Assistant St. Pete East Janice L. Davis Lynn Lippincott, Family Coordinator Executive Director & CEO Sue Corder, Information Specialist Joan Gould, Operations Assistant Cindy Lewis, Operations Assistant Kathy Papadopoulos, Operations Assistant Rebecca Saglibene, Evening Manager St. Pete West Ann Seidenstricker, House Manager Lise Fields, Volunteer Coordinator Carla Sibilia, Operations Assistant St. Pete Central In this issue Melanie Trubey, House Manager Kensie Yarbrough, Evening Manager Annual Report House Happenings Jil Milley, Operations Assistant Tampa House Finding Hope: Ava’s Story Charity Golf Classic Betsy Wilkinson, House Manager Maggie Somerville, Program Assistant Light a Light Recap Donor Listings - Friends Helping 2011 Friends Award Friends Love Notes is published twice per year for families and friends of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Kids Helping Kids A Courageous Little Princess - Tampa Bay. Comments may be directed to: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay, 28 Columbia Upcoming Events Callie’s Story Drive, Tampa, FL 33606, (813) 258-6430 www.rmhctampabay.com Design courtesy of Pamela Raper Writing & production Alison Barrick Core Programs Ronald McDonald House® Since 1980, we have provided comfort and care for more than 40,000 families in our four Tampa Bay houses offering 80 bedrooms each night to families with children being treated in nearby hospitals. RMH St. Pete East and West are adjacent to All Children’s Hospital; RMH Central is inside the All Children’s Hospital Outpatient Care Center; RMH Tampa is adjacent to Tampa General Hospital and also serves families with children at St. Joseph’s Children’s and Shriners hospitals. Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Program, (RMCM) managed by the USF Department of Pediatrics, is a mobile clinic that expands access to quality health care by providing medical and dental services to underserved children. The RMCM travels to 40 of the 209 Hillsborough County School District elementary, middle, and high schools and also serves five schools in Pasco County. From February 2006 through December 2011 the program served 7,518 students, providing over $2 million of medical services through school visits and community health fairs at no charge to the patients’ families. In addition, the RMCM makes monthly visits to a community homeless center and a domestic violence shelter. In 2011, the RMCM program cared for 886 patients. In addition to providing health and dental care to underserved children, the RMCM program also functions as an educational opportunity for USF medical residents and students. Approximately 68 Pediatric residents participate in the RMCM Program as part of their Advocacy and Ambulatory Rotations. They experience first-hand the challenges uninsured kids/ families face in receiving quality health care and finding dental and subspecialty providers to care for them. The RMCM program helps prepare these students for the role of child health advocate within the community. Scholarship Program In 2011, we honored 23 high school sophomore students from our eleven-county area at a special awards luncheon held at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, courtesy of the McDonald’s Tampa Bay Co-op. These students were awarded scholarships for a pre-paid two-year Florida college tuition or equivalent tuition towards an approved accredited institution. The students came with their families, school counselors and teachers from our 11 counties to enjoy a special lunch and be recognized for their hard work. McDonald’s owner/operators and RMHC Board members also attend to help honor the recipients and be inspired by their stories.

Love Notes • Spring 2012 3 Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Tampa Bay 2011 ANNUAL REPORT Income by Percentage

70 PUBLIC SUPPORT 15 SPECIAL EVENTS 13 INVESTMENTS 3 FAMILY DONATIONS

Expense by Percentage

85 PROGRAM EXPENSES 8 FUNDRAISING 7 MANAGEMENT

*A copy of the audited Financial Report of RMHC of Tampa Bay, Inc. is available on our website. The industry standard is not to exceed 25 percent for fundraising and management costs.

4 Love Notes • Spring 2012 HOUSE STATISTICS

ST PETE TAMPA COMBINED Families Served 1,519 256 1,775 New Families 1,164 231 1,395 % Occupancy 70.7% 74.4% 71.3% Areas Served (FL counties) 45 26 46 States/D.C. (not FL) 28 6 30 Countries not US 12 8 16 Average Length of Stay 7.49 10.77 7.9

Central House Day Use 2011 Daytime Family Visits 2,700 Average Visits/Day 7.40

Volunteers ST PETE TAMPA COMBINED House Volunteer Hours 16,280 5,662 21,942 Number of Volunteers 244 97 341 Teen Volunteer Hours 1,560 244 1,804 Number of Teens 48 14 62

Meals ST PETE TAMPA COMBINED East 510 307 West 287 Central 57 TOTAL 854 307 1,161

Top 7 Counties #families/County Top 5 Diagnoses by #Nights Pasco 179 Neonatology Lee 165 Critical Care Polk 163 Cardiology Sarasota 117 Bone Marrow Transplant Manatee 111 General Pediatrics Hernando 111 Hillsborough 110

31 States (including FL and DC) Countries Alabama Louisiana Texas Belize Ireland Arizona Maryland Virginia Canada Jamaica California West Virginia Cayman Islands Netherlands Colorado Michigan Puerto Rico Dominica Nigeria Connecticut Minnesota Ecuador Sierra Leone Delaware Mississippi Germany South Africa District of Missouri Guatemala United Kingdom Columbia New Jersey Guinea-Conakry Venezuela Florida New York Georgia North Carolina Hawaii Ohio Illinois Pennsylvania Indiana South Carolina Kentucky Tennessee

Love Notes • Spring 2012 5 Ava enjoyed having her face painted by Nurse Bandi Aid.

63 Love Notes • SpringFall 2011 2012 Families First

Finding Hope Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Helping Kids Like Ava

Like many children in the St. Pete East House, seven- determine. Michelle and husband Kelvin were shocked year old Ava Alexander enjoys stopping by the office and devastated. Searching for answers, they got a second to chat with House Director Donna Young and Family neurologist’s opinion while researching on their own. Coordinator Lynn Lippincott. In Ava’s case, chatting What they found did not change things, but helped requires use of an Ipod Touch with a special character them deal with the reality of their daughter’s condition. application that allows her to communicate with the The second neurologist surmised that Ava had suffered outside world, since she is nonverbal. Ava and her perinatal brain damage, and nothing could have mother Michelle stayed at the St. Pete House while prevented it. Ava underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) twice daily at the nearby Chamber of Hope, the only free clinic of its kind in the United States. A diffuse brain injury is a type of traumatic brain injury that has an effect When Michelle gave birth to Ava, she was quickly thrust into her first of many healthcare on the entire brain. The severity of diffuse brain injury can range from mild challenges that lay ahead. Only 12 hours after to fatal. Diffuse brain damage usually can only be seen microscopically. birth, Ava began having seizures and was put on medication and a ventilator. The doctors ruled out infection and trauma to the brain after a series of tests including an MRI and EEG. The Now that Ava’s condition had a name, the Alexanders latter test hinted at possible issues, but no conclusive located support groups and continued their research. For evidence appeared. The doctors tried several different many months previously, the only diagnosis mentioned medications to control Ava’s seizures, but she still was microcephaly, because Ava’s head seemed small continued to have problems with breathing and sleeping, in relation to the rest of her body. Microcephaly is a requiring additional hospital stays. medical condition in which the circumference of the Once Ava reached three months of age, another head is smaller than normal because the brain has not battery of tests was done to identify the source of her developed properly or has stopped growing. seizures and breathing issues. It soon became apparent With a diagnosis of brain damage, treatment that Ava was not achieving the normal milestones for her options changed. The family resides near Chattanooga, age. The Alexanders went to genetic testing for answers, Tennessee which is home to the Siskin Children’s which proved fruitless. At six months of age, another Institute, a non-profit organization that helps children EEG showed abnormal activity for little Ava, but still no with autism, down syndrome, developmental delays and further answers could be found. other special needs. This clinic has been very helpful to Once Ava turned two years old, the doctors performed the Alexanders by putting them in touch with various another MRI. This time, the test revealed that Ava had treatment and therapy providers such as the horse diffuse brain injury – a diagnosis that is often difficult to therapy that Ava now enjoys.

Love Notes • Spring 2012 7 One day during horse therapy, the mother of a allowing her to read for longer periods of time. Her child with autism mentioned the benefits of hyperbaric comprehension has increased, resulting in better oxygen therapy (HBOT) for children with disabilities. behavior. Since Ava gets frustrated when she is unable She had tried HBOT for her son, who began to talk to communicate, she throws tantrums and those have after treatment. Michelle was excited – diminished. Michelle’s greatest hope is that Ava will here was something that might make a eventually be able to talk, but in the meantime, she feels Spa Olimpia big difference for Ava. She researched that anything that helps calm Ava is a great help. HBOT online and came across Selama As a busy mom with two small children, Michelle’s pampers RMH Grotto, the organization that funds The expertise as a graphic designer allows her to work Chamber of Hope in St. Petersburg. remotely. Her t-shirt site www.superdupergirls.com Michelle called the facility and spoke sells cute graphic tees for pre-teens modeled by Ava. Families to Mark Fowler, the clinic’s founder. Kelvin and four-year old Jaden were able to visit over Once a month, Spa Olimpia He encouraged her to bring Ava for Thanksgiving, allowing the Alexanders to spend the invites RMH moms and treatment, but suggested she speak with holiday together. dads to enjoy a special day her family before making a decision. Returning for further HBOT is definitely in the of pampering on the house. Michelle and Kelvin were excited for cards, according to Michelle. They will likely wait until “During their stay, Michelle Ava to undergo HBOT, however, there the school year is finished so the family can come took Ava to Spa Olimpia for were many factors to consider. Michelle together over the summer. Jaden and Ava are both eager to return to RMH. Jaden loves the playroom, while Ava her birthday, where she was would have to leave her job, husband and four-year old son for several months adores volunteer Miss Milly. Michelle comments that her treated like a princess. The while she and Ava drove to Florida to stay expectations were far exceeded during her first stay. She staff was enamored by Ava the six weeks required for treatment. knew there would be a place to lay her head, but not and took up a collection to Michelle was relieved to learn a Ronald much more. She did not anticipate the many extras – buy her a new iPad to use for McDonald House was nearby for HBOT homemade food, wonderful volunteers and meal groups communicating with friends families. In mid-October, Michelle and who put so much effort into making family stays more and family. Ava made the long drive to Florida for comfortable. She is delighted to say that she has made Ava’s first appointment on October 29. new friends and looks forward to staying in touch. It is easy for parents to get their hopes up once they meet other families at the Chamber of Hope’s facility. Many families have seen great success with their child’s progress, some learning to speak or even walk EDITOR’S NOTE: Mark Fowler, founder of Chamber of Hope, passed away December 2, 2011 after a lengthy illness. He was extremely after treatment. Michelle is happy to report that she passionate about helping families with The Chamber of Hope and his does see some improvement with Ava’s concentration, presence will be missed.

8 Love Notes • Spring 2012 Light 2011 Friends Award A Light Recipient Recap In For Kids MetLife

This past year’s holiday campaign McDonald’s trayliners and a mailer to featured local sports celebrity Steven RMH friends. Stamkos of the with This year’s holiday open house was his message encouraging the community held at the Tampa RMH, where the to be IN FOR KIDS. At only 21 years once again of age, Steven already recognizes the spread holiday cheer by providing a impact he is able to make in the Tampa delicious feast. Carlo Lovasco serenaded Bay community. His visits with children guests with holiday music, while the at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital of children (and some adults!) took the Tampa touched his heart, and when he opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap to heard that Ronald McDonald House of whisper what they wanted for Christmas. Tampa Bay needed his help, he eagerly CEO Janice Davis presented MetLife with stepped forward, making a significant our 2011 Friends Award for their ongoing gift of $10,000. Steven also made support of our program. Judy Keyak and himself available for several photo Carla Saavedra were both honored with shoots, during which he made friends plaques thanking them for their years of CEO Janice Davis with RMHC Board of with Martina Panaguiton, who stayed at service as members of the RMHC Board Trustees Member John Iwanicki of MetLife the Tampa House for several weeks while of Trustees. her prematurely born brother received Thank you to all our donors, friends MetLife has been a long-standing treatment at Tampa General Hospital. and volunteers for being IN FOR KIDS to friend and generous donor for twelve The campaign included television and raise $123,000 for our families! years. Over the years employees have radio, billboards, bus wraps, mall kiosks, cooked at the Houses, lent their hands for special projects, volunteered at our special events, donated tickets, toiletries, toys, auction items and sponsored our Storybook Balls and Golf Tournaments. Most recently, MetLife committed a gift of $10,000 for the Tampa House Den Renovation. MetLife’s long-term commitment to our mission includes their leadership by having an employee serve as a Board of Trustee member, and we are pleased that John Iwanicki fills this role extremely well. MetLife and their employees have a special place in their hearts for our families. Through the years they have donated a total of $87,000 for our House program.

Love Notes • Spring 2012 9 Kids Helping Kids

Young philanthropists are all around us! These Bella is only seven and Cross is five, they Clockwise from top photos show some of the amazing kids who are going to go far in business but with a big left: Grace Halula, inspire us with their generosity. Some of heart. Benji Harris, Alyssa them like Aria Reynolds, the Miller sisters, Why do they give? Lauren Balkaran’s Streicher, Devon & Grace Halula, Kyra Knapp and Callista Moss parents stayed with us when she was at Jordan Miller, Aria are using their networking skills to act as St. Joseph’s Children’s for heart care Reynolds, Abby ambassadors for RMH in their community, seventeen years ago. Now she requests a Toenjes. getting donations and in-kind items to help our donation each year from the Morris Foundation families. Others are honing their cooking skills to help other families. As Madeline said in like Alyssa Streicher who makes meals at her sweet note, “I hope having moms and the St. Pete House. Sacrificial kids (Madeline dads stay with their children makes everyone Lechner, Abby and Garrett Toenjes, and Macy happier.” There are many other kids who have Miacco) donate their carefully-saved money or supported RMH over the years. Whatever their ask for donations for RMH instead of getting reasons, these kids are helping kids and they birthday gifts. When Bella and Cross Esposito are making a huge difference in our ability to sold their toys and grapefruits and donated care for RMH families. their hard-earned cash to us, we were very A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR YOUNG touched by their homegrown enterprise. Since PHILANTHROPISTS!

10 Love Notes • Spring 2012 How you can help

HOUSE NEEDS MEALS FOR OUR TIRED FAMILIES Chicken, beef, ham, hamburgers, hot dogs Create a casserole, cook on our grills, fix tacos or Breakfast and lunch meats pizzas—any nutritious cuisine for breakfast, lunch Butter/margarine, cream cheese, sliced & or dinner is appreciated! RMH volunteers can shredded cheese set up and serve your meal, or you can prepare Vegetable oil, salad dressings, mayo and serve the meal yourself and “break bread” Sugar, sugar substitute, coffee creamer with our families after your “chef” work. Arrange Individually wrapped snacks: chips, cookies, with a restaurant to deliver a meal, pizza or sub crackers, puddings, Jell-O, fruit juice sandwiches. Send a restaurant or grocery store Cereal, Pop Tarts, instant grits, oatmeal gift certificate. Please note that recent changes to Canned icing our policies require that meals must be prepared Instant tea, hot cocoa, Kool-Aid, lemonade on-site or originate from a licensed kitchen. Fresh fruit and canned fruit juice Parmesan cheese FRUIT & VEGGIES Ketchup and pickles Provide fresh fruit for a week with a donation of Chips and crackers $60. This provides a quick & nutritious snack for Microwavable meals busy families. Instant pudding and Jell-O Baby food ARTS & CRAFTS SUPPLIES Tuna Fund Arts and Crafts program supplies with a Chocolate syrup donation of $50 to $100, or provide us with KITCHEN & CLEANING NEEDS supplies for our kids’ masterpieces. Stainless steel & plastic forks & spoons Dish detergent SHARE A NIGHT PROGRAM Paper plates (all sizes) and bowls Underwrite a family stay. Our actual costs are $65 Toilet paper per night per family & any amount donated helps Food service gloves with these expenses. Ziploc freezer bags (all sizes) and foil Clorox Disinfectant Wipes HOLD A PANTRY DRIVE Lysol Disinfectant Spray Collect canned goods, paper products, cleaning Clorox bleach and color-safe bleach and other household supplies. We’ve got 80 Dryer fabric softener sheets bedrooms, 86 bathrooms and five kitchens! Powdered and liquid laundry soap Scotch Brite scour pads w/ sponges VOLUNTEER Soft Scrub All four Houses need volunteers for house shifts to support our “home-away-from-home.” Training is MISCELLANEOUS provided. Twin Aerobed with electric pump Black permanent markers (all sizes) Copy paper - white and colored Postage stamps Masking tape and duct tape Clock radios Port-a-crib sheets White pillowcases (standard) White towels (bath, hand, wash) Please call: Light bulbs (60 watt equivalent) Lise Fields in St. Petersburg Maggie Somerville in Tampa Compact fluorescent bulbs (60 watt eq.) (727) 767-8166 (813) 254-2398, ext. 317 Xbox games All volunteer opportunities are listed at Wii games (Tampa only) www.rmhctampabay.com/volunteers. Electric hand mixer, manual can openers Griddle (St. Pete only) $10 gas cards Gift cards for Home Depot, Wal-Mart Please check our website for updated lists.

Love Notes • Spring 2012 11 GOLF 2011 SPONSORS Title Sponsor Tampa General Hospital Platinum Sponsors CSC Golden Sponsors Cargill Inc. The Coca-Cola Company DEX Imaging Golden State Foods MetLife Taylor Farms Florida, Inc. Turano Florida Bun, LLC Silver Sponsors Amerisure Insurance/ Besnard & Assocsiates Insurance Carlton Fields Dairy-Mix, Inc. Florida Travel Saver Keystone Foods LLC The Madeira Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney McDonald’s Florida Region Prestige Packaging/ WhiteHall Products, Inc. Progress Energy rd S&D Coffee, Inc. 23 Annual Sunway Restaurant Corporation USA Today Charity Golf Classic 2011 WWWayne Hole Sponsors Borden Dairy Company of Florida Our golf classic has become a legend among This year’s tournament is scheduled for Century Products LLC McDonald’s owner/operators, vendors and November 16-17. Watch your mailbox in Dr Pepper Snapple Group friends of RMHC. Each year, a sellout crowd August for the brochure! Foelgner, Ronz & Straw, P.A. arrives at the beautiful Innisbrook Resort & A new event called the “Weekend Martin-Brower Company Golf Club in Palm Harbor for two enjoyable of Exotic Luxuries” co-hosted by the Special Sponsors days of golf while meeting up with old duPont REGISTRY™ was added this year All Children’s Hospital friends and acquaintances. Another clear in conjunction with our golf tournament, Foundation sunny November day greeted 125 golfers contributing an additional $4,180 in The Bama Companies, Inc. for lunch and their first round on Friday, proceeds. An estimated 3,000 people Darling International, Inc. followed by an awards dinner, chance attended this first-ever weekend event that Danee & Mike Kinzel drawings, live auction and casino night. featured an opening gala dinner and a RTI/Sunway Saturday came early for many of our golfers, special duPont REGISTRY™ Cars & Coffee SunTrust Bank who gathered to enjoy breakfast, golf and an event showcasing more than 300 classic, Tennessee Bun Company awards luncheon. luxury and exotic cars. Innisbrook’s North VIP Breakfast Sponsor This annual event is always a success, Course provided a spectacular backdrop Cassidy & Company, LLC netting just over $100,000 for the operation as the cars lined the fairways for spectators Casino Night of our four Ronald McDonald Houses. to enjoy, including two Daytona 500 McDonald’s Tampa Bay Friday evening’s activities also included a championship Richard Petty cars valued in Marketing Assoc. Texas Holdem Tournament with 12 guests excess of $20 million. Based on the success competing for the top spot. For photo of this year’s event, a second “Weekend of Shirt Sponsor VF Imagewear gallery and a complete list of winners, visit Exotic Luxuries” is planned for 2012, with our website at www.rmhctampabay.com/ proceeds to benefit Ronald McDonald events. Charities of Tampa Bay.

12 Love Notes • Spring 2012 Charity Events & Fundraisers

Storybook Ball 2012 VEHICLE DONATIONS & DRIVER LICENSES The Cat in the Hat Since 2009 we have worked with Action Donation Services Saturday, May 19 to receive donations of cars, boats, trailers and RVs. This A La Carte Event Pavilion partnership has resulted in more than $40,000 in donations to date, which provides 600 family nights at the Ronald McDonald If you’ve been putting off attending House. If you or someone you know is interested in donating a our largest fundraiser of the year, this will vehicle to support our families, please contact us. be the one to attend! From things in a box, music that rocks, and fun that won’t stop – ALSO REMEMBER: You can add $1 for RMH when you we promise you will have a fantastic time, purchase or renew your driver license or vehicle tag. In just while helping to raise crucial funds to operate our four Ronald one year this program has raised $97,000 for Florida Ronald McDonald Houses. McDonald Houses, and $25,000 for RMHC Tampa Bay, so please Reserve your table now by calling Janice Davis at help us spread the word! (813) 258-6430, ext. 1 or download the sponsorship booklet at www.rmhctampabay.com/events.

suncoast classic Thank you to Pediatric Services of Florida for hosting their 10TH ANNUAL SUNCOAST CLASSIC RUN Red Shoe Council FOR KIDS on February 25 at Step up for Kids BayWalk to benefit RMH. This is the little race Young professionals are having a great time while raising that could! From its humble awareness of the RMH mission in Tampa Bay. This group has beginnings ten years ago to their own fundraisers such as the Red Shoe Pub Crawl and the major event it has become, this event gets better every year. meets periodically for happy hour discussions on how to help Raising $25,000 each year for operations of our Ronald McDonald RMH. Houses, this event would not happen without our PSF friends and Please contact Lauren Sawyer at (813) 258-6430, ext. 4 the many volunteers who help. or email her at [email protected] for more details on the Thank you to all of the sponsors, participants and volunteers next meeting. who made this year another fantastic event! Calendar 0f Events March 10 3rd Annual Irish Open April 1 Kimal Classic Car Show Casey’s Pub, St. Pete Centennial Park, Venice

May 19 Storybook Ball March 21 Mardi Gras Bunco St. Pete House Operations September 22 St. Pete Volunteer Luncheon March 31 Tampa RMH Volunteer Brunch october 12 fishing for hearts November 16-17 24th Annual Charity Golf Classic

Love Notes • Spring 2012 13 St. Petersburg House Happenings

New Tree For St. Pete McDonald’s Makes More Than Burgers! Tim Murray (third from left) and crew installed RMHC Board of Trustees member Chris Frost a new oak tree donated by Kathy’s Korner gathered his staff from McDonald’s franchisee Nursery. Murray Tree Service donates tree Frost Management Company to host a delicious services to all our Tampa Bay houses, and dinner for families at the St. Pete East House in generously took down a diseased oak tree November. Many companies find this activity a and put in this replacement. Donated services great teambuilding exercise because everyone like this allow us to focus our resources on gets a chance to tour the house and interact providing an excellent program for our families. with families while cooking together. We are very grateful to Murray Tree Service and ALL of our corporate and individual donors. Gone But Not Forgotten A special luncheon was held at RMH West for A Group Effort Lifetime Volunteers to celebrate their years of St. Pete is always looking for more storage service and to give them a chance to reconnect room, so when a shed was donated by Home with one other. These wonderful folks no Depot, a plan came longer volunteer but wish to stay in touch with together. J.W. Daniels RMH. Although greatly missed, gatherings like Construction donated the this help us all stay in touch. Back row: Betty labor to construct the DeGroot, Joan Hainey, Harold Christiansen, Fran shed, while G.A. Porter Stevens, Nancy Christiansen (Harold’s wife). Roofing donated the Front row: Dorothy Cooper, Anne Canning and shingles and installed Marilyn Stone. them. Shown are John Daniels & Butch Fancher of J.W. Daniels Construction.

14 Love Notes • Spring 2012 Tampa House Happenings

Keeping Things Clean Team Effort As any homeowner knows, keeping up with McDonald’s never forgets about our families. maintenance of a house is very time-consuming During a recent co-op meeting held in November, and often expensive. Having FOUR houses to folks from the corporate offices provided lunch for maintain on a budget is even harder, which is why our families at the houses on both sides of the bay donated services like pressure washing, courtesy on the same day. Now that took some coordination! of Pro Pressure Clean & Seal of Seminole, are so greatly appreciated. Jon Chapman (pictured) Going The Extra Mile spent hours pressure washing the patios, deck and Pam Plager & daughter Sam provided dinner for sidewalks at both St. Pete Houses and the Tampa families in September. They made a fabulous House in December. presentation of a very tasty meal and intend to return since they had such a great experience.

Bikers With Big Hearts For the third year in a row, Anthony Federico enlisted his pals in the Tampa Bay Desmo Club (Ducati Owners Club), Euro Cycles of Tampa Bay, and his employers Bob & Wendy Brickman (Brickman Management Co. – McDonald’s) to do a motorcycle run for RMH. He set up a collection site at Euro Cycles and asked group members to gather items from our wish list, including DVD players, new toys, Target and gas cards. They rode as a group in early December to present the items to House Manager Betsy Wilkinson. Not content to just donate goods, Anthony likes to return on another day to make dinner for the families, bringing along his family and friends to share in the experience.

Love Notes • Spring 2012 15 Friends Helping Friends

The Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay is a not-for-profit-organization that provides a “home-away-from-home” for families whose children are undergoing medical treatment at bay-area hospitals. The House relies on the support of individuals and organizations in the community to provide services to families in need. We would like to acknowledge the following individuals and groups who have demonstrated their support in many ways. This list represents contributions received from August 1, 2011 through publication date. If we have erred or omitted anyone, we apologize.

CORPORATIONS, ORGANIZATIONS $100 - $999 Hernando Beach VFW Post 9236 Evelyn Guerra & FOUNDATIONS ACH Guild Hillsborough County Chapter of Philip Hollinger III $53,000 Allstate Giving Campaign Paralegal Assoc. of FL, Inc. Dusty Jaworski McDonald’s 365 Promotion Alpha Delta Pi Gamma Gamma Holy Trinity Lutheran Women’s Teressa Johnson-Pasch $45,000 Chapter Missionary League Frederick & J. Elaine Kahler Dillard’s American Auxiliary Town & Jackson National Life Insurance Amanda Mahoney $25,000 Country Memorial Unit 152 JenSpa Richard & Cresilia Mancinelli LEGOLAND Florida American Express Workplace JPMorgan Chase Foundation Chris & Kerry Miller $21,000 Giving Campaign Matching Gifts Krishna Naidoo International Window Cleaning Ameriprise Financial Employee Liberty Mutual Foundation Kathie Nikodem Association Gift Matching Program Loyal Order of Moose New Port Mike Polasky $18,500 Assurant Foundation Richey Lodge 1747 Ron & Wendy Riley Southwest Airlines Fishing Bank of America Charitable Fdn. MissionFish Conchita Root Tournament Christ United Methodist Women, Mt. Vernon Elementary School Jeff & Carole Schwartz $14,000 Lakeland Student Council Charlie & Cheryl Williams Kimal Lumber The Clorox Company New Horizons Band Shirleen Zinn $13,000 DISYS Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Up to $99 11th Annual Taylor Golf Ferris Pools, Inc. Spring Hill Moose 521 Jessica Allen Tournament Franklin Templeton Investments State Employees’ Community Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Beebe $10,000 Matching Program Campaign George Bernardich Hobbs Foundation The GE Foundation United Way of the Greater Triangle Mary Rae Blanton $9,500 Hillsborough County Sheriff’s VFW Post 8713 Jack Brady Tampa Bay Times Office Orient Road & Weeki Wachee Eagles Aerie 4272 Howard & Elaine Braun $8,800 Falkenburg Road Jail Facilities Wells Fargo Gunn Hwy Store Sandra & Robert Buckley Travel Media Group IBM Employee Services Center Wells Fargo S Ashley Store Aubrey Carr $7,200 Lakeland Ledger Wells Fargo S Hyde Park Store Shari Cessna Combined Federal & Florida State Lockey, Fox, Ledford & Glaum P.A. Cassandra Concas & Family Campaigns Melvin S. Cutler Charitable Fdn. INDIVIDUALS Loretta Cors $5,000 - $5,999 The Montessori House Day School $28,000 Kathy Couillard Action Donation Services Morgan Stanley Beulah Underhill Estate Jean D’Angelo FL Chapter Club Managers Assoc. The Morris Foundation, Inc. $10,000 - $10,999 Daniel & Carmen Debello of America Painting with a Twist Eleanor M. Beyer Foundation Paula DeBlasio GEICO (St. Pete Central House Progress Energy Employees Emelia M. Labar Trust Patricia Ashlyn Dobraski Caring Heart) PSCU Financial Services $6,500 James Elliott Reality Church Tampa, Inc. Michael Bourgeois Lucy Etheredge $4,000 - $4,999 RJI Enterprises $3,000 - $3,999 Rafael & Marguerite Fernandez duPont Registry Tampa Bay Shore Acres Elementary PTA Jayne & Graham Baxter Michael Finfgeld PGT Industries (honoring St. Pete Breakfast Optimist Club Karen Harkey Thomas Frawley customers & employees) Storr Office Environments of FL $2,000 - $2,999 Latasha Freeman $3,000 - $3,999 United Student Aid Funds Kellie & Rick Hopkins Donald Freiday Foresters Vanguard Payment Systems Rhonda Llewellyn Jeremy Griffin RBC Wealth Management Wells Fargo Westshore Store $1,000 - $1,999 Karen Harriott RMH Recycling Partnership Wells Fargo W Hillsborough Store Bala Bellur Jean Hartman $2,000 - $2,999 Wells Fargo S Dale Mabry Store Robert & Claudia Sokolowksi Orly Hawley New York Yankees Tampa Fdn. Up to $99 $100 - $999 Ernest & Dorothy Hepler Southwest Airlines Golf ACH Guild Day Branch Tiffany Anthony David Herman Tournament ACH Guild St. Petersburg Branch Julie Armstrong Sarah Hinsz Sun Coast Osteopathic Fdn. ACH Guild North Pinellas/Palm Rebecca Ballard Coleen Hodsdon Unilever United States Fdn. Harbor Branch Vinny & Carmela Berte Fernando & Rosita Javate The Willis Foundation Ameriprise Financial Annual Bob & Patty Bitterli Amber Johnston $1,000 - $1,999 Giving Campaign Scott Bitterli Theresa Lea Kelner Accuform Angels B. Avery Network Elizabeth Boccard Craig Kilroy Besnard & Associates Insurance Being, Inc. Jamie & Matthew Bowman Linda Marron Connie Duglin Linen Rental Bethel Baptist Church Dorcas Hardy Bryan III Andrew McFall IV Emerson Connectivity Solutions Sunday School Class Dr. Terry Buckenheimer David McKinnon, Jr. The Florida Aquarium Brooksville Elks 2582 Dan Calabria Christine Medley Francis & Gertrude Levett Fdn. Brooksville Lodge 1676 Peter Campo Devon & Jordan Miller GE Aviation Services Brooksville VFW 8713 & Ladies Blake Casper Shannon Murray Top Kat Enterprises, Inc. Auxiliary Douglas Chamberlin Lisa Myers Truist Crystal Lake Elementary Dennis Chambers Sofia Parent Wrigley Company Crystal River Moose 2013 Valerie Claus Mason & Marietta Place Henley Natural Brands Brandy Conley Ana Poventud

16 Love Notes • Spring 2012 John & Dalia Rañon Marshall Jones V Abigail Elaine Woodward Ingrid M. Hooglander, Esq. Theresa Ray Debra & James Grinnell Dick & Fran Adams John Barker Antonio & Dianne Reali Jessie Guoan Larry & Melba Ainsworth Jaycee Johnson Christina Saccomanno Luz Sackett Stanley & Debra Wolever, Jr. Bonnie Deaton Faith Graves/Gay Nineties Gals Elizabeth Sanders Beth Ann Levy Bonnie Denny Group Ronald Saper Dan & Hilda DeRoner Peggy & Gary Edwards Cathy Konkler Michael & Michelle Sawoscinski Earl McDaniel Neil Gawlowski Adam Nyman James & Martha Scheidell Donald & Miriam MacDonald Gentiva Clearwater Branch Judith LeVan Carl & Wilma Schupmann Kevin Neenan Gentiva St.Petersburg Branch Guy LeVan Linda Schweitzer Erika Senra Kathy Firman & Bob Dubnule Cyndy Gilbert Life of Riley Foundation Ralph Serpi Pat Owens Tom & Shirley Goodman Sam Witzer Anne Sheldon Brian Dunn Kim Lindemann Jeanie Morgan Troy Simpson David Pfefferle Jennifer Lucas Joseph & Sharon Martineau Beverly Simmons Carolyn Pfefferle Kay & Bob Newman Dr. Yi-Hwa Outerbridge & Felix Cassandra Southern Jim Pimpinella Mr. & Mrs. E.G. Reynolds, Jr. Cannella Lt. Danielle J. Spradlin Steve Stanford Bea Pimpinella Mothers of Kelly Thompson Dorothy Steele Cathy Roumbakis Multiples Carolynn Reed’s Birthday Pamela Stinson Fran Carlsen Jerry & Pam Treadwell Sally Day John Strack Eleanor O. Rowley Joan Young Claudia Sokolowski Penny Swainston John & Adrienne Conway Harold L. & Betty Sue Romer Beth & Jim Rosenbluth Gail & Andrew Titen Carol Hamilton Coyne HONORARIUMS Marie Fricke Deana Wallace Yolanda Williams Albert & Kitty Funk Ava Ruth Boccard Mark Rosenfeld Melodye Wilson Robert & Irene Griffith Elizabeth Boccard Henry & Adrienne Rosenfeld Russell Wrona Nancy Hare Kathy & Bob Hickman Gabriella Santoro MEMORIALS James & Rosemarie McMahon Breanne L. Burns Dolores & Joseph Santoro Wanda Bilderback David & Susan Milligan Bob & Cindy Burns Daniel Sharf’s Bar Mitzvah Irving & Betty Baker Frank & Annette Righter Adam Byrum Sue Heyman & Mike White th Diane Bride Robert & Joan Rowley Emilie & Charles Phillips Andrew & Samuel Stein’s 7 Ruth Hazel Roxborough High School Alumni MacKenzie Chang-Samuels Birthdays Carole Massarelli Assoc. Jack & Lorene White Ira & Fern Stein Helen Massarelli Frank & Jessica Schreader Joshua Maverick Cress & Family Abby Toenjes & Macy Maiocco’s th Victoria & Alfred Parisi Larry & Joanna Smyth Pennye McCormick 10 Birthdays Donna Rollison Joseph & Janet Szeliga Dolores Leal Owens Robert & Cheryl Franks Christine Sebits Elli Ruth Nancy Cross’s Birthday Jennifer Kleinbart Joseph Casper Paul Costa Sally Day Christopher & Deniz McClure Eula Freeman Austin Shea Carolynn Reed Kelly & Anthony Violante Ardell Daniels Brian Dunn Claudia Sokolowski Jan Wallace th Lori Verier Aran Singh Linda & Darrough Diamond’s 70 Kevin Konkler Dr. & Mrs. Hardeep Singh Birthdays Miranda Lynn Ellis RENOVATION CAMPAIGN - Eileen McCulley Jeffrey Stevens Mr. & Mrs. Edgar Vallar Joe & Fran Stevens Tampa RMH Room for Change Nathan Fallick Sherry Eggers $10,000 Bedroom Frank & Mary Ann Comisso Thad Sudol Kim & Mike Levin & Family ALPHA DELTA PI Epsilon Lambda Bob Harris Lucille Sudol McKynsie Fitzgerald Chapter Katie Guice Christopher Torres Valerie Case Ruth & Fred Lynch Pedro Torres Allan & Barbara Goldman St. Mary’s Episcopal Pioneer Girls Francis Heimburger $10,000 Family Den Al & Barb Cornelison Nolan Unger Andrew Segall Dr. Abe & Ruth Goldsher MetLife Foundation Paula Mosiman Tally Hall $10,000 Foyer Daniel Joseph “D.J.” Hurley Edward Hamilton West Kevin & Maggie Hall Mercantile Adjustment Bureau Mr. & Mrs. Walter Hixenbaugh Ellie Hunt

Love Notes • Spring 2012 17 $7,500 Dining Room Kelly Dees, honoring Bonham Dental Arts Indian Lake Estates Garden Club Lightning Foundation Hope Dees Tom Broccolo John & Ann Iwanicki $5,000 Kitchen Appliances Ronald & Susan Diner Melissa Bryant Kenneth & Tonya Johnson, Ye Royal Krewe of Charlotte de Brian Freese in memory of Gregoria Camacho in memory of honoring Kendra D. Johnson Berry Beth Barickman Miguelina Fernandez Steve & Karen Jones $5,000 Relaxation Area- Gorton’s Thomas D. Casper Thomas M. Joseph in memory of Downstairs Craig & Barbara Hubbard Checkpoint Technologies, Inc. Thomas M. Joseph, Jr. Landmark Aviation Kenneth Ko, honoring Jeannie Clark, honoring Beverly Kariotakis $2,500 Ceiling Fans David Ko Hope Katherine Dees Judy Keyak in memory of Richard & Sharon Sanchez Elizabeth Lawson/State Farm Edward Clissold Joseph Keyak Family Foundation Trust Annette & Mitchell Martin Michael & Sharon Cobb Alan Kieffer $2,000 Helping Hand Lazaro Mayor Robert E. Copes III in memory of Kenneth & Judy Kramer, honoring The Martin-Brower Company Charles & Barbara McMillen, Kaitlyn Ebberup Conrad J. Fisher IV honoring Victoria Longo Cornerstone Christian Center Let’s Just Ride Motorcycle Toy Run 2011 Light a Light Share a George & Pat Meyer in memory School Jason Lisiak Night Donors of George & Janet Meyer Loraine & Steve Cors, honoring Robert Lydzinski $19,000 Benjamin & Eileen Graceffo Cors & Smith Families Melissa Martins Tampa General Hospital M. Paul & Mabelle Nestor Theresa Coryn & Daniel Muñoz Evelyn McArthur $10,000 Hollee Schneiderman in memory of Jeffrey McCartney The Leslie Peter Foundation Edith Smith Tomás Muñoz Coryn Bob McConnell Steven Stamkos Dr. & Mrs. Terry Tanner in Bruce & Jerri Crawford in Janet Goldberg McEnery, $7,500 memory of memory of Daniel D. Crawford honoring KBR Foundation, Inc. in memory Gregory Scott Tanner Jill Cusmano in memory of Gray Geylon of Margaret Dole Rust Lawrence & Izabella Turner Sheila Savage Jon Hammond $5,000 Mattie Vega D. Clarice Daly, honoring Mark Misner & Family Franklin & Barbara Carson $300 - $499 Brett & Jordan Daly Karen Sack $3,000 BBB of West Florida Staff, Anne Dawson H. Joseph Springer Lloyd & Vivian Perkins, honoring honoring Karen Nalven Daniel & Carmen DeBello Daniel Zimmerman Aleyda Fowler Steven & Susan Brettingen, Damon Dennis Geraldine Morgan-Benjamin $2,000 - $2,999 honoring Chris & Tricia Frost Michael W. Dobbins Chuck Nero, honoring Burns Family Foundation, Jack & DeDe Frost Elmyra Dorn in memory of Noah Nero honoring Melanie McCarthy Jennifer Frost Roger Dorn Beverly Neuhann Marlies M. Weaver John & Tracy Frost eMason Thanh Nguyen The H.O. West Foundation Karen Clark Karen & James Estel Kay Orribile, honoring Robert & Carolyn Sherman Russ Finlay, honoring Keith & Elizabeth Fendrick Pasquale Jacob Orribile $1,000 - $1,999 Baby Cooner Ed & Jill Fitzgerald P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter Q in Karen Anderson Matthew Gish & Michelle Barton, Florida Assoc. of Health Plans memory of Robert Hillman Michael Bourgeois honoring Carter Nicholas Gish Sharon Fourakre Dave & Dana Peterman, honoring Michael & Sharna Epstein Richard & Lois Hall, honoring Donna Franklyn, honoring Lindsay Peterman Euclid St. Paul Neighborhood Mr. & Mrs. J. Gray Shanae Franklyn Dave & Tina Peters, honoring Association Mr. & Mrs. R. Hall Steven & Helen Friedman Maddie Price Mary Ann Geric Grace Halula Bonnie Gabrielson, honoring John & Robin Philips Eileen Grove Hands That Can Help, Inc. Jerry & Cindy LaFond Emilie & Charles Phillips, Christine Lebert, honoring Harvey’s 4th Street Grill Wendy Galvis honoring Adam Byrum Anthony James Yagelka Dan & Ann Hayes Margaret Gamero, honoring Mike Powers Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary John & Shana Helsel Bill & Lorette Wambach J. Crayton & Johanna Pruitt Carole Martin Scott Jones/Shark Fitness Ken & Hope Gibb Charles Raffo Timothy & Teresa Martsolf, Mercury Medical/Stanley John & Emma Gifford in memory Paul Randolph, honoring honoring Chip & Pat Martsolf Tangalakis of James Gifford Seneca Randolph Timothy & Teresa Martsolf in Kevin & Lori Nissen Eric Gill in memory of Julie Renderos, honoring memory of Edith & Hal Cheek Tom Powers in memory of Alice Hatch & Ronald Brown Linda Darling Donna Nalls William P. Powers Donald & Dorothy Gish, honoring Aria Reynolds Carolyn & Steven Roskamp Patricia Scott, honoring Carter Nicholas Gish Rho Omega Seminole Electric Cooperative Nathan Scott V. Yoshiko Goodman, honoring Walter Rice Showmen’s Association Charities $100 - $299 Jamie Quirke Pat Riggs, honoring Claudia Straw, honoring Dr. Jean Aertker in memory of Charles A. Graham, honoring PICU Staff at TGH & Dr. Erle & Scott Austin Doug Hitchner Carole Palka St. Joseph’s Children’s Bonnie Biery Gary & Carol Alderman Graphix Solutions James Roberts Laura Binczak Charles & Barb Amaral in Group 19 Car Club Robert & Andrea Roche in Victoria Boozer memory of Ernest Amaral Oscar Guinart, honoring memory of Jenny Cavender Maria Richardson David Guinart Patrick Michael Roche Richard & Leanna McLaughlin Ben & Barb Anjima in memory of William Hand Angel Rosa, honoring Chip & Stuart Nimmich Reid Johnson Nancy Hare in memory of Matthew Rivera Lora Pope Bardmoor Property Owners Assoc. Kate & Ellie Flahart Luz Rosa, honoring Dennis & Roxanne Straw Elizabeth Barker, honoring David Hare Matthew Rivera Wade & Elaine Straw Teddy Schfler Eleanor Rowley Sanford-Brown Institute Tampa Anton Uselis Carmen Barnes in memory of Roy & Alicia Hibbs Diane Scharf, Laurie Kelly & Gary $500 - $999 A.H. Robertson “Bubba” Andy & Jamie Hogue Scharf, honoring Jane Barton, honoring Mark & Carolyn Biehl, honoring Terry Holinsky, honoring William Scharf’s 80th Birthday Carter Nicholas Gish Zachary Sharek his Children & Grandchildren Lisa Schwartz in memory of Amy & Michael Boccard Kevin & Sandra Billingsley Carolyn & Lloyd Horton Kimberly Elkin Clifford and LaVonne Graese Fdn. Barbara Birmingham in memory Pat & Karen Howell in memory of Cathy Shadwick/State Farm Louise Conley in memory of of Veronica Fenter Johnny Howell Ann & Charles Shelton Warren E. Conley Edna Bloom in memory of Mark Travis Dr. & Mrs. Hardeep Singh in CPH Engineers Carol A. Bloom Michael Huang memory of Aran Singh Brittany Cunningham Ed Bolka, honoring Matt Hudson Anthony & Carol Skey Margaret Davis in memory of Janice Davis Ellie Hunt in memory of Christopher Smith, honoring Charles M. Davis, Sr. Juliene Bollaert Lorena Hunt Devon Smith

18 Love Notes • Spring 2012 Ryon Smith, honoring Pat Blair, honoring Lynne Deto, honoring Jonathan & Kristina Gunter in Gary & Shirlee Smith Joanne Frost Brooke Noser memory of Al Schaefer Cyrus & Joanne Spurlino Harriett Blymiller, honoring Gino & Luciana DiClemente Ted Haengel St. Ignatius of Antioch Church Owen Jablonski Jill & Bob Dietrich, honoring Maggie & Kevin Hall, honoring Women’s Council Marleen & August Bonaventura Vincent J. Dietrich Tally Hall John & Susan Stafford, honoring Michael Bonema Dale Dion Gerard Hannon Bryan Stafford, Jr. Mary Bottoms Pamela Donahue, honoring Barb & Hans Hauri, honoring T.C. Stanmore Linda Bowman & Irma, honoring Carolyn Hopper “Bob” Ryan McConnaghy Carol Steck Debbie, Jon & Mason Shook William & Jeanne Dosmann Nathan Heathcock Eddie Stocking, honoring Ashley Bracken, honoring Craig Duncan/State Farm Ricky & Mary Helms Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Brown Ella’s 4th Birthday Brian Dunn in memory of William & Nancy Hewett, Tampa Bay Desmo Ronald & Sharon Brady, honoring Luba Bespalko honoring Keith & Bette Wright Derek & Betty Tatlock, honoring Harper Jaylynn Potter Brian Dunn, honoring L.P. & Victoria Hineman Beth & Tim Snyder Roger Branton, honoring Drs. Hautamaki & Horiuchi & Laura Hitner Samuel & Irene Thompson, Drew Branton Staff Barbara Hjelmaa honoring William & Lori Brazis & Family in Edward Dye Kim Hothersall in memory of Aiden Rae Thompson memory of Molly Ammon William & Elvira Elizer Christopher DuBois Noel Torres Brooksville Lodge No. 1676 Crystal Engelhard, honoring Mr. & Mrs. Donald Hunsader, Geraldine Tosca in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Brown, Amber Lynne Engelhart honoring Joey Baar C.J. Tosca honoring Riley Jeanne Brown Candice Ermer Tammy & Lee Huston David & Sandra Tottle Vickie Bryan, honoring Bella & Cross Esposito Marilyn Jedrey Vox Printing Preston Bryan Lucy Etheredge Dawn Johnson, honoring Steve Wallace in memory of Hardy Bryan III Robert Eubanks The Bug Eraser, Jeffrey Termeer Heather Mairn Timothy Buwalda Ricky & Wendy Fallin, honoring Lori Johnson Rebecca Ward Kathleen Canada, honoring Candice Fallin Hernandez George Johnstone M. Burrage Warner Ryan McConnaghy Michael & Lisa Famiglietti, Gilbert & Beverly Jones Jayne & Ronnie Weissman Peter & Cindy Card, honoring honoring Sarah Famiglietti Naomi Kassis Alice Wilson in memory of Peter John Card Lynne & Floyd Fellows in memory Linda Keever Wanda Bilderback Eduardo Cardenas of Donna Fellows James Kennady Douglas & Lucinda Zahm Julie Carpenter Cindy Fenyk, honoring Braden King John & Mary Zero in memory of Richard Carter John & Dianne Fenyk Robert & Janet Kipp, honoring Kevin McCarthy John Chattin Rafael & Marguerite Fernandez Kimberlyn Butterbaugh Up to $99 Jennifer Chester Wendy Fiero Kyra Knapp Accounting & Financial Solutions William Clary Tom & June Fillion, honoring Julie Krisanda, honoring Kris Ackerman in memory of Helen Claxton, honoring The Fillion Family James & Susan Jones Lauren Nicole O’Hara Kayla James Rick & Kristin Flahart in memory Allen & Linda Krzywkowski, Anthony Adams Marv & Paulette Coble, honoring of Kate & Ellie Flahart honoring Caleb Krzywkowski Carl Adams, honoring Marion & Rich Unterweger Eleanor Rowley Bev Kuerner, honoring Jarred Pitts Michael Coburn in memory of Kim & Stephen French in memory Abbey Kuerner Gerard & Alice Affatato, honoring Michael Oliver Hendricks of Benjamin Casper William & M. Crista Kumbera Karen Affatato Roxanne Cook John Furst John LaFace Alexander & Christine Alexander Dorothy Cornell, honoring Maggie Galbraith, honoring Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Laramie in Louis Altadonna in memory of Nathaniel Cornell Grant Vertin memory of Florence Altadonna Loretta Cors Carl Gedmin MacKenzie Linda Paquet Agnes Amore, honoring Donald & Patricia Coughlin Philip & Laurie Gianatasio John & Trish Lawson Kristopher C. Amore Emily & Jeffrey Cox E.C. & Rossie Godfrey Judy Lawson Barbara Anglin Curves – Pinellas Park Margaret Goz Madeline Lechner Natasha Babbitt & Zach Grogan Wendy & Sean Dahlquist, Linda Gowen Ryan Leto in memory of Ann Miller Baker honoring Keeli Dahlquist John & Beverly Granath, honoring Daniel Byrnes Rebecca Ballard Paul Daniel J.P. Granath Howard Lewinter Robby Bateman Lee & Carol Davis Roger Green Brian Limberg Christopher Bauer Julia Dawson Kendra Greseth Gretchen Losey Ellen & Ken Beebe Nancy Denenberg & Steve Osder, Patricia Grier in memory of Stephanie Lott Gayle & Bernhard Benet honoring Colby Otovic, Grier Justin Inmon Sheryl Lucas Pat Berkey in memory of Drew Otovic Leighann Gross Javier Lugo Johnny U. Berkey DeOliveira Family Betty Guile Debby Lynch Bethel Baptist Church Dorcas Jane DeRome Gulfview Civic Association Susan Mahle, honoring Sunday School Class Mrs. Vincent DeSalvo Mark Haas Robert (Bob) Cvetic Linda & Don Bires

Love Notes • Spring 2012 19 Sharon C. Maniscalco in memory Robert J. Nimits in memory of Isaac Bellotte Spirit in Mind, LLC of Armondo J. Maniscalco Joseph Casper Ethan Leaming St. Ignatius Catholic Church Joseph Marfuggi, honoring Dorothy Norton Mr. & Mrs. Frank Renda in Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Steele Mary & Jim Dahmer Thomas Nott memory of Aaron Craig William Steuernagel Cynthia Marinelli in memory of Trudy Novak Nicole Richmond Donald & Nancy Suleski Josephine Villagio Dee & Jack Novoselski Rosa Rico Michael & Judy Sullivan Stuart & Lori Markman Paul & Mary Nystrom, honoring Barbara Riley in memory of Kathryn Surprenant Mary Marois in memory of Nathan & Jacob Grandusky Wanda Bilderback Michael & Claudia Straw in Liz Burns Laura O’Donnell Ritchie Ritchison memory of Jackie King Dorothy Marston, honoring Optimist Club of Dunedin, Karen Ritter, honoring Alice & Jim Talbert, honoring Lee & Suzann Parrish honoring Mikaela Gaskin Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Krischer Karen Martin in memory of Nathan & Jacob Grandusky Barbara Rizzo in memory of Ed & Julie Tammany Denny Fisher Teresa & Robert Owen Flora & Earl Manheimer Mauro Tavarone Joe Martineau, honoring Pat Owens, honoring Jon Roberts Lisa Teblum Jeanie Morgan Sierra Robertson Sandy Robertson, honoring Tim & Joan Temerson Dan Martucci in memory of Fernando Palacios Sierra Robertson Ann Thibault James Martucci Robin Pandolfi in memory of Kurt & Jill Rodriguez Dr. & Mrs. Stanislav Timofeev Mary Bryant Elementary Joseph Casper Dorris & Roger in memory of Dorothy Tolbert, honoring James McDaniel Dan Paone Wanda Bilderback Hayden Jean & Hannah Joy Jodi McKinney, honoring Richard & Karen Paquette, Robert Roll Angela Tomlinson Aden McKinney honoring Laura Roorda Bonnie & Steve Traiman Sean & Kim McLernon in Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Paquette Adrienne Rosenfeld, honoring David & Kimberly Twiddy, memory of Christopher Kirlin Teressa Pasch Marc Morris Rosenfeld honoring A. McSwain & K. Rohrer, honoring John & Gail Paulk Molly Royal David Allen Twiddy III Bennett McSwain-Rohrer Ken & Jane Pawlowski Robert Rupp John & Sarah Tyrrell Patty Merek Rowena Perez-DiMaio, honoring Paula Russo, honoring Julia Vance David & Drema Mereness Danielle Marie DiMaio Charlotte Macy Russo Peter Vercillo, Jr. Mark Michael, honoring Jeanne & Harold Perry, honoring Roger & Bay Russell Lori Verier in memory of Nicholas Michael Zoe Knowles Christian Ruvalcaba Rick Westover Dorothy Miller in memory of Brenda Pesce, honoring Celeste Salanitri in memory of Earl Vizza Harold C. Miller Aiden Rae Thompson Richard Salanitri Matthew & Tammy Wagenblast Jinny & Ron Miller, honoring Luke & Lynnette Peterschmidt Rodrigo Sanchez Michael Walker McLain Miller Courtney & Chuck Peterson, John & Sara Schifino Ron & Barbara Watson, honoring Linda Miller honoring Joseph & Diane Schillace, Chris Watson & Family Jacquelyn H. Moore Franklin Bost & Janet Cook honoring Jonathan Schillace Sarah Woods Wells Jeff & Julie Moore, honoring Norman Petrik Natalie Schmidt, honoring Heather & Bruce Whalen, Dana L. Guest Dr. & Mrs. J. Wayne Phillips in Trevor Schmidt honoring Michael Heimsath Jackie Morgan memory of Amber Scott Richard Whelan Tonja & Henry Mosley, honoring Tomás Muñoz Coryn Seale in memory of Jean Wiedemann Tyra Brooke Mosley Jaime Pici Jay Seale Stan & Patricia Williams Susan Mullins Steve Poborka Dave Sheffield Barbara Wittick, honoring Patricia Mulryan, honoring Lora Pope, honoring Robert & Amy Sigmon, honoring Betty & Buddy Boudreaux Daniel Black Michael & Claudia Straw Kelly Elizabeth Sigmon Brooks & Roy Workman in May Mungen Cheryl Powers Ronel & Mylene Sigua memory of Linda Murphy Irene Provost, honoring Betty Simonetti Tomás Muñoz Coryn Peter & Janis Murray Daniel & Alexander Provost Gregory & Michelle Smith Catherine Wos, honoring Susan Myers, honoring Chandra Rahim Karen Smith, honoring Dr. Hugo Scavino Gregory T. Walters Mr. & Mrs. George Ralston in Kristin & Stephen Woodward Patt Wuchter in memory of Peter & Patricia Natiello in memory of Jonathan Ralston Paula M. Smith in memory of Jordan Alexander Bruck memory of Kathleen & Alan Ray & Jane Benjamin, Patsy McHugh B.G. Zdziarski Henry Apel honoring Theresa Ray Shirley A. Smith, honoring Arthur & Elizabeth Neri Theresa Ray Amanda Olivarez M.D. Newland Bobby & JoAnn Reese, honoring Klair & Roy Snellbaker in memory Petra Niedermair Cameron Bellotte of Erin Michelle Mobley

20 Love Notes • Spring 2012 Families First

A Courageous Little Princess Spreading smiles wherever she goes

Three year old Callie Anderson radiation and chemotherapy only loves to walk the halls of All attack active leukemia cells, the Children’s Hospital in her spleen may also be removed as it Tinkerbell and Cinderella can harbor dormant JMML cells costumes. She waves her wand that can later lead to relapse. at the doctors and nurses to Callie was given a high dose of help them care for all the sick chemotherapy, followed shortly children. Callie is a cancer thereafter by the splenectomy. patient who has received This was a critical time for Callie recurring treatment at ACH and an extremely difficult time for Juvenile Myelomonocytic for her parents. The Andersons Leukemia (JMML), a very rare Callie Anderson gathered all the hope they could and serious chronic leukemia. muster. After the operation, Callie has struggled to stay more than one doctor told the healthy since her first birthday. In the last two years, she family that she might not make it. Each day, they felt like has caught every cold and flu bug that came her way, even they were watching their little girl slip away as she lay in battling pneumonia, while her older two siblings remained ICU. Four weeks passed with Callie on a ventilator, and healthy. Doctor visits did not help, and her parents, Roger she was getting thinner every day. Finally the tube was and Linda, chalked up the frequent illnesses to a weak removed and Callie began physical therapy to re-learn immune system. how to walk. In April 2011, Callie had a low grade fever. She was In August, a bone marrow match for Callie was located, very tired and pale, complaining that her tummy hurt. and the Andersons travelled to All Children’s Hospital to When her fever spiked to 103, her parents drove her from prepare for a September transplant. By this time, neither their home in Melbourne, FL to the emergency room Callie nor Linda had been home with their family in at Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando. It was then that Melbourne for more than two weeks at a time since April. blood tests revealed the JMML—finally an explanation for Linda stayed at the St. Pete East House before the surgery Callie’s recurrent illnesses. Doctors in Orlando assured the and at the St. Pete West House for recuperation. Finally, Andersons that this is a very difficult cancer to diagnose, Linda rented a condo nearby so she could make a home so finding it this early was a good sign. for Callie during their lengthy stay in St. Pete. The only successful treatment for JMML is a bone Linda says that Callie is a very positive child, although marrow transplant, often accompanied by radiation and she is sad at times. Since Callie is only three years old, chemotherapy, with about a 50% survival rate. Since there’s a lot she doesn’t understand but has found age-

Love Notes • Spring 2012 21 appropriate words – like calling her fluid bag a “water celebrate the holidays before Callie started a new round baby”. She has also managed to capture the hearts of the of T-cell treatments to prepare her for the next transplant. medical staff with her spirit and bright personality. Callie The Andersons needed some family time. Linda hoped has developed into a talkative and energetic little lady, and they could stay in Melbourne most of the time, travelling all the doctors and nurses comment on how smart she is. to St. Pete every other week for follow-ups, and Orlando “Callie is a trooper,” Linda says. for treatments. Reflecting back on the past year, Roger Callie seemed to improve after the transplant, and was comments, “We have been amazed at Callie’s resilience, able to enjoy spending time with her mom at the condo grace and love throughout this process. We have watching movies and playing games. Her older siblings, been blessed to have family, friends, and kind-hearted Coleman and Caitlin, came with Roger every possible individuals be a part of our lives during these times.” weekend. Callie required regular visits to the hospital for In early January, Callie and Linda drove to Atlanta so support therapy, so staying in St. Pete was necessary. Just Callie could take part in a clinical drug trial at Children’s after Thanksgiving, however, tests revealed that Callie’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. The drug seemed cancer had returned and more chemo was required. to help keep Callie’s white blood count under control This difficult news was hard to digest, since the only until of the trial, when her counts began to option is a second bone marrow transplant, which carries spike. Now back in Orlando at Arnold Palmer Hospital, just a 30% success rate. Like any parents with a sick child, Callie is battling the Epstein-Barr virus, which she caught the Andersons questioned why this has happened to their somewhere during her travels. Linda comments, “All we beautiful daughter – their princess. “Perhaps she is meant want now is for Callie to get well enough to come home so to help others, as she has done in her own way at the we can prepare her for the next bone marrow transplant hospital with her fairy dust,” muses Linda. Their faith and in early April. The next few months will be hard on the support network is strong, helping them through these Anderson family, as Callie undergoes more chemotherapy difficult times. “We are thankful that RMH has been our and radiation. home-away-from-home during our stays in Orlando and St. Through this incredible journey, Linda’s faith Pete,” Linda comments, “everyone is so kind and helpful.” remains strong and she hopes her experiences will benefit Callie and Linda returned home to Melbourne to others.

22 Love Notes • Spring 2012 Raising FUNDS for Ronald McDonald House

It was a wonderful year for check presentations! They each to Janice Davis and Taylor Traviesa of All say it takes a village to raise a child - in our case it Children’s Hospital. Each year, Kimal Lumber’s takes a village to care for children and their families. Building to a Cure hosts a Classic Car Show and Golf Thank you to all our donors who used their time, Tournament to raise funds for both organizations. Now treasure and talents to raise funds for the operations in their 11th annual fundraising year, this amazing of Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay. group of folks has raised $416,334 for ACH & RMH!

DILLARD’S International Plaza Store Manager Gary GEICO’s Regional VP George Rogers, employee Kelly Platt presented a check for $45,226.48 to CEO Rohrer and the GEICO gecko presented Janice Davis Janice Davis as proceeds from the sale of Southern with a check for $5,000 to underwrite a Caring Heart Living Cookbooks during the holiday season in their at the Central House. stores. COMMUNITY/McDONALD’S THANK YOU The change you SOUTHWEST AIRLINES employees Brian Sloan, (Tampa place in the coin boxes at McDonald’s restaurants is Maintenance Manager) and Alan Brown presented a making a BIG DIFFERENCE to kids and their families. check to Donor Relations Manager Joo Hooi Albritton In 2011, your change throughout our 11-county in the amount of $18,500 from their 2011 Southwest area raised $423,624.75 for RMH. Thank you to Airlines Fishing Tournament. McDonald’s owner/operators and all of you who donated your extra change to support families at “The KIMAL LUMBER’S VP Kim Pavkovich and President Al House that Love Built.®” Bavry presented checks in the amount of $14,376.72

Love Notes • Spring 2012 23 NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT NO. 3023

28 Columbia Drive Tampa, FL 33606

3 WAYS TO DONATE Attention! Board Members, • Go online - www.rmhctampabay.com Volunteers & Family • Call us - we’d love to talk to you! (813) 258-6430 • Clip it - send it to Ronald McDonald House Charities, 28 Columbia Drive, Tampa, FL 33606 Members Past & Present: we would love Enclosed is my gift of q$1,000 q$500 q$100 q$65 q Other Name: to hear your thoughts Address: on your experience at Telephone: Email*: the Tampa RMH for Credit Card: qVisa qMC qAmex Exp. inclusion in their 20th Name on card: Security Code: Anniversary celebration. Signature: Please email Betsy As a cost savings measure, we have eliminated the inserted donor envelope and hope you will find it easy to donate in Wilkinson at bwrmh@ these three ways. tampabay.rr.com. Please make checks payable to Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay. Contributions are tax deductible. *By giving your e-mail address you will receive our occasional e-newsletters. We do not sell or share information.

Our Houses RMH East RMH West RMH Central RMH Tampa 401 7th Avenue S. 702 8th Avenue S. 601 5th Street S. 35 Columbia Dr. St. Pete 33701 St. Pete 33701 St. Pete 33701 Tampa, FL 33606 (727) 821-8961 (727) 821-8961 (727) 821-8961 (813) 254-2398

Ronald McDonald House Charities® Tampa Bay Administrative Office, 28 Columbia Drive, Tampa, FL 33606 (813) 258-6430