Love Notes • Fall 2013
1
Love Notes
fall 2013 | volume 30
Plus
Inspiring Family Stories
Events & Donations
A Publication of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Tampa Bay, Inc.
Executive Director/CEO
Message from the
Courage is found at the Ronald McDonald House on a daily basis. Our families
are continually challenged to “stay calm and carry on” as the British would say.
Keeping it together for the sake of family, friends, and the nurses caring for their
child is something many of our families face each day. Amidst these struggles
come one or two bright lights that help parents get through the day – a hug or
smile from a volunteer, unconditional love offered by a therapy dog, or a home-
cooked meal that reminds them of home.
Courage is a word we normally hear only on the news. Most people don’t realize
that there are courageous people among us, battling inner demons or finding
strength to get through the day. They are your neighbors, your co-workers, and
our families. We take pride in knowing that Ronald McDonald House does
everything we can to lift the burden from these parents and make their days a
little brighter.
As we head into the fall and winter season full of family occasions and special
times, we ask you to remember that there will always be families at our Houses
going through a difficult time, hoping to find that inner strength to help them
persevere. Those families are not always able to say thanks, so I will do that
for them – thank you for preparing hot meals, working a shift at the House,
dropping off a carload of paper goods, holding fundraisers, and being the
wonderful, supportive community that you are.
Fondly,
JAnICe L. DAvIs
executive Director & CeO
In this issue
Storybook Ball Recap
Kids Helping Kids
Upcoming Events
Fishing for Hearts
Charity Golf Classic
Dog Therapy
Donor Listings
Love Notes is published twice per year for
families and friends of Ronald McDonald House
Charities® of Tampa Bay. Comments may be
directed to:
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay,
28 Columbia Drive, Tampa, FL 33606,
(813) 258-6430
www.rmhctampabay.com
Writing & production Alison Barrick
2013 RMHC BOARD OF TRUSTEES OFFICERS
Edward Ameen,
Chairman
John Iwanicki,
President
Dan Paone,
Vice-President
Claudia Straw,
Treasurer
Diane Keane,
Secretary
Ana Wallrapp,
Immediate Past President
MEMBERS
Pam Barber
Kristy Chase-Tozer
Steve Eaves
Brian Ford
Chris Frost
Steve Griggs
Jeff Harring
Dan Honegger
Stacy Howell
Harry Hutt
George Meyer
Kerry O’Reilly
Dan Paone
Bonnie Patchen
Tom Powers
Richard Reeves
Bob Sanders
Don Schreyer
Julie S. Stapf
Rudy Vivas
Tom Waters
Susan Wendt
Executive Director & CEO
JANICE L. DAVIS
STAFF
Lisa Suprenand,
Director of Facilities & Programs
Administration
Joo Hooi Albritton,
Donor Relations Mgr.
Alison Barrick,
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kelly Gicale,
Development Assistant
Ashley Johnson,
Events Coordinator
St. Pete East
Karen Mathews,
House Manager
Lynn Lippincott,
Family Coordinator
Sue Corder,
Information Specialist
Joan Gould,
Operations Assistant
Cindy Lewis,
PT 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
Melanie Trubey,
House Manager
Kensie Yarbrough,
Evening Manager
Jil Milley,
Operations Assistant
Tampa House
Betsy Wilkinson,
House Manager
Maggie Somerville,
Program Assistant
Yadira Lizardi,
Operations Assistant
Courage is not the absence of fear, but simply
moving on with dignity despite that fear.
~ Pat Riley
Love Notes • Fall 2013
3
Last year, we honored 36 deserving 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 teens, along with their
families, school counselors and administrators from our 11 counties, enjoyed a special lunch and
were recognized for their hard work. McDonald’s owner/operators and RMHC Board members also
attended to honor the recipients and hear about their academic and community achievements.
Ronald McDonald House®
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®
Scholarship Program
The Ronald McDonald House offers families a place to call home while their child is receiving critical
medical treatment in area hospitals. For 33 years, our Ronald McDonald Houses have provided a
“home-away-from-home” for 44,000 pediatric families in need of comfort and care during a most
difficult time in their life. There are three houses in st. Petersburg that care for families with children
receiving treatment at All Children’s Hospital: st. Pete east, st. Pete West and st. Pete Central. The
Tampa House is located on the campus of Tampa General Hospital and also cares for families with
children at st. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital of Tampa and shriners Hospital. Annually, 2,000 families
come through our doors, looking for a quiet place to rest their heads and find solace, while thousands
more take a break from ACH to enjoy some quiet time during the day at our Central House.
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Program, managed by the University of south Florida
Department of Pediatrics, is a mobile clinic that expands access to quality health care by providing
medical and dental services to at-risk children in Hillsborough and Pasco counties. From February
2006 through December 2012, this program served 7,621 children and adolescents, providing
approximately $2 million of medical services through school visits and community health fairs at
no charge to the patients’ families. In addition, the Care Mobile makes weekly visits to community
homeless and domestic violence shelters.
Last year, the Care Mobile cared for 956 patients. In addition to providing health and dental care to
children who have no medical care, the program also functions as an educational opportunity for UsF
pediatric residents, medical students, and nurse practitioner students. Approximately 71 pediatric
residents participate in the Care Mobile program as part of their Advocacy and Ambulatory rotations.
They experience first-hand the challenges uninsured and underinsured children and their families
face in receiving quality health care and finding dental and subspecialty providers to care for them.
The Care Mobile helps prepare these future health care providers to be child health advocates within
the community.
Core Programs
Love Notes • Fall 2013
4
WWhen Arianne De Guzman went into UsF Health for
a routine check-up twenty four weeks into her pregnancy, she
did not anticipate hearing that she was having contractions
one hour apart. As her due date was still more than three
months away, she thought that her pangs were Braxton Hicks
contractions. she certainly did not expect to undergo an
emergency C-section that same day at Tampa General Hospital
(TGH).
Her twins,
Aislynn and Kairi, were
born
prematurely
at just one pound,
eight ounces each.
The babies have both
endured
struggles
due to their low birth
weight. Kairi, the
smaller of the twins,
entered the world with
digestion and blood
pressure issues that
only surgery could
correct. Almost three
months after birth, she
weighed just over three
pounds. Twin sister
Aislynn, whose issues
related to breathing
and a heart condition,
has managed to reach
four pounds and is
finally in a regular hospital crib. Too fragile before, Aislynn
can now be held by her mother.
Arianne spends eight hours throughout the day with
her twins and the remainder of her time occupying her one-
year old daughter, Charlotte, at the nearby Ronald McDonald
House (RMH) on Davis Islands in Tampa. “I like knowing
what’s going on,” Arianne says about her proximity to the
hospital. “Being nearby
gives you confidence.”
Arianne says that being
able to enjoy the RMH
playground with Charlotte
is a huge benefit of staying at the House. Arianne loves talking
to the volunteers and commiserating with other families at the
House. she also enjoys the home-cooked meals prepared by
thoughtful community groups. Most of all, Arianne appreciates
the peace of the House after a long day. “All you hear is beeps,
and nurses are always coming in,” she says about the hospital.
In comparison, the House provides the opportunity to stretch
out and relax in some much-needed quiet. What her daughter
Charlotte loves most is quite different; she only has eyes for
the slide in the RMH’s backyard.
Arianne remembers seeing the RMH playground
often on her departure from the hospital, where she was being
monitored long before the twins were born. The name Ronald
McDonald House didn’t mean anything to her, but she recalls
thinking it looked like a cute playground for Charlotte. While
in TGH for the birth, a surgeon told her husband about the
nearby House. “Betsy, (Tampa House Manager) called me the
next day and told me, ‘You can stay!’” Arianne says. “I almost
cried on the phone.”
Arianne’s
husband, Geary, uses
the family’s only car
to travel forty miles
every day from Dade
City to RMH after
working at Publix. “I
don’t think he wants
to miss anything,”
Arianne says as she
plays with Charlotte.
“And Publix has been
so supportive to Geary.”
The De Guzmans were
able to spend easter
and Father’s Day at the
House together because
of this. Geary was (and
will be) outnumbered
by his girls, but that
is perfectly fine with
Charlotte. “she’s a
Daddy’s girl,” Arianne
says with a laugh. “I
hope we get a Momma’s girl in there somewhere.”
The De Guzmans’ plan was to stay at the House until
the twins are released. Until then, big sister Charlotte is still
getting to know her baby siblings in the hospital. Though
Charlotte is a little jealous of her parents’ attention shifting
gears, Arianne says she’s very gentle with the babies. “she’ll say
‘gentle’ or ‘baby’ when talking to them.” However, Charlotte
prefers to spend most of her time
watching elmo and learning how
to walk in the RMH halls.
Arianne remembers her
first day at RMH and the weight
that she felt lifting from her shoulders. “When we first got
to the room, there were toys on the beds. This has been a
blessing. It’s so homey. It’s a safe haven. It’s a constant for us.”
As for how the stay has impacted their family overall,
Arianne says she wants to see her kids give back once they’re
older, especially after the beautiful experience they have
had here as a family. “I have seen other families stop by to
drop off little snack bags. That little bag is such a big thing to
Charlotte and to me.” Arianne says it’s the little things people
do to make a difference that count. “If you have a giving heart,
you’re going to want to,” Arianne says about giving back.
Identical Twin Preemies Fight for Life
Dade City Family Stays for Eight Months at RMH
By Coral Nardandrea
“When we first got to the room, there were toys on the beds.
This has been a blessing. It’s so homey.”
Love Notes • Fall 2013
5
Inshore Photo Release Tournament
Benefiting Ronald McDonald House & Athletes for Hearts
October 18, 2013
Honorary Chairman - Joe Maddon, Tampa Bay Rays
Join us for a fantastic day of fishing to help sick kids and their
families. This is the tournament you don’t want to miss!
When you arrive at the Loggerhead Club & Marina in st.
Petersburg (beside the skyway Bridge), you will receive a
specially-designed fishing shirt, custom goody bag and your pick
of Maui Jim sunglasses. enjoy a delicious breakfast provided by
TradeWinds Island Resorts and preview our raffle & silent auction
items before boarding your designated boat. An excellent day of
fishing lies ahead with a professional fishing captain handpicked
by Captain Mike Anderson of Reel Animals Fishing. The chefs at
TradeWinds prepare boxed lunches and the boats are stocked
with adult beverages, so you won’t get hungry or thirsty while
you’re out catching the winning trout, snook, or redfish.
Once all the anglers return at 3:00 p.m. a party awaits with
another delicious feast and beverages while the results are
calculated. The winners in each category receive framed, limited
edition, signed and numbered prints by renowned marine artist
Thomas Krause. Best of all, you are supporting not one but two
great causes - Ronald McDonald House and Athletes for Hearts!
Love Notes • Fall 2013
6
Around the Houses
Our friend Anne Casey-Strakal visited Donna Young to bring the
proceeds of the Casey’s Pub annual Irish Open Golf Tournament -
this year totalling $4,900! Way to go folks!
Staff members from our local Wells Fargo Bank stopped by the
Tampa House to bring along several large stuffed horses and
numerous small ones. The kids were delighted to receive one
of these special horses!
I am so thankful for the
Ronald McDonald House! A few
years ago my youngest son was
hospitalized at Tampa General
and my husband and I didn’t
have anyone. We commuted from
Lakeland to Tampa every day
as we alternated for work. We
needed help, even if just a place
to lay our head at night and
the Ronald McDonald House
was that and more!
Thank you for blessing my family
when we needed it most!
- S. Mangual
We don’t often take used donations, but when Shani Sears
called about her daughter Maya’s Disney Princess TV, we knew
some little girl would be very happy. And we were right! Here is
Joaquia Huagabook (check out all her cute bandaids!) with her
new TV, which she was extremely happy to receive.
Jill Ferguson and her daughter Lindsay
are always up for fun volunteer
experiences, including this event at the
Brandon Sephora store to raise funds
for RMH.
Just want to say what a
GREAT place this is when
you need them, and they
deserve our support....
helping families when their
children are in the hospital.
- T Williams
Love Notes • Fall 2013
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Love Notes • Fall 2013
7
Gary Walker taught his visiting grandchildren how to make
handmade wooden toys. Once they were completed, a visit to
RMH was in order to bring them for our families - nice!
Staff from the CSI Companies chose to raise money for Ronald
McDonald House with their bowling tournament at Channelside.
They raised so much money that we have dedicated a bedroom at
the Tampa House in their honor. Thank you CSI Companies - what
a great bunch of people!
When our aquarium volunteers could no longer help with
the tank at the East House, Kenji Kawabata, biologist &
owner of Aquarium Illusions, stepped in. He replenished
the fish and stops by regularly to maintain the aquarium.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
These are excerpts
from family posts on our
Facebook page or comments
sent to us. Please join us
on Facebook and share your
experience by posting on
our wall at www.facebook.
com/rmhctampabay or send
an email to
abarrick@rmhctampabay.com.
A group of folks from McDonald’s Women’s Leadership
Network did some teambuilding by preparing a delicious
breakfast for our Tampa House families.
Thank you so so much to all the
staff and volunteers at the house
in Tampa! You guys made our stay
there so much sweeter! Blessed to
meet you all! We miss you ladies!
- E. Brandt
What a beautiful organization
you are! We feel so blessed
to have made so many
wonderful new friends during
our stay. Thank you for all
you do. God bless!
- Bianca, George, and baby
Cami
Special shout out to RMH East. This is the
second weekend you have provided a safe,
comfortable, charitable home away from home.
The families, staff, and volunteers are all
blessings from above. All of the tangible and
intangible benefits are simply priceless.
- M. Woodson
Love Notes • Fall 2013
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Love Notes • Fall 2013
8
Lighting the Light
Give the Gift of Togetherness
W
Often when children are ill, they must travel far from home to
get the best care possible, and the Ronald McDonald House
program allows parents to stay nearby. Providing a warm
place to stay near the hospital with the comforts of home,
the Ronald McDonald House is a place that brings families
together in their greatest time of need.
Please visit your local McDonald’s between November 10-20
and purchase a paper hand for $1, $3 or $5 to support Ronald
McDonald House of Tampa Bay.
Give a Hand
November 10 - 20
It’s hard to think about the upcoming holidays when it’s still
sweltering in Florida. Plans are now underway for this year’s holiday
appeal, entitled “Give the Gift of Togetherness”, a phrase that suits our
mission perfectly. Giving a family the gift of comfort and compassion
during a stressful time in their lives is more meaningful than you can
imagine. After helping 44,000 families on their journey, we are thankful
that we can count on RMH supporters to help us continue providing this
essential service.
This year’s appeal once again features local sports celebrity Steven
Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning with his message encouraging the
community to GIVE THE GIFT OF TOGETHERNESS. As someone who is
closely tied to his family, Steven appreciates the importance of keeping
families together. This far-reaching campaign will once again include
television and radio, billboards, website banners, bus wraps, mall kiosks,
McDonald’s trayliners, and a mailer to RMH friends like you.
Our Holiday Open House is scheduled for December 12 at the
Tampa House, where the chefs from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will
provide a delicious feast for the families, friends, and volunteers in
attendance. The evening’s highlight is Santa’s arrival, where the children
(and some adults!) take the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap to whisper
what they want for Christmas.
We hope you enjoy the upcoming holiday season and cherish your own
family moments, knowing there are moms and dads in our Houses who
wish they were in their own homes at this special time of year.
Love Notes • Fall 2013
9
KidsHeLPinG
Kids
W
The Bright brothers proudly display their longboards at the St. Pete
West House. Landon Enderby (left) makes pillows for kids at RMH
& ACH. From top: 16 year-old Michael Ward on his 16th birthday.
The Helmling sisters with the goody bags they brought for families
to grab on their way to the hospital. Victoria Pritsky holds her tab
collecfion. Hailey Scheinman delivered four bags of plasfic cutlery and
ladles for the house.
We are always excited to see young donors when they arrive with their gifts and donations. It is
inspiring to see so many kids who understand the importance of caring for others. These kids are
so delighted with their efforts that their joy and enthusiasm spreads through our House when they
walk in with their contributions.
Many of these young RMH donors have very personal stories of their own about RMH. Eight year-old
Hailey Scheinman from Livy’s Hope is passionate about helping RMH families because her family
stayed for months at the House when her sister Livy was at All Children’s Hospital. Travis Bryson
Albritton collected $300 in donations for his 8th birthday because his family stayed at the St. Pete
House when he was 9 weeks old and hospitalized at All Children’s. Michael Ward’s family stayed at
our house 16 years ago. Now he is a healthy teenager and grateful for RMH’s care for his parents so
they could care for him all those years ago. He requested donations to RMH instead of gifts for his
16th birthday. Avery Triplett requested gift cards for RMH on her 9th birthday in lieu of presents and
managed to raise $380! She
also donated her birthday
presents in 2001 and 2009.
Young entrepreneurs are
also using their business
skills and talents to help
other children! April Vita
is a 7th
grader who held
a spaghetti dinner at her
house for $5 per person and
raised $335. Justin & Julian
Bright are avid longboarders,
so they decided to hold
a longboard competition
which raised $310. Destinee
Thompson donated $20 in
cash that she earned from
running a lemonade stand.
Five year-old Victoria Pritsky
of the Pinellas Academy of
Math & Science stays busy
by collecting large amounts
of pop tabs that can be
recycled to raise funds for
RMH. They are all having fun
while caring for others.
Each one of these children reminds us how much difference one
person can make, regardless of age. We salute these amazing kids
and their parents for making a BIG difference to Ronald McDonald
House Charities of Tampa Bay –
thank you!
Love Notes • Fall 2013
10
Madeline
Storybook Ball 2013
presented by
This year’s Storybook Ball featured “all things French” in
keeping with the
Madeline theme. There were jugglers, mimes,
caricature and balloon artists, dancers, singers and some
popular Busch Gardens critters.
The French theme was stretched to include a bucking French
bulldog, a hit with guests of all ages, along with an oversized
game of Jenga. Many guests enjoyed taking silly photos at the
Bliss Booth with French props, while others preferred to dance
the night away to the music of South Town Fever.
Award of Excellence recipient, Olympic diver and Brandon
resident Chris Colwill, was beyond excited to be chosen for this
prestigious award and gave a heartfelt acceptance speech. He
chose the Cystic Fibrosis program at All Children’s Hospital to
receive the $50,000 community grant.
The audience was touched to hear former pro baseball player
Dave Clark speak about his incredible journey. He stayed at
RMH while his daughter Elicia was receiving treatment at ACH,
and encouraged the audience to continue to
pull each other
along, his own life motto.
Steve and Julie Weintraub of Gold & Diamond Source provided
spectacular jewels for the live auction and Vickii & Victor
Walters of Gold Productions set the tone with amazing decor.
A special thank you to our friends at MetLife who spent a day
helping with setup. The full page ad donated by the Tampa Bay
Times appeared in Sunday’s paper after the event to put an
impressive end to the festivities.
Honorary event chairs Blake & Tate Casper with daughter
McKenzie & Award of Excellence Recipient Chris Colwill
Be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s Storybook Ball on May 17, 2014 -
Madagascar at the Tampa Convention Center!
Love Notes • Fall 2013
11
Thank you sponsors!
Versailles Sponsors
Aaron’s
Edward & Sylvia Ameen
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Besnard & Associates Insurance
Celestar Corporation
Dairy-Mix, Inc. (2)
Deloitte
Dr Pepper Snapple Group
Duke Energy
First Advocates
FKQ Advertising & Marketing
Florida McOpCo
Foelgner, Ronz & Straw, P.A.
Frost Management Co.
GEICO
Larry S. Hyman CPA and Associates
Impac Correspondent Lending
LEGOLAND Florida
Link-Systems International
The Madeira Group at Morgan Stanley
Smith Barney
Marlow Yachts Limited, Inc.
Martin-Brower Company
McDonald’s USA
MOR
Northern Trust
Yi-Hwa Sung Outerbridge, M.D. &
Felix Cannella, Jr.
RBC Wealth Management
Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union Fdn.
TECO Energy
VF Licensed Sports Group
Wells Fargo Bank
WWWayne
The Zomermaand Family
Carlton Fields
Coldwell Banker CARES
Lightning Foundation
MetLife
Raymond James & Associates
Soiree Sponsors
Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Times
TSE Industries, Inc./
The Klingel Family Foundation
Turano Florida Bun
Presenting Sponsor - All Children’s Hospital
Special Sponsors
A La Carte Event Pavilion
Ace Electrical Systems
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Caspers Company
Gold & Diamond Source
Gold Productions
Neff Rental
Roberts Printing
Tampa Bay Times
TRANE
Walgreens
Eiffel Tower Sponsors
Caspers Company
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TSE Industries, Inc./
The Klingel Family Foundation
Evening in Paris Sponsors
St. Joseph’s Children’s
Hospital of Tampa
Tampa General Hospital
Love Notes • Fall 2013
12
The Fred Scarcelli, Jr.
Charity Golf Classic 2013
25th Anniversary
Ronald Platinum Sponsor - $10,000
3 Entry fee for
eight players on Friday
& Saturday
3
Eight rooms at Innisbrook Resort for
Friday night
3 Awards Dinner, Casino Night and
VIP Luncheon for
eight persons
3 3/4 page ad in event program
Ronald Golden Sponsor - $5,000
3 Entry fee for
four players on Friday
& Saturday
3
Four rooms at Innisbrook Resort for
Friday night
3 Awards Dinner, Casino Night and
VIP Luncheon for
four persons
3 1/2 page ad in event program
Ronald Silver Sponsor - $3,500
3 Entry fee for
four players on Friday
& Saturday
3
Two rooms at Innisbrook Resort for
Friday night
3 Awards Dinner, Casino Night and
VIP Luncheon for
four persons
3 1/3 page ad in event program
Hole Sponsor - $2,000
3 Entry fee for
two players on Friday
& Saturday
3
One room at Innisbrook Resort for
Friday night
3 Awards Dinner, Casino Night and
VIP Luncheon for
two persons
3 1/4 page ad in event program
Special Sponsor - $1,200
3 Entry fee for
one player on Friday &
Saturday
3
One room at Innisbrook Resort for
Friday night
3 Awards Dinner, Casino Night and
VIP Luncheon for
one person
3 Logo in event program
Individual - $400
3 Entry fee for one player for Friday
golf
3 Awards Dinner and Casino Night for
one person
Friday Dinner Sponsor - $5,000*
VIP Lunch Sponsor (Sat) - $3,500*
Course Refreshments Sponsor -$3,500*
VIP Breakfast Sponsor (Sat) - $2,000*
*Corporate banner & table tent signage at
designated event.
EVENT SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15
The Kinzel ScraMble
10:30 am Registration & Lunch
12:00 pm scramble start
6:00 pm
Cocktails
6:30 pm
Awards Dinner &
Auction
7:30 pm
Casino night
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
The caSper challenge
(SponSorS only)
7:00 am
Breakfast
8:15 am
shotgun start
1:30 pm
vIP Luncheon
For the past 24 years, avid golfers and RMH supporters have participated in our golf
classic, one of our largest fundraisers. For some special supporters, this will be their 25th
year of participation to support RMH families. We are very thankful that so many of our
guests continue to participate in this important event.
Mark your calendars for november 15th & 16th and join us to celebrate so many
wonderful years of golf to support the operations of our four Ronald McDonald Houses.
We look forward to celebrating our 25th Anniversary of this tournament with our many
friends who travel from far and wide to attend. Please visit www.rmhctampabay.com or call
us at (813) 258-6430 to reserve your spot today.
SPONSOR PACKAGES
Love Notes • Fall 2013
13
STORYBOOK BALL 2014
Madagascar
Saturday, May 17
Next year’s event highlights the popular
story
Madasgascar. This event will feature
our event partner, Busch Gardens, whose
Madagascar show recently premiered at
their Tampa Bay theme park. We promise
a fantastic time, while helping to raise
crucial funds to operate our four Ronald
McDonald Houses.
SUNCOAST CLASSIC
10K/5K
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Charity
Events & Fundraisers
10,000
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Resort for
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on Friday
Resort for
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ram
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on Friday
Resort for
ght and
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esort for
ght and
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esort for
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00*
,500*
r -$3,500*
- $2,000*
signage at
CKAGES
Pediatric Services of Florida annually hosts the SUNCOAST
CLASSIC RUN FOR KIDS in downtown St. Pete to raise significant
funds for Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay.
This family-friendly event features food, music, awards and
activities for the kids. The event is also a USATF-certified 10K and
5K race. Early registration is NOW OPEN, and you are encouraged
to set up your own fundraising page to make a bigger impact for
Ronald McDonald House. Please join us as we have fun with kids,
for kids!
Visit www.runforkids.com today.
TAMPA RIVER LIGHTS FESTIVAL
Saturday, December 14th
Curtis Hixon Park, Tampa
Benefitting Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay
Imagine the Hillsborough River aglow with hundreds of lighted
globes, bobbing along in the waves. That is only part of the
magical appeal of this unique holiday celebration that comes to
Tampa for the second year this December.
This family-friendly event in downtown Tampa features live music,
great food and beverages, and ends with a fantastic fireworks
display. Best of all....the event is FREE!
The Tampa River Lights Festival is the perfect complement to
our annual Light a Light & Share a Night holiday appeal. Now
the lights are bigger and brighter than ever as our community
celebrates the joy of the holiday season. We are delighted to be
the beneficiary of this event by the Tampa Bay Leadership Alumni
and hope you will join us this December 14th!
PAINTING WITH A PURPOSE E ST. PETE
Tuesday, November 12, 7-9 pm
$35 pp (2 Hour Class)
This is the piece that everyone will paint.
Half of the proceeds benefit Ronald
McDonald House.
Harvey’s 4th Street Grill will provide snacks.
You may bring wine or a beverage of your
choice.
Reservations are required and may
be made by phone or on-line. Please
contact Melanie Trubey at 727.767.3026
(mtrubey@rmhctampabay.com). Seating is
limited. Please arrive at 6:30–6:45 p.m.
H2OEHUMOR TO OUTREACH
Coming to a church near you!
We are launching a series of shows in
area churches. H2O - Humor to Outreach,
is a group of Christian comedians who
entertain and evangelize at the same
time. They bring a clean and funny
comedy show to churches throughout
the Tampa Bay area and have raised
thousands of dollars for worthwhile
causes like the RMH.
Please consider hosting one of these
shows at your own church so that we can
raise much-needed funds and awareness
to support the 2,000 families who stay
with us each year.
Pete O’Shea hosts two daily shows on
WTIS AM 1110 (a St. Petersburg Christian
radio station) and is the founder of H20 -
Humor to Outreach.
Pete will feature you as a guest on his
radio show to promote your church and
help you find a good date. You can help
RMH families and raise funds for your
own church. Please call Pete O’Shea at
(727) 710-4094 TODAY!
www.tampariverlightsfestival.org
Love Notes • Fall 2013
14
We’re going to THe DOGS
Initially used in a mental health facility in the 1700s and again by the American Red Cross in military convalescent care
after World War II, pets as therapeutic partners is a valued approach today in both the physical and psychosocial arenas.
Anyone who has felt a connection with a pet and experienced that unconditional love, understanding, and acceptance,
knows the value of a pet’s companionship. These qualities make animals ideal therapeutic visitors for patients in hospitals
and other medical facilities.
Joel Ortega-Ortiz & Eilzabeth
Zuniga with Bernie (Goldadore)
Bob & Mary Sinibaldi with
Saber T & Clovis (Labs)
Ann Goldman & Lacie
(Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)
Ziggy (Rough Collie) - owned by
Karen Jahnig
Victoria Martin & Buster (Lab)
Bear (Coton De Tulear) - owned
by Candace Coughlin
East House “guard dog”, Kerri, with East House Night Manager Rebecca Saglibene
Caroline Jacobs & Lilly (Yorkie)
Love Notes • Fall 2013
15
Barry Dingman & Levi (Golden Retriever)
Roberta Dickson & Maggie Mae
(Scottish Terrier)
Larry Swartz & Baby (Havanese)
Bobbie Mosher & Maya
(Golden Retriever)
Diva & Diamond (Maltese) - owned by Linda Jackson
Jennifer Donovan & Teddy
(Poodle)
Tim Bradshaw & Ernie
(Cairn Terrier)
PK Lichenberger & Snapper (Lab)
Phoebe (Shetland Sheep Dog) with guest Juliana Pacheco -
owned by Anthony Skey
We are very proud of our therapy dog program, which currently has 18 dogs who visit the St. Pete East House, much to the delight
of our families. Each dog brings their own personality to the house, since some love to play fetch while others enjoy cuddling and
bringing a smile to anyone who will pay them attention. We are grateful to each of our dog therapy handlers, who make Ronald
McDonald House an important stop on their rounds. Many of the handlers also take their dogs to see the kids at All Children’s
Hospital. Not pictured: Linda Biller & Yogi and Katy Whitmire & Indy.
Love Notes • Fall 2013
16
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 January 1, 2013 through publication date. If we have erred or omitted anyone, we
apologize.
FriendsHeLPinG
Friends
Love Notes • Fall 2013
16
CORPORATIONS, ORGANIZATIONS
& FOUNDATIONS
$138,730
McDonald’s “Hands” Fundraiser
$76,000
RMHC Global for RMHCTB
Scholarships Grant
$65,000
McDonald’s 365 Promotion
$25,000
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
$20,500
2013 Suncoast Classic
“Run for Kids”
$18,456
Coca-Cola North America
$15,000 - $15,999
LEGOLAND Florida
Suncoast Region Porsche Club of
America, Inc.
$14,000 - $14,999
Combined Federal & Florida State
Campaigns
$13,000 - $13,999
Alpha Delta Pi, Epsilon Lambda
Chapter
$10,200
Dominion Enterprises
$7,000-$7,999
The CSI Companies – Tampa House
“Room for Change”
Ollie’s Wake-Skate-Skim in
Memory of Gregg Hollfelder
Caddy Carts, Inc.
The Creative Group
Marcia & Donald DelBiondo
Andrew & Angela Drummond
Eastward Sports Group, Inc.
Ronald & Linda Gibson
Mark Hollfelder
Richard McKelvain
Paulette Moulton
Lauren & Brian Moyle
The Mueller Group, Inc.
Christopher Odierna
Karen Odierna
Ronald Odierna
Ollie’s Wake-Skate-Skim
Deborah Scott
Stacy & Timothy Storck
Bridget Yukniewicz
$6,000 -$6,999
Barry University Physician
Assistant Student Assoc.
Tampa Bay Times
$5,000
Florida Chapter Club Managers
Association of America
GFWC Clearwater Junior Woman’s
Club - Central House “Helping
Hands”
International Window Cleaning
Assoc.
Leadership Tampa Alumni – Tampa
House “Room for Change”
$4,000
Florida Farm Bureau Women
Leadership Committee
McDonald’s Florida Region
$3,000 - $3,999
A Few More Good Men – St
Pete Central House Dining
Room
Amerisure Insurance
Red Shoe Council
RMH Recycling Partnership
USA Today
$2,000 - $2,999
Doral Village Women’s Club
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
First United Methodist Church,
St. Petersburg
JPMorgan Chase Foundation
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries,
Lakeland
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries,
Sarasota
Mercantile Adjustment Bureau –
Tampa House “Room for
Change”
Progress Energy Foundation
Suncoast Golf Course
Superintendents Assoc., Inc.
Sun Coast Osteopathic Fdn.
Walmart Foundation
$1,000 - $1,999
Alpha Delta Pi, Gamma Gamma
Chapter
Bay Vista Fundamental PTA
Catalina Marketing Charitable
Foundation C.A.R.E. Team
Copperhead Charities
Countryside Montessori Charter
School
Lakeland Ledger
Martin-Brower Employees
N.O.T.E. National Organization for
Transplant Enlightenment
Power Design
Rasmussen College
United Natural Foods
$100 - $999
Accuform Angels
ACH Guild General Meeting
ACH Guild Evening Branch
ACH Guild St. Petersburg Branch
The Allstate Foundation
Alpha Delta Pi Vandy Chapter
Alumni
American Express Workplace
Giving
American Express Corporate
Match
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 8
American Legion Auxiliary Post 252
Barbara Persson and Donald H.
Brierley Foundation
BB&T Association Services
Bethel Baptist Church Dorcas Class
Project
Buena Vista Women’s Club
Caribbean Isles Good Times Group
Caribbean Isles Homeowners Assoc.
Caring Survivors of New Port
Richey
Caspers Company
Coinstar
Cub Scout Pack 606
Downtown Business Association of
St. Pete
Fit Body 2 Fit Mind
Franklin Templeton Investments
Matching Program
Full Gospel Bible Teaching
Fellowship
The GE Foundation
G. Honeywell Consulting
GIFF
Rock the Loft Event
Goddard Schools
HealthSource of Manatee East
IBM Employees
Jacobs Engineering “Jeans” Fund
Lockheed Martin Volunteer Action
Committee
The Mandarin Hide
Marathon Petroleum Corp. PAC-
Matching Gift Program
Martin-Brower – Tampa House
“Room for Change”
McDonald’s Corporation
Morgan Stanley
Neiman Marcus
Heart & Sole Event
O’Reilly Auto Parts
Our Savior Lutheran Church
Schools
Park Place MRI
Peace River Woodturners
Pokeno Ladies of Caribbean Isles
Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts
Program
RBC Foundation – USA
Risser Oil Corporation
Rotary Club of New Port Richey
Selling Tampa Bay
St. Jude Cathedral School
Sunshine Theater Company
Swope Rodante
Tampa Bay Times Fund
Tennessee Bun Company
Verisk Analytics
Walled Lake Northern School
World of Knowledge
Women of the Moose
Zeta Amicae, Zeta Gamma Zeta
Chapter
Up to $99
ACH Pathology & Laboratory
Medicine
Air Canada
Allstate Giving Campaign
Bethel AME Church Hattie Lilly Unit
Brooker Creek Elementary School
Cairns Law, P.A.
Designer Fragrances
Disney EARS to You Fund
Downtown Optimist Club,
St. Petersburg
Eagles of Weeki Wachee
Elks Lodge 2582
Empire Office Employees
Florida School Nutrition Assn.
Florida Women in Government
Suncoast Chapter
Frontier Elementary School
Girl Scouts of West Central Florida
The Goddard School
Henley Natural Brands
Hewlett-Packard
Inwood Elementary School “Green
Team”
Jackson National Community Fund
Lakeview Elementary School
Mt. Vernon Elementary School
Love Notes • Fall 2013
17
Palm Harbor Newcomers Club
Paralegal Assoc. of FL, Hillsborough
Chapter
Storr Office Environments of FL
Taunton Police Mutual Benefit
Assoc.
Verizon Foundation
VFW Post 9236
INDIVIDUALS
$150,000
Gail Handel
$7,000
Rhonda Llewellyn
$5,000 - $5,999
Michael Bourgeois
Heidi Hess (Dr. Gary Haas Heart
Fund within the Community
Foundation of Tampa Bay)
$4,000 - $4,999
Jeffrey & Carole Schwartz
$3,000
Bohdan A. Kohut
$2,000 - $2,999
Peter & Julie Campo – Tampa House
“Room for Change”
Connie & Evan Duglin
Dr. & Mrs. Gregory Gebauer
$1,000 - $1,999
Alex Collin
Zebulon & Alyson Delp
Luis & April Gago
Rick & Kellie Hopkins
Kristi Keoughan & Jean Bonnier
Carol Martin
Bill McFarland
Avis Medina
Saul Mendoza & Yasmina Martin
Jesus Rodriguez & Maria Dubuc
Kevin Smith
$100 - $999
Scott Anderson
Juana & Eduirdo Aquirre
Crystal & Nicholas Baroni
Bala Bellur
Essie Anita Bland
Melisa Bodnar
Justin & Julian Bright
Dana Brown
James & Brenda Cates
Shari Cessna
Douglas Chamberlin
Valerie Claus
Jeffery Cole
Jordan Collins
Kathy Couillard
James Elliott
Cheryl Erinc
Nikki & Troy Finney
Christie Geren
Roman & Natalie Gimpelevich
Vicki & Bob Hagmann
Erin Hall
Janet Hall
Barry Hamel
Mr. & Mrs. Ian Hayes
Ashley Hoeksema
Brianna Hohman
Daryl House
Shirley Houser
Nicholas Jacobson
Subathra Janarthanam & Karthik
Amarnath
Dusty Jaworski
Teressa Johnson-Pasch
John & Cathy Ann Kimmel
Dean & Eva Lindstrom
Marie Loesch
Gwendolyn Martone
Melanie McCarthy
Wanda Medina & Migael Rivera
Todd Miller
John Nicklin
John & Shawn O’Connor
Erin & Alex Paschold
Henrry & Janelle Perez
Kerry O’Reilly
Fran Peek
Michael & Elizabeth Pierce
Abigail & Tom Ray
Patricia Regan
Wendy & Ron Riley
Ellen Schiffer
Carl Schupmann
Ryan Slattery
Julie & Jason Spears
Terry & Antionette St. Clair
G.R. Sutton
Louise Tedesco
Kristy & Steven Tozer
John & Elizabeth Vita
Richard Walters & Melissa
Giovanni-Walters
Kim Westmoreland
Mary Alice Wheeler
Esther Will
Kenneth Williams
Emmett & Susan Wilson
Mark Younger (USF Class Project)
Shirleen Zinn
Up to $99
Frank Acerra
Judy Allen
Amore Family
Kristie Angell
Anita Assha
Patty Aubin
Mary Jean Bacher
Paul Bacher
Jessica Bastien-Jefferson
Joyce Beltrami
Laura Brady
Laura Brickey
Michael Burke
Tara Cauthen
Amanda Cooper
Brenda Crocker
Jean D’Angelo
Sandy Darrow
Michael Davis
Marie Decade
Donald Deligio
Melissa DeVine
Dale Dion
Debbie Dodge
Eileen Dougan
Erin Eshelman
Wayne Farmer
George & Roseann Fisher
Thomas Frawley
Donald Freiday
Lauren Gastineau
Eileen Golisz
Denise Griffin
G.V. & N.L. Hahn
Loida Esther Hall
Eric Hartman
Betty Henderson
Sarah Hinsz
Laura Hitner
Amanda Holste
Tammatha Hutton
Raleigh & Julia Jackson
Robyn King
Kimberly Leach
Brittany Lee
Lorri Lilja
Edward Lopez
William & Elizabeth McBurnie
Stephen & Heather McConnell
J.T. McCormick
Kevin McCune
Richard McDonald
Jennifer & Phil McGarry
Laurie A. McKenna
Christopher McMahon
Caleb Meadowcroft
Therese Menefee
Anthony Midthun
Amanda & Michael Miller
Beverly Miller
Kacie Miller
Heather Milligan
Karen Moore
Tracey Morris
Pamela Nagle
Evangeline Nelson
John Nicklin
Sally Ann Pebler
Cindy Pennington
Lacourtney Quartermon
Terry Ray
Krista Reedy
Darrel & Kelly Register
Buck Reuter
Lydia Riddle
Pamela Rodriguez
Cara Rood
Michael Roth
Luz Sackett
Thomas Santomaggio
Carol Sarhaddi
Candy Scherer
Tiffany Smith
Fran Stevens
Gretchen Tenbrock
Destinee Thompson
Charles & Lisa Ann Tripp
Layla Trump
Sharen Usry
Emily Lynne Van Horn
Juan Vazquez
Stacie Velliquette
Sheila White
Charles & Sandra Wilkinson
Yolanda Williams
Melodye Wilson
Maria Yanda
Jonathan Zimmer
Love Notes • Fall 2013
18
Mr. & Mrs. Jack Daigle
Alexander & Janice Dreier
Jay & Linda Freedman
Robert & Jayne Gunther
Kate Headline
Alison Moore
Sherry Murray
Ed & Foli Nair
Timothy Noonan
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Pence
Ivan & Sandra Sabel
Yvonne Siu
Richard Vopelak
Mr. & Mrs. George “Russ”
Waterman
Stefanie Weiss
Margaret Hillyer
Tom Powers
CJ Hoffman
Raven Internet Marketing Tools
Nadine Hoffman
Beneva Pines Homeowners Assoc.
Kathi Coleman
Elma Hoffman
Doug & Pam Miller
Betty Jane Parks
Jack Hollfelder
Dianne Harper
Theodora Issa Houdini
Anthony & Ruth Fiorello
Catherine A. Fiorello
Gladys Gress
Sandi Heher
Barbara Lucia
Joan Pompa
Frank & Kathleen Rice
Salvation Army Advisory Board –
Bridgeport, CT
Robert Stilson
Karen Wakeley
Michele Wakeley McGhee
Vivian Wakeley
Joe Hunsader
Richard & Iris Stripling
Victoria Jablonski
Marion Jablonski
Bernie Kendall
Tom Powers
Lorraine Kosnick
Barbara Burkhart
Bob Kruchten
Lorraine Noddin
Jordin Krueger-Medina
Bob & Mary Anderson
Joan Larsen
Janet Parks
Morgan Lastowski
Hilarie Blevins
Megan Dyson
Adam McAlpin
Jim & Luanne Sandlin
Christa Singleton
Raymond Lawless
Steve & Sue Brettingen
Dale H. Lonsbury
Helen Boruff
United Auto Parts, Inc.
Warren Mamlock
Janet Parks
Flora & Earl Manheimer
Barbara Rizzo
Consetta “Tina” Masciarelli
Robert & Janet Denneen
James & Gail Giordano
Tom & Rose Mary Thompson
Mary Mauldin
Janet Parks
Jordan Medina
Patricia Williams & Molly Kirkpatrick
Al Mulligan
Bob Dubrule & Kathy Firman
Adrianna & Jenna Muzidal
Alena Muzidal
Maria Victoria Orbe
Allison Adams
Blake Casper
Frost Family
J.V. & Son, Inc.
McDonald’s Corp. FL Region
Nicole Puyod
Karen Chan
Phillip J. Rizzo, Jr.
Terry Brye
Lori Verier
Maggie Roberts
Erna & Leonard Hall
Robert “Bobby” Roberts
Arcadia Stockyard
Susan & Neal Chambers
Chapman Fruit Company
Sam & Joyce Colding
Judy Crews
Carl & Carol Gallagher
Cecil & Rita Howell
Jack & Ann Johnson
Mr. & Mrs. W. Bernard Lester
Russell & Aliese Priddy
Danny Rosbough
Iris Wall
Rick Rutan
Susan Curcio
Fred Scarcelli, Jr.
Jenifer & JC Prado & Family
Lindsay Schieb
Betty Shapiro
Donald Showers
Barbara Burkhart
Aran Singh
Dr. & Mrs. Hardeep Singh
Wofford Stidham
Adele Durrance
Carolyn Ewing Kibler
Mr. & Mrs. W.M. McGraw
Leigh & Charles Merritt
Ann Miller
Laura Redmon
Josephine “Josie” Swanson
Eleanor Bakalar
Valeria Borovsky
David & Mary Borth
Richard & Beverly Breske
Rick & Linda Brown
Alan & Jackie Burgess
Lawrence & Marjorie Clark
Jonathan Crosswhite
Fisher & Sauls, P.A.
Glaser-Miller Company
Bill & Marsha Godsey
Sarah Henderson
Alison Hevrdejs
Judith Hevrdejs-King & Toby King
Susan Hevrdejs
Ernie Hicks
Maria & Zygmunt Karwowski
June Martin
Shawn & Judy McNeil
Medinah Country Club
Bruce & Mary Miller
Joe, Pat & Joey Minarik
Lynne & Gary Monnell
Jon & Carol Rawlins
Iris & Stan Salzer
Peter Schatzel
Seminole Lanes (Krauss Family)
Sunrise Lanes (Krauss Family)
Scott & Sandra Walker
Gracie Wigginton
Jill Wilkinson
Patricia Reed Tanner
Betsy & Edward Wudarsky, Jr.
Bud Thomas
Erna & Leonard Hall
Scott Van Deusen
Amy Trogan
MEMORIALS
Braydon
Christine Blanchard
Laura Mickler Bentley
R. Donald & June Lee Rayburn
Sandy Berberich
Terry Brye
Vincent Berte
Charles & Karen Gaskin
Cynthia G. Betz
Denise Cronin
Nan Beytin
Diane Keane
Carol A. Bloom
Edna M. Bloom
Dede Driver Brumbelow
David Mostellar
Joseph Casper
Eula Freeman
Tomás Muñoz Coryn
Bridget & Wayne Phillips
Sgt David A. Croft, Jr.
Robin Messer
Al Crook
Judy Keyak
Charles Bradley Crosswhite
Jonathan Crosswhite
Hewitt Family
Great Aunts & Uncles of “Little
Charlie”
Dick & Donna Hewitt
Jim Hewitt
Ron Hewitt
Bill & Jenny Lowers
Nancy Menges
Ina Vee & Butch Ellison
Ronald Dorogi
Barbara & Bob Hebda
Kamryn Kay Edwards
Mona Edwards
Stevan Kostadinovich
Deanna Morgan
Samuel & Mary Anne Morrone
Veronica Paige & Rob Stroud
Kate & Ellie Flahart
Rick & Kristin Flahart
Luke & Lynnette Peterschmidt
David Gaul
Betty Ann Roberts
Nancye Gentry
Erna Hall
Christopher Gierhart
Linda Goldman
Joanne Grimes
David Albritton
Love Notes • Fall 2013
1919
James H. Wilson
Lake Rousseau RV Park
Jean & Milton Salvatore
Merv Wise
Geoffrey & Peggy McLean
Ann Rose Wudarsky
Betsy & Edward Wudarsky, Jr.
Mr. Wykell
Milton & Marlys Meckler
Lyman LeRoss Zobell
Darlene Taylor
HONORARIUMS
Adrienne & Alex
Karen & John DuBravec
Madelyn, Dylan, Evelyn, Oliviah &
Amira
Jana Franklin
Travis Bryson Albritton’s 8th
Birthday
John & Marsha Barcinas
Jared & Kim Cloud
Darin & Sally Hood
Christina & Jason Huckins
Taryn Todd See
Michael & Stephanie Souther
Kippy Watley
Fatima Baterna’s Walkathon
Brian Abbott
Sara Akkerman
Newell Austin
Deven Baterna
Raymond Berger
Charles Christman
Sylvia Christman
Allison Cushman
Suzanne Dallefeld
Mrs. Euler
Alyssa Hartman
Joe Hartman
Mrs. Hibbs
Kathleen Kienbaun
Don Newell & Family
Julie Nichols
Edita Podbicanin
Samira Podbicanin
Selma Podbicanin
Mr. & Mrs. Princiotta
Lisa Sakser
Ella Salcedo
Corazon Swearingen
Cameron Thorton
Maria Van Name
Linda & John Walter
Esterlita Wright
Cisco Betances
Miriam Campbell
Gabby Boggs
Aimee Boggs
Dr. & Mr. Terry Buckenheimer’s
Marriage
Dr. & Mrs. Greg Jacobs
Cayce Campbell
Brett Campbell
Lauren & Christine Carpenter &
Baby Aaliyah
Teri Wygant
Grace Elizabeth Dahmer
Louise Yarrick
David Yohn
Anabel Marie Dame
Linda Dame
Sean Stegmaier
Patricia Ermi
Cathy Maples
Faith Memorial Naomi Circle
Faith Memorial Missionary Baptist
Church
Nina Ferguson
Building Officials Assoc. of Suffolk
County
MacKenzie Fisher
Coleen Fisher
Chris Frost & Amy Carr
Scottie Gemmell
Mitzi Gettig
Tifnie Klingel
Cayden Tucker, Jon & Ashley
Goodwin
Brad & Debbie Markby
Sue Gortz
Tifnie Klingel
Rodger Grieves’s Retirement
BOYD Industries
Remy Hafler
Glen Butrick
Hanna Blair Higgins
Angela Bernard
Karen Carli
Nicholas & Alicia Coppley
Gregory & Sandra Higgins
Theresa Kontodiakos
Lee Roy & Rita Pitts
Stephanie Swofford
Jose & Olga Villa
William Hollis
Maureen Woodman
Shirley Howe
Tifnie Klingel
Owen Jablonski
Matt Jablonski
Corey Jackson
Raleigh & Julia Jackson
Rosie Katz’s Bat Mitzvah
Milton & Marlys Meckler & Family
Diane Klingel
Tifnie Klingel
Evelyn Lamison
Cathy Maples
The Mayo Girls & Their Children,
Grace Dahmer & Wyeth Bier
Matthew Gettings
Lyndsey Piecyk
Tom & Joy Stackhouse
Maria Walter
Elijah Medina
Patricia Williams & Molly Kirkpatrick
Tim & Kim Nolan
Carol Moore
Jacob Paul Paschal
June & Glenn Paschal
Andrea Pereira
June Ashton
Tanya Dugal
Levi Perry
Dominique Dolan
Gavin Stark
RMH Families
Christine Harper
Mark Morris Rosenfeld
Adrienne Rosenfeld
Zachary Sharek
Mark & Carolyn Biehl
Perry Shaw & HumanaCares/
SeniorBridge Associate Team
Bruce Perkins
Eric Simiele
Susan J. Ausmus
Gail & Joe Suozzi’s 50th Wedding
Anniversary
Vin & Marilyn Perito
Chris Spoor
Matthew Spoor
Jacob Stanley
Joseph Ricci
Norman Steinhart
Lynne Steinhart
Alexandra Stirling’s Run
C.L. Agosto
Tampa RMH
Sheila Clark
Michael Ward’s Birthday
Susan Caumartin
Maureen DesRoches
Katherine Ling-McGeorge
Kathleen Stewart
David Ward
William Weulaufer
Mary Zero
Caleb Williams
Beth Williams
Waverli Williams
Teresa Williams
Janet Woods
Tampa Bay Times (Ed Nicholson,
Rod Custer & Friends)
Donna Young’s Retirement
Robin & Del Brenn
Nancy Cross Hamilton
Carolyn & Lloyd Horton
Love Notes • Fall 2013
Ideal for hostess gifts!
Available for just $10
at Dillard’s stores
to benefit Ronald
McDonald House
Charities.
$10 from each board
game benefits Ronald
McDonald House.
Love Notes • Fall 2013
20
Lightning Foundationselects RMHC Chairman edward Ameen for
Community Hero Award
In 2011, Lightning owner Jeff vinik, along with his wife, Penny, launched the
Lightning Community Heroes program to distribute $10 million dollars to
deserving Heroes throughout the Tampa Bay community over a five year period.
each Community Hero is presented with $50,000 to distribute to his charity or
charities of choice. We are delighted to announce that our own edward Ameen
has been chosen for this prestigious award.
edward Ameen has lived and breathed Ronald McDonald House for 33 years. He
oversees the Board of Trustees, works closely with the CeO, and is often found at
one of the houses making notes and taking calls. In addition to participating in
the monthly board meetings and serving on the executive Committee, edward
attends every fundraiser and donates his time and treasure to ensure that our
events are successful. He cares deeply about the families we serve, and is loyal
beyond measure to the staff and organization.
It began 33 years ago, when ed was approached by Lloyd Horton of All
Children’s Hospital. At that time, ed was a McDonald’s owner/operator.
They put together a plan to build the first Ronald McDonald House in
the state of Florida. ed hired the first House Manager Donna Young,
who retired after 33 years, making her the longest running Ronald
McDonald House employee in the world. It is amazing that since then,
we have cared for 44,000 families.
ed is available day or night to serve our charity. He cares about each of the
22 staff and is close to the 26 members of the Board of Trustees, all while paying
close attention to the needs of our families. Although ed retired from owning
McDonald’s restaurants, his second career as Chairman of the RMHC Board is
an all-encompassing job. As one of the founding fathers of RMHC Tampa Bay, he
has overseen our program as it expanded from one cottage to four houses with a
total of 80 bedrooms, spanning both sides of the bay.
For our first 18 years, ed donated all organizational accounting services,
groomed leadership, and strategically planned expansion and growth. He has
volunteered at the houses over the years, served as Board President, chaired
every committee and he remains the Chairman of the Board.
ed is so committed to our program, that when one resident family told the staff
that they wanted a wedding while they were staying at the st. Pete east House,
ed rolled up his sleeves and made a full blown wedding happen on the hospital
campus.
every Ronald McDonald House is a collaboration between hospitals, community
leaders, major donors and partners. ed is the point person for major house issues,
retirement of debt and finding new partnerships. He has overseen four capital
campaigns, numerous house renovations, and the launch of the Ronald McDonald
Care Mobile. He also serves as the Tournament Director for the annual charity
golf classic, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. ed is a hands-on
Chairman who can be found cooking a meal at one of the houses, looking into
solutions for operational and structural issues, and speaking throughout the area
about Ronald McDonald House.
Thank you, ed for your unwavering commitment and compassion for RMH
families which has remained strong for 33 years.
Love Notes • Fall 2013
21
Friendraisers &
Fundraisers
BARRY UNIVERSITY
The Physicians Assistant class at Barry University held
a walk to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House. They
ended up with fantastic participation and raised $6,000 to
support our operations. What a fantastic effort for these
students and faculty!
On August 10th, the Red Shoe Council went back in time for their Charity
80’s Bowling Tournament! Decked out in awesome 80’s gear (LOTS of neon
and big hair!), 74 players on twelve teams, spectators, and volunteers sup-
ported RMH of Tampa Bay by having a rockin’ good time. The winning team
was the Incredi-BOWLS, Ed and Sylvia Ameen with Vic and Susan Collins,
and JR from Glory Bowl won an award for having the highest overall score.
Christie Geren’s festive team took home the “Best 80’s Style and Spirit”
Award, though it was a close call between them and the amazing teams from
The Bank of Tampa.
A HUGE thank you to our Sponsors: Alexico, Inc., California Pizza Kitchen,
and the Tampa Jaycees, and a special thank you to our volunteers and
wonderful Official Red Shoe Council Photographer, Jeni Esparza, for
capturing the event! Visit her website at: www.jenibeephotography.com.
The Red Shoe Council consists of young and mid-professionals who live and work in the
Tampa Bay area. The goal of the group is to raise community awareness and operating funds
for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay.
The Red Shoe Council holds social fundraisers such as: volleyball tournaments,
Spring Training baseball games, cocktail hours, pub crawls, fun runs, etc. In addition
to fundraising, the Red Shoe Council prepares meals at the Houses to allow
members hands-on interaction with our families and House program. For more
information or to join the group, contact Red Shoe Council Liaison Kelly Gicale at
kgicale@rmhctampabay.com or (813) 258-6430 ext. 5.
SEPHORA FUNDRAISER
The Sephora location at Brandon Town Center chose to
benefit RMH with their summer Values Inside Out promotion.
Employees made two meals at the Tampa House, held
their own fundraiser in the mall, and promoted the sale
of cosmetic bags to benefit RMH. We are thrilled to make
some great friends with these lovely ladies.
Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay’s
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP
Love Notes • Fall 2013
22
WHEN PASSING ASSETS TO LOVED ONES DOESN’T PAY
If you are like most people, then more than likely, a substantial portion of your savings is in your retirement
plan. As you plan your estate, you may be considering how to use those savings to benefit loved ones. But did
you know that your most valuable assets may also constitute the biggest tax bill for your heirs?
REALITY CHECK
A national research study shows that more than half of Americans aged 30 and older are largely unfamiliar
with the way in which taxes can eat up the value of their retirement accounts when they name a loved one as
beneficiary.
FACT: INCOME AND ESTATE TAxES CAN CONSUME MORE THAN 60 PERCENT OF RETIREMENT PLAN FUNDS WHEN
INHERITED BY A LOVED ONE.
While the majority of people will pay less than 40 percent, anyone who inherits retirement plan funds will be
subject to income tax on all withdrawals. Although there are ways in which spouses (as defined by the IRS), and
to a lesser extent other loved ones can defer taxes on these assets when they defer receipt of the funds, they,
too, are subject to income tax when they make withdrawals.
A WINEWIN ALTERNATIVE
An estate planner can help you structure the inheritance so family members pay the least taxes. Experts
sometimes advise putting a charitable component into the plan because qualified charitable organizations, like
Ronald McDonald House Charities, receive donations tax-free. Unlike family members, we receive the full value
of your retirement plan assets—none is lost to taxes. Plus you can rest easy knowing you can change your mind
at any time up until your death.
TWO TAXESAVVY OPTIONS FOR LEAVING YOUR ASSETS BEHIND
• If you’re determined to eliminate taxes altogether on your retirement plan assets, you could leave them to
Ronald McDonald House Charities and build an inheritance for your loved ones from other less-taxed assets
such as life insurance or property.
• If much of your nest egg is tied up in a retirement plan, you may have little else to leave to family. In that
instance, a more reasonable alternative may be to designate a percentage of your retirement plan accounts
to us, thus taking greater control over how the funds in these accounts will be used while still providing for
loved ones.
We would be happy to assist you in your planning. Contact Janice Davis at 813.258.6430, ext. 1 or email her at
jdavis@rmhctampabay.com.
Planned Giving DiSCUSSiOn
VEHICLE DONATIONS & DRIVERS LICENSES
Since 2009 we have worked with Action Donation Services to receive donations of cars,
boats, trailers and RVs. This partnership has resulted in almost $47,000 in donations to
date, which provides 723 family nights at the Ronald McDonald House. Please contact us if
you would like to donate a vehicle.
REMEMBER: You can add $1 (or more) for RMH when you purchase or renew your Florida
drivers license or vehicle tag. This program has raised $215,000 for Florida Ronald
McDonald Houses, and $46,000 for RMHC Tampa Bay, so please help spread the word!
Love Notes • Fall 2013
23
HOUSE NEEDS
Chicken, beef, ham, hamburgers, hot dogs
Breakfast and lunch meats
Butter/margarine, cream cheese, sliced &
shredded cheese
Vegetable oil, salad dressings, mayo
Sugar, sugar substitute, coffee creamer
Individually wrapped snacks: chips, cookies,
crackers, puddings, Jell-O, fruit juice
Cereal, Pop Tarts, instant grits
Canned icing
Instant tea, hot cocoa, Kool-Aid, lemonade
Fresh fruit and canned fruit juice
Parmesan cheese
Ketchup and pickles
Chips and crackers
Microwavable meals
Instant pudding and Jell-O
Tuna/chicken
Chocolate syrup
Flour
Potato flakes
Keurig coffee samplers
KITCHEN & CLEANING NEEDS
Stainless steel & plastic forks & spoons
Dish detergent
Paper plates (all sizes) and bowls
Toilet paper
Ziploc freezer bags (all sizes) and foil
Clorox Disinfectant Wipes
Lysol Disinfectant Spray
Bleach and color-safe bleach
Dryer fabric softener sheets
Powdered laundry soap
Scotch Brite scour pads w/ sponges
Soft Scrub
MISCELLANEOUS
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)
Light bulbs (60 watt equivalent)
Compact fluorescent bulbs (60 watt eq.)
Wii games
2 griddles (St. Pete only)
Electric knife (St. Pete only)
Electric can openers (St. Pete only)
$10 gas cards
Gift cards for Home Depot, Wal-Mart
Please check our website for updated lists.
MEALS FOR OUR TIRED FAMILIES
Create a casserole, cook on our grills, fix tacos
or pizzas—any nutritious cuisine for breakfast,
lunch or dinner is appreciated! RMH volunteers
can set up and serve your meal, or you can
prepare and serve the meal yourself and “break
bread” with our families after your “chef” work.
Coordinate with a restaurant to deliver a meal,
pizza or sub sandwiches. Send a restaurant or
grocery store gift certificate. Please note that
recent changes to our policies require that
meals must be prepared on-site or originate
from a licensed kitchen.
FRUIT & VEGGIES
Provide fresh fruit for a week with a donation of
$60. This provides a quick & nutritious snack
for busy families.
ARTS & CRAFTS SUPPLIES
Fund Arts and Crafts program supplies with a
donation of $50 to $100, or provide us with
supplies for our kids’ masterpieces.
SHARE A NIGHT PROGRAM
Underwrite a family stay. Our actual costs are
$65 per night per family & any amount donated
helps with these expenses.
HOLD A PANTRY DRIVE
Collect canned goods, paper products, cleaning
and other household supplies. We’ve got 80
bedrooms, 86 bathrooms and five kitchens!
VOLUNTEER
All four Houses need volunteers for house shifts
to support our “home-away-from-home.” Training
is provided.
HowyOU
can help
All volunteer opportunities are listed at
www.rmhctampabay.com/volunteers.
Lise Fields in St. Petersburg
(727) 767-8166
Maggie Somerville in Tampa
(813) 254-2398, ext. 317
Please call:
Love Notes • Fall 2013
23
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
TAMPA FL
PERMIT NO. 3023
28 Columbia Drive
Tampa, FL 33606
Ronald McDonald House Charities® Tampa Bay Administrative Office, 28 Columbia Drive, Tampa, FL 33606 (813) 258-6430
RMH East
401 7th Avenue S.
St. Pete 33701
(727) 821-8961
RMH West
702 8th Avenue S.
St. Pete 33701
(727) 821-8961
RMH Central
601 5th Street S.
St. Pete 33701
(727) 821-8961
RMH Tampa
35 Columbia Dr.
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 254-2398
Our Houses
3WAYS TO DONATE
• Go online - www.rmhctampabay.com
• Call us - we’d love to talk to you! (813) 258-6430, ext. 3
• Clip it - send it to Ronald McDonald House Charities, 28 Columbia Drive, Tampa, FL 33606
Enclosed is my gift of
❑$1,000 ❑$500 ❑$100 ❑$65 ❑ Other
Name:
Address:
Telephone:
Email*:
Credit Card: ❑Visa ❑MC ❑Amex
Exp.
Name on card:
Security Code:
Signature:
As a cost savings measure, we have eliminated the inserted donor envelope and hope you will find it easy to donate in
these three ways.
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.
Calendar 0f
Events
OCTOBER 18
FISHInG FOR HEARTS
Loggerhead Club & Marina,
St. Petersburg
NOVEMBER 15E16
25TH AnnUAL GOLF CLASSIC
Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club,
Palm Harbor
DECEMBER 12
Holiday Open House - Tampa RMH
DECEMBER 14
TAMPA RIVER LIGHTS FESTIVAL
Curtis Hixon Park, Tampa
MARCH 1
SUnCOAST CLASSIC RUn FOR KIDS
St. Petersburg
MAY 17
STORYBOOK BALL
RED SHOE COUNCIL EVENTS
OCTOBER 11
PAInTInG WITH A TWIST
Tampa
NOVEMBER 7
Tampa Bay Lightning Game
DECEMBER 7
Pub Crawl
Downtown St. Petersburg
Visit our website at
www.rmhctampabay.com for
event details.
