The Newsletter for the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana Fall 2012

Keeping families together when they need each other the most.

The Homewith a Heart

Pop Tabs Provide a Lesson in CompassionOn June 14, this past summer, a caravan of eight SUVs filled with 30 children and 15 adults from Greencastle, IN, arrived at the Ronald McDonald House with a small U-Haul trailer in tow loaded with 1.2 million pop tabs. As the children poured out of the vehicles to unload the pop tabs, the excitement and energy in the air was palpable. The children were students from Deer Meadow Primary and Bainbridge Elementary Schools, and they had been anticipating this day for the past year and a half. Among the children was eight-year-old Eli Hardwick, who was the motivation and inspiration behind the collection.

Almost two years earlier, then 6-year-old Eli, a first- grader at Deer Meadow, was hit by a car in a parking lot after he darted between two parked cars and into the path of an oncoming car while chasing a soccer ball. Eli suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health in Indianapolis. His parents, Jim and Laurie, were with him every step of the way.

“Scans and tests revealed significant damage to his brain,” said Laurie. “Doctors told us that he could be on a respirator the rest of his life and that he may not remember anyone. And they said more than once that ‘he would be different.’”

While Jim and Laurie rarely left Eli’s side, they found “a very special place” – the Ronald McDonald House at Riley—just steps away from Eli where they could get a few hours of sleep, nourishment and support.

“I cannot say enough about how grateful we are for the Ronald McDonald House. After three days of not sleeping we were so thankful to have a hot shower and a comfortable bed to get some rest,” said Laurie. “The kindness and support from the staff and people there was overwhelming. I will never forget them.” The Hardwicks experienced an outpouring of love and support from their Greencastle community, as well. Some of the schools in the area had already been collecting pop tabs in support of the Ronald McDonald House, but when they heard about Eli, collecting the tabs became a lesson of compassion and very personal. Even local businesses got involved.

“The list of incredibly nice things our community has done for us goes on and on,” said Laurie.

As the Greencastle community rallied behind the Hardwick family, Eli started to make what everyone called a miraculous recovery. After a month in the hospital Eli was able to go home and today he is back on the soccer field and, according to Laurie, “doing great in school.”

“The day we took the pop tabs to the Ronald McDonald House was a day of celebration for all of us,” said Laurie. “It was just a happy, happy day.”

“The day we took the pop tabs to the RonaldMcDonald House was a day of celebrationfor all of us,” said Laurie. “It was just ahappy, happy day.”

Students and parents delivered 1.2 million pop tabs to the House this pastJune in honor of Eli Hardwick.

Eli, Laurie and Jim Hardwick present the “Pop Tab Collect-A-Million Club”plaque to Deer Meadow Principal, Gwen Morris.

A Message from Our Executive Director

2

Dear Friends, Fall is here, which always reminds me of the wonderful events and activities just around the corner. As our sta� gears up for the very busy months ahead, I am also reminded that we could never accomplish all we do without the amazing support of our community partners. Every night, 58 tired and weary families call our House “home” while their children receive lifesaving treatment at local hospitals. These families live together, cry together and laugh together. They �nd strength in each other and we �nd strength in you.

Last year, 6,388 donors and 375 volunteers came together for one purpose; to provide a supportive home-away-from-home for 1,412 families with critically ill and injured children receiving treatment at Indianapolis-area hospitals. I encourage you to learn more about our community impact by visiting our website at www.rmh-indiana.org and reading our latest annual report. Your support and donations keep our doors open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Because of you, families get the rest they need to have focused conversations with their child’s medical team and spend quality time with their child. Please continue to make a di�erence in the lives of families with critically ill children by making a gift to the Ronald McDonald House today.

Warm Regards,

Beth Johnson

Support the Ronald McDonald House by saving money on your house!

The Ronald McDonald House of Indiana will receive a $25 donation for every home that registers for a free home energy assessment through the Energizing Indiana home assessment program. The assessments can lower energy bills, improve in-home air quality, and increase the value of the home overall. Inspectors will install energy-savers such as light bulbs, showerheads and sink aerators, and assess the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems to determine if they are operating e�ciently. Once the energy assessment is complete, a comprehensive report will be sent detailing what can be done to start saving energy and make the home more comfortable.

For more information and to sign up for a free home energy assessment, please visit our website at www.rmh-indiana.org.

Ways You Can Support the House The Ronald McDonald House of Indiana is �nanciallysupported primarily through tax-deductible contributionsfrom individuals, corporations and foundations. We o�er�exible giving options that allow you to make a gift now orin the future. Your gifts help maintain the House and providea safe, caring place for our families.

Here are 10 ways you can help the Ronald McDonald Housecontinue to support families with critically ill or injured children:

• Volunteer at the House• Volunteer at an event• Prepare a home-cooked meal• Serve on a committee• Donate funds (individual and corporate giving options available)• Designate a gift in honor or memory of a loved one• Host a fundraising event• Include Ronald McDonald House of Indiana in your

estate/gift planning• Provide wish list items• Collect pop tabs

3

We have teamed up with the following partners to bring you the best opportunities for bidding on our silent auction and for your own personal concert, sports and theatre ticket needs:

Auctions By Cellular BID Smart Technology is providing unique technology prior to and during our Taste event so everyone has the opportunity to shop in the “Mercado del Puerto" Silent Auction Market Place. The auction site opens on October 26 and closes on November 2, 2012 at 9:30 p.m. Visit www.rmh-indiana.org for instructions on how to participate. It’s easy and fun!

*Broadway tickets for our Silent Auction are presented by our official ticket partner, ETA Tickets.All friends of the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana are invited to order tickets on-line at www.ETAtickets.com for any sports, concerts, or theatre events anywhere and receive an 8% discount on your order. Tickets must be ordered ON-LINE ONLY to receive the 8% discount. At checkout use discount code: RMHI. A portion of the sales will be donated back to The Ronald McDonald House of Indiana.

You are cordially invited to join us for “A Taste…Journeys to South America” benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana on the evening of November 2, 2012 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.

During the journey, guests will:

• Take a culinary tour and discover Argentinean papas fritas, tenderloin with chimichurri, empanadas, espetinhos -- Brazil's version of shish kabob, Chilean crudite of gourmet vegetables, cheeses, and tango dipping sauces and the sweet essence from paradise, -- plantation mangos and passion fruit, prepared by the Indiana Roof Ballroom and guest ChefLucas Trinosky, The Chef’s Academy

• Savor a variety of fine South American wines presented by Monarch Beverage from Chile, Argentina and Brazil

• Shop in a lavish “Mercado del Puerto" Silent Auction Market Place including more than 95 tantalizing packages of fine wine collections, travel escapes to Martha’s Vineyard, Chicago, New York and Hawaii; *Broadway shows, Colts tickets, sports collectibles, unique Chef’s dinners, and in-home wine tasting experiences, holiday décor and gifts, gourmet goodies, and tastes and treasures from around the world

• Sizzle to the sparkling entertainment presented by Recording/Performance Artist, Anita Hall, Cathy Morris Brazilian Jazz, showcasing Argentine violin and guitars, and Tango in the Streets by Five Star Dance Studios

Chuck Lofton, WTHR SkyTrak weatherman with Eyewitness News Sunrise, is our emcee and will serve as tour guide for the evening as guests experience a journey of all the senses including a Brazilian Carnaval Dessert Parade! Jill Ditmire, honorary chair and local wine aficionado will share in the festivities.

Reserved seats are $100 each, a reserved table of 10 guests is $1,000 and table partnerships are $1,500. Tickets can be purchased online at www.rmh-indiana.org or by calling Special Events Manager, Pam Anderson, at (317) 267-0605, ext. 227.

Journeys to South AmericaAn Evening of fine South American Wines, Cuisine, Art, Entertainment and Silent Auction

Thank You Taste Partners

Dinner PartnerFifth Third Bank

Experience PartnersCarrierIU HealthWilson Industrial Sales Co., Inc.

Entertainment PartnerBarnes & Thornburg

Reception PartnerBSA LifeStructures

Silent Auction PartnerFirst Merchants

Wine StationThe RND Group, Inc.

Cuisine StationERMCO

Chef Lucus Trinosky

Chuck Lofton

Cathy Morris

Anita Hall

Shop in the Silent Auction Market PlaceOct. 26-Nov. 2, 2012

www.rmh-indiana.org

Swingfor Kids

Presented by

Ronald McDonald House of Indiana

June 28, 2012 - Broadmoor Country Club Pro Am Golf Tournament

CELEBRATING

YEARS OF CARING

4

Run for RonaldHundreds of runners and walkers participated in the 6th Annual Run for Ronald on June 16. The 5K course of all ages began at the NCAA Hall of Champions and followed the beautiful Indianapolis Downtown Canal.

Thank you Institute of Real Estate Management for another great event!

Ronald McDonald House of Indiana Pro Am Golf TournamentIt was a great day of golf, food and fun at Broadmoor Country Club on June 28. It was also a year of breaking records! More sponsors, more teams, more pros, more auction items and more revenue to help support the House and the families we serve !

A special thanks to Pete Wojtowicz, our tournament chair for 26 years, and to our special guests, Sarah Fisher and Scott Goodyear.

Thank You Partners!

Presenting – Coca ColaShirt – KBIDinner – Dr PepperGolf Cart – Omni SourceBrunch – BCHPro – AAR Corp.Eagle/Contest Hole-In-One – McDonald’sEagle – All Pro ScrapEagle – Katz Sapper MilerEagle – James Poore OrganizationTrophy – Hoosier ParkAuction – Selective InsuranceSteak – Keystone FoodsHole-In-One – Hubler ChevroletGoodie Bag – Huntington InsuranceGoodie Bag – Atkins & CompanyReception – BSA LifeStructures

Scott Goodyear, David Ayers, RMHI Board member, and Sarah Fisher.

Bowling... It’s A BallOur Young Professional Board and friends got together on May 11 for a friendly duckpin bowling competition at Action Duckpin Bowl in Fountain Square to bene�t the House.

5

Car enthusiasts enjoyed the annual Corvette Club show sponsored by the South Central Indiana Corvette Club on Aug. 11 at Hubler Chevrolet. The group has raised more than $80,000 for the Ronald McDonald House since 1995.

Goldwing Riders from around the state made their annual trek to the Ronald McDonald House on Sept. 8 to drop o� monetary donations, pop tabs and household items from our wish list. The group has donated more than $40,000 since 1995, millions of pop tabs and thousands of dollars in household items.

Jerry Paul of Kokomo did it again, breaking his record by delivering 5,863,808 pop tabs. Jerry is surrounded by North Central football team members who once again donated their time (and muscles) to help unload all those tabs!

Visitors from all over the state stopped by to drop o� their tabs at the 8th annual Pop Tab Drop on Monument Circle on August 10. By the end of the event, more than 10 million pop tabs were collected!

Shooters had a “blast” at the Wild, Wild Midwest Sporting Clays Shoot and Barbecue on Sept. 8 at the Howard County Izaak Walton League of America in Kokomo.

Thank You Partners!

Presenting – Dr PepperIzaak Walton Gun ClubKincaid’s Meat MarketKids & ClaysCity BarbequeMartin-BrowerThe Amazing Potato

Chip CompanyVectrenCoca-ColaIYSSFOlive Branch Christian

ChurchF.C. Tucker Co.Wal-MartCrestline Communities

6

AR

OU

ND

TH

E H

OU

SE

It was a successful shopping trip for Amanda and Lindsay! The sisters set up a lemonade stand at a Kroger grocery story and used the money they raised to buy groceries for the pantry at the House at Riley.

Roselynn , pictured with Fanchon Stinger with FOX 59, was recognized as the FOX 59 Champion of the Week for her many volunteer e�orts, and she's only 11! Roselynn, along with her mother, Kara, regularly volunteer at our House at Riley, preparing wonderful meals, bringing in fresh vegetables from their home garden, helping make up rooms, and even giving tours to guests visiting the House.

Eminence Cub Scout Pack 223 donated warm blankets that they made for our house guests.

Sierra worked hard at her garage sale serving up lemonade to bene�t the House in honor of her cousin who was treated at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health.

Little Jillian and her family and friends donated 2.25 million pop tabs in her honor! Jillian was born with gastroschisis and her family stayed at the Riley House for 4 1/2 months. She recently celebrated her 2nd birthday!

Through their Operation McCookie Monster project, Girl Scout Troops 449 and 1427 made hundreds of delicious cookies for our guests and the plates they served them on.

Luke collected cleaning supplies, snacks, and other items for our guests for his senior project.

Young philanthropists are all around us! These photos show some of the amazing kids who inspire us with their generosity.

7

Keeping Families TogetherWhen They Need Each Other the MostSupporting families and keeping them together and strong during a child's health care crisis is what the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana is all about. We support thousands of families every year, o�ering stability, resources and community when it's needed the most.

Whether you're a new supporter or you've been with us since the beginning, we thank you for your commitment to our House and the families we serve.

Did you know?Many companies match charitable donations. Find out if your company does, and make your donation work twice as hard.

Host an Event for the House and Help Children Heal

The Ronald McDonald House of Indiana is honored to be the bene�ciary of community events organized by individuals, local organizations, schools and businesses.

These events range from bake sales and car washes to soccer tournaments and organized runs, walks and bike races. Whether you are considering a complex event or one that is fairly simple to organize, our fundraising guidelines and event application will help you get started. Visit our website at www.rmh-indiana.org for more information, or contact Kelly Thien, Communications and Marketing Manager, at(317) 269-2247, ext. 207 or kthien@ rmh-indiana.org.

Gifts of Life Insurance

Life Insurance can be a convenient way to make a substantial gift to the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana for a relatively modest annual cost. You can use a paid-up policy you no longer need or purchase a new policy to make your gift. You can also name the House as the bene�ciary of a life insurance policy while retaining ownership of the policy and access to the cash value. However, because you retain ownership and can change the bene�ciary, no income tax charitable deduction is allowed for the value of the policy. If you assign a paid up insurance policy to the RMHI as its owner, you can claim a federal income-tax charitable deduction for the policy's fair-market value or the net premiums paid, whichever is less. If the policy is not paid in full, your subsequent premium payments on behalf of the RMHI are also deductible. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Joe Schulz, Director of Development, at (317) 269-2247, ext. 208 or jschulz@rmh-indiana.org.

As always, we recommend that you consult with your attorney or tax advisor for the various tax bene�ts and restrictions that may apply to your speci�c situation. We are available to you and your advisors to answer questions or help arrange a planned gift to the RMHI.

Kicks for Kids, Bunny Rock 5k

Looking for thedonor list?

Your Spare ChangeChanges LivesWhether you’re driving through or dining in, please remember the donation boxes at your local McDonald’s. Your spare change helps support the children and families staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana.

In the interest of promoting greener practices at theRonald McDonald House, we will be publishing three newsletters a year instead of four, and we have moved our donor thank you list online. Please check out our donor list from second quarter 2012 at www.rmh-indiana.org

Ronald McDonald Houseof Indiana435 Limestone StreetIndianapolis, IN 46202-2819317.269.2247www.rmh-indiana.org

Address Service Requested

Non-Pro�t Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 5703Indianapolis, IN

Board of DirectorsChris Lake, PresidentMicki Siner, Vice PresidentCurt Hidde, SecretaryKurt Beier, TreasurerMatt Alber, Asst. TreasurerBrian Brunner, Past President

Directors David AyersKaren CampbellJeff ChamnessJennifer DzwonarBernadette FletcherRick GieselBill GutrichElizabeth HenryDave KleimanDave Mason

Bill McKernanMichael MillerMike NapariuLisa NeiceNiraj PatelDavid PetersonChuck RichmondRandy ShieldsJeffrey Sperring, M.D.Vicki Tipton

House StaffBeth Johnson, Executive DirectorPam Anderson, Special Events ManagerBetsy Breeden, Development AssistantJen Clady, Annual Giving & Grants ManagerDennis Craig, Operations DirectorConnie Cripe, Guest Services ManagerMary Friend, Volunteer Resources ManagerDee Hollowell, Business ManagerDaun Hughey, RMH at Riley ManagerLisa Lusk, Administrative AssistantJoe Schulz, Director of DevelopmentKelly Thien, Communications & Marketing ManagerJill Young, Night Services & Data Manager

Our MissionThe Ronald McDonald House of Indiana provides a supportive home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill or injured children receiving medical care at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health and other Indianapolis hospitals.

Holiday Wish ListPlease help us make the holidaysspecial for the 58 families stayingat the House by donating thefollowing new and unused items:

Baby toys Children’s toys Hats, gloves, scarves, slippers and socks for all sizes Body wash and chapstick Thermal mugs Wal-mart and Meijer gift cards Gas and phone cards Kroger gift cards

For more information, contact Operations DirectorDennis Craig at (317) 267-0605, ext. 205.

Highlights include: Cookies and cocoa throughout the day Appearances by Santa Claus in the afternoon, Ronald McDonald in the evening Holiday entertainment throughout the day Dinner at 6 p.m. Ceremonial lighting of the House's exterior holiday decorations at 7 p.m.

Our Holiday Open House is free and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food items to stock the House's food pantries.

Friday, November 23 For more information, visit:www.o�thewallsports.net

#KFKSoccer