handinhand

Fall 2010
handinhand
Ronald McDonald House ® Helps
Family Through Their Darkest Days
On a summer night in 2008, parents
Lisa and Mark Fusello received a call that
would change their family’s lives forever.
Their young daughter, Jamie, who was
entering her senior year in high school,
was a passenger in a motor vehicle that
had caught fire. Jamie had suffered severe
burns and had been airlifted to a burn
unit in a Grand Rapids Michigan hospital.
Lisa and Mark rushed from their home
in Lake Forest to be with their daughter.
When they arrived, they were told that
Jamie had second and third degree burns
on both of her legs, arms, hands, feet, face
and neck. Jamie stayed in the hospital
in Michigan for three days until she was
stable enough to be transferred to Loyola
University Medical Center. Jamie began
receiving care in the Burn Intensive
Care Unit.
Lisa recalls those first days as the darkest
days of their lives. “We had such a
helpless feeling watching her suffer,"
Lisa said. "We went into this ordeal not
knowing what the future held,” she said.
Thankfully, the Ronald McDonald House
near Loyola University Medical Center
was there for the family and became their
home base for the next four weeks. Given
the precarious nature of Jamie’s condition,
Mark and Lisa appreciated the closeness
of the House to the hospital.
Lisa’s life fell into a routine that allowed
her a brief respite from the frantic and
frightening environment of the burn unit.
Every day she would return to the House
for a nap, a shower and to wash and dry
her clothes. She appreciated the volunteers
that brought food and coffee and the staff
that took care of her needs. “The House
took the worry out of
everything so I could
stay strong and close
to my child,”
Lisa said.
Over the next
12 days, Jamie
underwent three
skin graft surgeries.
A skin graft is the
replacement of
healthy skin onto
an area where
the skin has been
damaged. Healthy
skin is harvested
from a donor site and
transplanted to the
recipient site. While
undergoing these surgeries and fighting
to get well, Jamie didn’t want to see
anyone except her parents. “I was so
scared I needed to have my family by my
side," Jamie said.
Lisa and Mark took comfort in the
kindness they felt at the House. “The staff
was great and always asked how Jamie
was doing. We wouldn’t have been able
to manage without the House,” Lisa said.
“Staying at the House wasn’t due to any
financial constraints. We needed it and it
was there for us,” Mark said.
Once Jamie was well enough to be
released from Loyola, she spent months
at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
where she received physical therapy.
Although her progress was slow, she grew
strong enough to return to high school in
November 2008. Jamie graduated on time
from Lake Forest High School in 2009 and
is now a freshman at the University of
(L to R) Sam, Lisa, Mark and Jamie Fusello
Wisconsin. She hopes to pursue a degree
in advertising.
Since her ordeal began almost two years
ago, Jamie has received 10 surgeries for
her injuries and more are planned in
the future. Despite the long road ahead,
the family reflects on how far Jamie has
come. “Thanks to the fabulous care she
has received, we consider the progress she
has made to truly be a miracle,” Lisa said.
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of
Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana
(RMHC®-CNI) focuses on keeping families
together. RMHC-CNI is set to open the
world’s largest Ronald McDonald House in
2012, close to the new Ann and Robert H.
Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago,
to comfort 86 families a night. Your
support is critical to making this House a
reality. Visit www.RonaldHouseChicago.org
or call 630.623.5300 to make a donation
today.
1

From Our Leadership
RMHC-CNI Staff and Volunteers
Motivated By “Drive” To Help Others
Doug Porter, CEO (left) and Mike Kotynek,
Chairman, Board of Directors (right)
A Message From
Mike Kotynek and
Doug Porter
“One cannot lead a life that is truly excellent
without feeling that one belongs to something
greater and more permanent than oneself” —
an excerpt from Daniel Pink’s newest New
York Times bestselling book “Drive: The
Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us”
In reading those words, we realized how all
of us at RMHC-CNI — our committed staff,
volunteers, and board of directors — are all
motivated by this premise. To summarize,
the book asserts that what really motivates
people is the quest for autonomy, mastery
and purpose, and not external rewards.
In “Drive”, Pink explores the human
motivations that impact behavior and
results, especially in regard to organizations
and workplaces. Business leaders are
encouraged to think beyond the old business
protocols of incentivizing employees with
compensation and stock options. Instead,
Pink believes that there is an evolving,
higher-level motivation which is more
“purpose oriented.” When people have a true
purpose in life, and have the autonomy to
pursue that, the results can be phenomenal.
“We know that the richest experiences in
our lives aren’t when we are clamoring
for validation from others, but when
we’re listening to our own voice — doing
something that matters, doing it well, and
doing it in the service of a cause larger than
ourselves” — “Drive: The Surprising Truth
About What Motivates Us”
At RMHC-CNI, our purpose is very specific
in nature – to provide for the health, wellbeing,
and education of children in our
area. We achieve this through our Ronald
McDonald Houses, our Care Mobile and our
multiyear scholarship program.
We recognize that our mission could not
be implemented with our lean, albeit
efficient staff alone. We rely heavily on
our core group of about 4,300 volunteers
who, among other things, cook meals, greet
families, make beds and ultimately provide a
reassuring hand or kind word for a family in
crisis. They also work tirelessly to assist us
with our fundraising initiatives and events.
This group of dedicated and passionate
volunteers helps us bring our mission to life.
“Volunteer work is nourishing people in
ways that paid work is simply not” —
“Drive: The Surprising Truth About What
Motivates Us”
We are told time and time again by our
volunteers that they feel rewarded when
they’ve helped brighten a family’s day. These
sentiments reflect the premise of Pink’s book
— these devoted supporters are motivated by
performing service for the larger good and
are enjoying personal satisfaction as a result.
Our staff and volunteers are inspired by
the incredible impact we have on the lives
of those around us. Our motivation to
continue forward with our mission and
purpose-driven goals keeps all of us focused,
engaged, and loyal to RMHC-CNI.
While we realize that our charity can’t be
on the cutting edge of every new business
axiom or principle, we are gratified that we
are witnessing some of Pink’s assertions in
our organization. We are proud to provide
an environment in which volunteers can feel
appreciated, acknowledged and respected.
We are also pleased that being a part of the
RMHC-CNI organization can provide our
volunteers and staff with an opportunity to
live a purposeful life.
To all of you who give so much to our
charity and those we serve, we thank you
for your commitment of time, energy,
and service.
Noorat Adisa
Matthew Anderson
Rylee Bostwick
Stephanie Burde
Daniela Capilla-Pulido
Takiyyah Childs
Alexander De La Torre
Our Hearts Remember
Fantasia Galderio
Robert Hernandez
Tayden Jones
Chrystal Jonfs
Elijah Vincent May
Emily Mendez
Blossom Miner
Xavier Moore
Landen Myers
Kelsey Perez
Luke Remington
Madison Romza
Leo Sakelaris
Emma Kate Schultz
Emma Scott
Noemi Terry
Vladimir Thomas
Caleb Tokarski
Jossalyn Vasquez
Micayla Yeo
Franco Valencia
Rodrigo Cruz Zarza
In our last newsletter we
regrettably misspelled
Michael Siver’s name.
We extend our sincerest
apologies to his friends
and family.
2

Our Supporters
“ Dr Pepper
Challenge” Helps
Raise Funds to
Build World’s
Largest Ronald
McDonald House
in Chicago
Challenge Encourages Consumers to Join the
Effort with Donations Matched Dollar-for-Dollar
Thanks to our friends at Dr Pepper,
consumers across Chicagoland and
Northwest Indiana have the opportunity
to double their donation to the new
Ronald McDonald House near Lurie
Children’s. As part of the challenge, Dr
Pepper has pledged to match donations
up to a total of $250,000 over the next
five years to accelerate fundraising for
this critical initiative. Consumers can
easily take part in the challenge by
visiting RonaldHouseChicago.org and
making a donation.
“Dr Pepper is proud to be involved in
building the world’s largest Ronald
McDonald House, right here in Chicago,”
said Tom Jerik, market development
director for Dr Pepper Snapple Group.
“We are committed to helping the
communities in which we do business,
and are passionate about creating
14 stories of care and comfort for the
families of hospitalized children.
We know our customers will be too,”
he said.
Dr Pepper has enlisted the
help of Chicago’s very
own Dan Hampton, a Hall
of Fame defensive tackle
who played with the
Chicago Bears for 12
seasons, to serve as the
campaign’s spokesperson. He is
featured in a Dr Pepper Challenge TV
commercial and has been making
public appearances.
This exciting donation opportunity is
also being promoted on the back of Dr
Pepper trucks and in grocery stores.
“We are delighted that Dr Pepper and
Dan Hampton have stepped up to
support the new Ronald McDonald
House near Lurie Children’s and to
help us in our mission of keeping
families together,” said Doug Porter,
chief executive officer of RMHC-CNI.
“We hope the Dr Pepper Challenge will
inspire others to join the cause.”
Reflecting the beauty of the city, the new
Ronald McDonald House, located at 211
East Grand, will offer private rooms and
nurturing communal areas to provide
parents with the opportunity to relax
and rejuvenate just blocks from where
their child is being treated. Nestled
among four world class hospitals — the
new Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's
Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern
Memorial Hospital, Prentice Women’s
Hospital and the Rehabilitation Institute
of Chicago — the new House will serve
as a haven of compassion and hope for
families who travel from all parts of the
globe to provide their children with the
finest health care.
Double Your Contribution!
Go to RonaldHouseChicago.org and
click on “Dr Pepper Challenge”.
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3

Around the Charity
Gibson’s Bar and Steakhouse celebrated their new location
opening at 2105 Spring Road in Oak Brook by donating all
their sales on opening day to RMHC-CNI. As a result of this
amazing commitment of funds, Gibson’s presented us with a
check for $10,000!
Pictured here from left to right are RMHC-CNI staff members
Christina Thomas and Lisa Mitchell, RMHC-CNI Board Chairman
Mike Kotynek, Gregg Horan, Gibson’s manager, and RMHC-CNI
Vice Chairman Joe Endress
This year’s golf tournament, presented by McCain Foods, was another
incredible success. Golfers enjoyed a great day of golf, entertainment
by “Chef Dan and the Appetizers,” an exciting auction, and delicious
food. Thanks to the generous support of our attendees and sponsors,
this year’s event raised over $250,000.
Pictured from left to right are RMHC-CNI board member Bill Keyser and
ABC-7’s Mark Giangreco
RMHC-CNI is fortunate to have
committed partners like Macy’s who
are willing to invest so strongly in
our mission. For the second year in a
row, Macy’s donated all proceeds from
“Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama,”
a spectacular fundraiser filled with
chart-topping musical acts, celebrity
appearances and fashion designers. s.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of
Macy’s, RMHC-CNI received $200,000
as a result of this fabulous event.
Pictured here are pop star Eric
Hutchinson and young Max Herrick, a
recent Ronald McDonald House guest.
2010 Upcoming Events
November 6: Hot Chocolate 5K/15K,
Grant Park, Chicago, Ill. Known as
“Chicago’s Sweetest Race,” RMHC-CNI
is the beneficiary of funds raised this
year. We need volunteers to help support
the race and RMHC-CNI! Please contact
Lindsay Hickey if you are interested in
volunteering. She can be reached at
630-623-7669 or at lhickey@rmhccni.org.
November 15: Volunteer Recognition
Reception, Doubletree Hotel, Oak Brook, Ill.
December 30: Board member Sheila
Musolino’s Holiday Open House. Each
year, Sheila Musolino and Michael
Every summer our partners at Great Clips host their
annual “Mullet Night” cut-a-thon at U.S. Cellular Field.
During this event, Great Clips sets up several cut-athon
stations and offers haircuts in exchange for a $10
donation to RMHC-CNI. In addition to “Mullet Night”,
Great Clips organizes many other events throughout the
year. Thanks to their support, Great Clips has helped us
raise over $15,000 this year.
Pictured here are Ronald McDonald, White Sox mascot South
Paw and Great Clips mascot “Suds”
Giambrone generously open their
elaborately decorated home to
RMHC-CNI supporters. Guests are
encouraged to give a donation to
RMHC-CNI in exchange for a tour and
delicious holiday treats.
For more information and a complete list of upcoming events please visit www.RonaldHouseChicago.org.
4

Partnerships & Support
Candace Collins Jordan
We are thrilled and honored to report that Candace Collins Jordan,
noted Chicago philanthropist, fashion maven and society blogger,
has become a passionate advocate for our charity. Chairman of our
Glamorama Honorary Committee, Candace led the charge to bring
in new supporters, fuel public relations and drive ticket sales. From
hosting a fabulous launch party, appearing in countless news and
fashion segments, to regularly featuring us in her blog, Candace’s
commitment to our charity has made an incredible difference.
We doubled our Glamorama ticket sales and achieved an
unprecedented amount of media coverage regarding the event and
the new House near Lurie Children’s.
The Smith Family
Dynamic MaryAnne Smith and her husband, Bears Coach Lovie Smith,
have been an amazing force in creating awareness and encouraging
donations for the new Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s.
Their support has included hosting our “Comfort in the Heart of
Chicago” event, kicking off the 2010 Fund-a-Cause at Big Mac Under
Glass (which scored an all new high), cultivating prospective donors
at an exclusive Le Cordon Bleu dinner, and spearheading a Capital
Campaign Women’s Auxiliary Board.
The Smiths are pictured here with their son Miles (at left).
Nick Karavites
One Man Chicago is a fun, social and professional event that spotlights
20 passionate men who are performing important work in the
community and supporting local charities. This summer, Nick Karavites
(RMHC-CNI steering committee member, local McDonald’s Owner
Operator and all-around great guy) was nominated to represent the
charity in this exciting program. Across numerous press events, parties,
and at the final show at the Harris Theatre on September 2, Nick was a
charismatic and compelling spokesperson, spreading the word about the
new House near Lurie Children’s.
Nick is pictured here with Ronald McDonald and his wife Lindsey.
Make a tax-deductible contribution of cash or appreciated stock.
Matching Gift Programs — Check with your employer to see if they will match your
How can I help? charitable gift or allow you to donate through a payroll deduction program.
Host a wish list party for your local House. Ask your guests to donate items from
House wish lists. Check the back page to see the list of critically-needed items.
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5

Around the Southside House
Ronald McDonald delivered Happy Meals to our families
and spent some quality time at the House. Ronald stands
with House Manager Mardelle Gundlach and Emily
Peters. In front are Gabe, Lindsay and Hannah Hartman,
Elizabeth and Sophie Kirkpatrick and
Andrew Gunnarson.
Ronald McDonald House guests Tristan and Cal Veldt
spent a special night with White Sox player John Danks
at U.S. Cellular Field while their sister Sasi received
treatment at Comer Children’s Hospital.
Thank you for making
such a wonderful impact
on the lives that you touch.
“
”
We recently hosted a carnival at the House, complete with
a bubble machine, compliments of the Glenwood Fire
Department. House Director Mardelle Gundlach and friends
prepared dinner and the Hyde Park Fire Department was on
hand to help at the event. From left to right: Alaina Peters,
J.R. Carpenter, and Sam Foltos, son of Craig Foltos, hair
stylist from Batavia who regularly gives haircuts to our
families.
Forest of Love
Tyler Thomas Wilson
Forever In Our Hearts
11/11/98 - 1/28/04
Friends of Nicholas
Elk Grove Village
John M Sitar
In Our Thoughts, In Our
Hearts Forever
Friends and
Family Are Angels
Without Wings 2010
Simms Family
Great Clips recently provided
one of our families with
a trip to the Chicagoland
Speedway in Joliet. House
guests Nick Lindlad and his
dad Dan got to meet race
car drivers Kasey Kahne and
Jason Leffler before the race.
Mattea Joy
She Taught Us To
Dance In The Rain
Southeast
Lions Club
Chicago Illinois
"We Seve"
The Forest of Love is a magnificent bronze wall
sculpture that was created in memory of Nicholas
V. Trkla in 1997. The sculpture is displayed in the
rotunda of our House.
The sculpture consists of leaves, butterflies and doves
which are purchased and engraved with messages
celebrating the lives and milestones of special people.
Here are recent additions to the forest of love.
6

Around the Northside House
First place winners David Bacon
and Rob McDonald get their
picture taken on historic Wrigley
Field as part of their prize for
winning the Auxiliary Board’s
4th Annual Battle of the Bags
tournament. This year’s event was
held on September 11 at Captain
Morgan’s Club at Wrigley Field.
Special thanks to this year’s
sponsors: US Cellular, Sara Lee,
Diageo Brands, and Chitown
Custom Cornhole. Through ticket
and raffle sales, we were thrilled to
raise $5,800 for our current House
and an additional $1,500 toward
the capital campaign to build the
new House in Streeterville.
“
So many people take the time to show their
compassion to our families. They all were so helpful
to us, someone talk to, lean on, cry and laugh with.
”
As part of a McDonald’s promotion,
Shrek made an appearance at the
Northside House this summer. He spent
time with our House guests and brought
delicious treats for all to enjoy.
Miss International Erin Golden and Miss Teen
International Jessica Byington smile with House
guest Jessica Lopes. Erin and Jessica were our
guests of honor at a delicious lunch catered by
Biaggi’s Italiano Ristorante this summer.
Sofitel Chicago has been a tremendous partner
to our House. Earlier this year, the hotel
offered discounted rates for our annual wine
tasting event. Most recently, Executive Chef
Martial Noguier (at far right) from
Café des Architectes in the Sofitel prepared a
delicious meal for our families.
Recycle for a great
cause! By donating
your old electronic
items and cartridges
to our new recycling
program, we are
able to protect the
environment and
preserve our natural
resources by keeping
these items out of
landfills. Drop off the
following items to
the Northside House:
empty inkjet and
laser cartridges, used
cell phones, laptops,
digital cameras, iPods,
and palm pilots.
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7

Around the Loyola House
“
It’s great to be able to talk to
others in a common situation and
feel as though you’re in free therapy.
”
Thanks to the McDonald’s legal department, our House
garden looks beautifully manicured once again.
The group generously donated plants and materials,
along with the manpower to transform our garden
into a healing respite for our families and visitors.
They also power washed our furniture and donated a
wonderful sculpture, entitled “Hugging Children.”
Designed by Isabel Bloom in the 1950s, the sculpture
was inspired by the gentle innocence of children and
is among the most popular of her designs.
On Sunday, July 15 we celebrated our
15th birthday and more than 160 guests
attended our party! Ronald was on hand
to entertain and guests participated in
rubber duck races and hit the piñata.
Delicious food and birthday cake were e
also part of the festivities. We are proud
of our many years of service to families
and look forward to many more.
8

Around Around the Hope the Hope House House
RMHC-CNI board member and Ronald McDonald
House near Hope House council member Bill Keyser
pays a visit to his garden at the House. He planted
tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers for House guests
to enjoy. Bill’s commitment to our House and to
helping others continues to inspire us all.
The Binzen Family recently dropped off 65 pounds of pop
tabs from Ferson Creek Elementary School in St. Charles.
One of their family members works at the school and started
a collection in honor of their son, Connor, who stayed at the
House with his family.
In June, the third annual Running for Hope 5K Run/Fun
Walk was held, benefitting the House and Advocate Hope
Children’s Hospital. The race raised over $57,000 with over
1,100 runners, walkers and kid dashers. We are grateful for
the incredible support of our community and participants
and look forward to seeing everyone again next year!
“
This was my first experience with a
Ronald McDonald House and
it is an amazing service you provide.
”
This summer we were very pleased to welcome Ron and Pat
from “New Grout Now” who graciously donated their services
and cleaned all the grout in our House. The company also
donated their services to the other three Houses in our area. a.
We are so grateful for the support of companies like “New
Grout Now” who help our Houses shine.
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9

10
RMHC-CNI Programs
Scholarship Program Marks
Fifth Successful Year
This year marked RMHC-CNI’s fifth year of awarding multiyear
renewable scholarships.
Implemented in 2006, our program awards scholarships to high school
seniors and provides $4,000 each year for four years of college. In order
for the scholarship to be renewed, each student must maintain a
2.75 G.P.A. and perform 25 hours of community service each year.
This summer we were proud to celebrate the college graduation of
25 of our scholarship winners, who will go on to pursue exciting careers
or graduate studies. We are still continuing to support six juniors, nine
sophomores, six freshmen and recently welcomed ten new scholarship
winners into our program.
Our 2010 awardees are:
Mohamad Abdallah College Prep School of America
Tikkara Cooper Devry Advantage Academy
Matthew Hartigan Glenbard High School
Drake Hislop Plano High School
Ryann Howard Hinsdale South High School
Shannon Koester Saint Francis High School
SungMin Lim Calumet High School
Manuel Mandujano Waukegan High School
Andrew O’Neill Lake Forest High School
Andrea Rodriguez Pritzker College Prep
In July, our annual scholarship winners reception was held at the Ronald
McDonald House near University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital.
The event was attended by members of RMHC-CNI’s Education Committee,
board of directors, staff, scholarship winners and their families.
Our commitment to this program, coupled with the support of donors like
Fifth Third Bank, RMHC-CNI’s Education Committee and board of directors,
has allowed us to touch the lives of more than 70 students since 2006.
“ goals. I am honored to receive an RMHC-CNI scholarship.
”
I deeply appreciate your recognition and support of my educational
Care Mobile Services Continues to Expand
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, our
mobile medical unit on wheels, has been
rolling into schools and health fairs for
over two years now, serving children who
would otherwise not have access to basic
medical care.
Since our official launch in 2008, our
number of children served has increased
each year by 53 percent. Since the
beginning of 2010, we have served 978
patients, providing 948 physicals and
administering 1,395 vaccines.
In 2010, our reach has broadened to not
only include grammar school children
but to also serve high school students.
To date, the Care Mobile has visited 52
grammar schools -- which is on par with
last year’s numbers – and have spent 25
days at high schools.
We congratulate our medical providers,
Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital, and
the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile team,
who continue to do an outstanding job
in providing essential care to children in
need of a medical home.
Jacqueline Evans, NP, clinical lead for the Care Mobile,
treats Paul Davis, Jr. from Bogan High School.
Scholarship winners and RMHC-CNI's Education Committee
attend the 2010 scholarship winners reception
Past scholarship winners Chasati Allen (left) and
Renata Sago (right) and board member Dave Pojman
(center) attend the 2010 scholarship winners reception
If you are interested in learning more about or supporting the
RMHC-CNI Scholarship Program, please contact Jill Sterling at
630-623-5175.

Volunteers
Volunteers Offer Helping
Hands and Loving Hearts
Northside/Southside
Loyola
Hope
Chapter Office
Aasta Watson
Brian Smith
Ginger Pender
Wing Family
Doing “double duty” has a special
meaning when it comes to volunteer
extraordinaire Aasta Watson. It is
not unusual for a volunteer to come
once a week to help out at one of
our four Ronald McDonald Houses,
but Aasta alternates her Thursdays
between two Ronald McDonald
Houses: the one near Children’s
Memorial Hospital and the House
near University of Chicago Comer
Children’s Hospital. “I like the variety
of volunteer opportunities, getting
to know the families who are our
guests, and chatting with the staff
and other volunteers,” Aasta said.
Aasta was introduced to the
Ronald McDonald House through
friends who are franchise owners
of McDonald’s restaurants. She
discovered that she enjoyed the staff
and the ambience at each House and
decided to volunteer at both.
One of her favorite memories of the
House was during the Thanksgiving
holidays. “My family volunteered
one Thanksgiving Day to do a
cleaning project at the Northside
House,” she said. “I loved the spirit
in the House that day and how
everyone gave their time to make the
day special for the Ronald McDonald
House families,” she said.
Aasta is a committed volunteer
who enjoys giving her time to our
Houses. “I am extremely blessed and
it’s important to me to give back to
the community with my time and,
hopefully, pass on to my children the
importance of giving back.”
Brian Smith has been a volunteer
with Ronald McDonald House near
Loyola University Medical Center
since August 17, 2009 and will soon
be celebrating his first anniversary
as an RMHC-CNI volunteer.
Brian became a volunteer because he
was inspired by RMHC-CNI’s overall
mission and the positive impact
the House has on people’s lives.
“Each time I come to the House I
feel fortunate to be able to play a
small part in bringing comfort to the
families that come through the doors
of the Loyola house,” Brian said.
Brian especially enjoys working
around the House in a handyman
capacity. Brian also enjoys
interacting with the residents.
Brian lives in Oak Brook with his
wife Shannon and two children
Sam and Shea. Sam and Shea also
volunteer along with their Dad from
time to time. We thank Brian for
becoming a part of our RMHC-CNI
volunteer family. We could not do
what we do without volunteers
like him!
How can I help?
Families arriving at the Ronald
McDonald House near Hope on
Saturdays are often greeted by
the beautiful smile and sparkling
turquoise-blue eyes of welcome desk
volunteer Ginger Pender.
Ginger, who spent 30 years as a
respiratory therapist at Christ Hospital,
was looking for a new venture
following her retirement in 2008.
“I really treasured the relationships
I made with people at the hospital,”
says Ginger. The guests at the House
have now become special to her. “This
place is filled with love,” Ginger said.
“We’re sorry they have to be here, but
we hope that the love in this place
helps them find some peace,” she
added.
Ginger has a unique awareness of
our guest’s feelings. The mother
of three and grandmother of four
recalls caring for her daughter Eileen,
whose illnesses at age 12 led to
several lengthy hospitalizations. “That
experience really helps me understand
where people are coming from,”
Ginger said.
With more than 225 volunteer hours
logged at the House, Ginger enjoys
working the welcome desk, and
helping with cleaning around the
House. Above all, Ginger’s favorite
thing to do at the House is interact
with House guests. “I like giving
hugs,” Ginger said.
Written by: Nancy Johnson (Volunteer and House
Council member)
The Wing Family became an even
bigger part of our volunteer team
this year when 16-year-old Connor
organized a group from his Boy
Scout troop to assist us at our
“Hoops for the House” tournament
in June.
The entire Wing family, Connor’s
Boy Scout troop, and a number
of their friends took the lead on
two days of set-up at this year’s
basketball tournament event. The
group arrived before 5 a.m. each day,
helping with unloading the truck,
painting the court lines, moving the
heavy basketball hoops and a variety
of other tasks.
Since volunteering earlier this year,
the Wing Family has continued to
help us at our other fundraising
events. They have worked at our
annual golf and sporting clays
tournaments and at Big Mac Under
Glass, helping out wherever needed.
In addition to recently cooking at
the Loyola House, the family also
volunteered at our Plane Pull event
in October.
We are incredibly grateful for the
tireless dedication of the Wing family
and their invaluable help at our
fundraising events.
Attend or hold you own creative fundraisers to benefit RMHC-CNI and its programs
Be a guest chef and provide dinner for families
Collect pop tabs from aluminum cans and send to RMHC-CNI
Designate RMHC-CNI as a beneficiary in your will
handinhand
11

Ronald McDonald House Charities
of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana
1900 Spring Road, Suite 310
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Non Profit Org.
US Postage
Paid
South Holland, IL
Permit No. 382
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Paul Clark, Chairman Emeritus
Mike Kotynek, Chairman
Joe Endress, Vice Chairman
Mary Haggerty, Treasurer
Don Crosby, Secretary
Steve Brunner
Mark Butterly, M.D.
Don Camp
Maneesh Chawla
Mike Cronin
Carmen DeCarrier
Greg Ellison
Meg Floersch
Mark Freeman
A.J. Hotaling, M.D.
Paul Huebener
Barbara Jenkins-Buddig
Bill Keyser
John Knazur
Greg Koerner
Patty Kryscha
Cindi LaPorte
Eric Leininger
Sheila Musolino
Tim Nevins
Jim Petrowich
Dave Pojman
Ruby Roy, M.D.
Todd Schaefer
Sue Singleton
Charlie Stone
Liz Thompson
RMHC-CNI OFFICE
Doug Porter, Chief Executive Officer
1900 Spring Road, Suite 310
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
(630) 623-5300 office
(630) 623-5307 direct
(630) 623-0808 fax
www.ronaldhousechicago.org
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSES:
Near Children’s Memorial Hospital
(Northside House)
Anne Czarnecki, House Director
622 West Deming Place
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 348-5322
(773) 348-7619 fax
Help us update our information
Near University of Chicago Comer
Children’s Hospital (Southside House)
Mardelle Gundlach, House Director
5444 S. Drexel Avenue
Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 324-5437
(773) 493-2905 fax
Near Loyola University Medical Center
Andi Wadas, House Director
Tripp Avenue at Air Mail Road
P. O. Box 7002
Hines, IL 60141
(708) 327-2273
(708) 327-6000 fax
Near Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital
Kelly Evans, House Director
4410 W. 93rd Street
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
(708) 423-5285
(708) 423-5658 fax
HAND IN HAND EDITORIAL STAFF:
Jill Sterling, Editor
Anne Czarnecki
Kelly Evans
Mardelle Gundlach
Jamie Haberkorn
Mary Agnes Laguatan
Sue Vadovicky
Andi Wadas
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Janel Toal, Graphic Designer
McKay Printing Services
MISSION:
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana is a leader in making the lives of children and their families better
by operating Ronald McDonald Houses which provide a home away from home for the families of children being treated at local hospitals,
operating a Ronald McDonald Care Mobile and funding scholarships for local college students. RMHC-CNI is supported by its volunteers,
generous donors and staff, as well as the McDonald’s family, which includes owner-operators, suppliers and employees.
____ My name and address need correcting as shown.
____ I received more than one issue of this newsletter.
____ I would like to share this newsletter with a friend
(provide address information).
____ I would like to be removed from your database.
Please return the above to the RMHC-CNI office in
Oak Brook. Thank you.
Wish Lists
Northside House
Toilet paper
Paper towels
C-fold paper towels
White bath towel sets
Liquid laundry detergent
Standard pillows
Twin and queen mattress protectors
Target gift cards
White copy paper
Southside House
Toys for Santa’s Workshop
(especially babies and teens)
iTunes, Best Buy, Borders,
Bed Bath & Beyond and Target gift
certificates to use as holiday gifts
Individual snacks and cereal
Laundry detergent
Gift certificates for Sam’s,
Wal-Mart and Gordon Food Service
Loyola House
Copy paper
Powdered laundry detergent
Oust disinfectant spray
Clorox disinfectant wipes
33-gallon heavy-duty garbage bags
Gift cards for gas, Jewel, Target and
Costco
Assorted individual snacks
Hope House
Dryer sheets
Calling cards
Umbrellas
Paper plates
Napkins
Gift cards for Sam’s Club, Target, Jewel &
local restaurants
Gift cards for Home Depot, Bed Bath &
Beyond, Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel
Check out our website at RonaldHouseChicago.org for up-to-date news and information every day!