Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House MESSAGES OF HOPE · 2017-08-11 · Gemini Bakery Equipment In...

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Volume 2 2015 Philadelphia Ronald Mc Donald House MESSAGES OF HOPE 01 Joey Fantozzi was just like most boys his age – happy, active, and involved in many activities. But everything changed in September 2012, when Joey, then six years old, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). “It all started when the nurse from Joey’s school called me to let me know that Joey looked really pale and tired – they thought he might be anemic, so I went to school and picked him up,” says Nicole, Joey’s mother. A few days passed and Joey’s condition didn’t improve. His parents knew they had to seek medical treatment when Joey had to leave flag football practice early because he became short of breath. Nicole and Joe, Joey’s father, took their son straight to their local hospital near their hometown in the Pocono Mountains. Almost immediately, doctors knew something was wrong, but advised the family to seek the opinion of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). “Everything moved very quickly…an ambulance picked up Joey that afternoon and by the late evening he was diagnosed with leukemia,” says Nicole. That day marked the beginning of a long road ahead as Joey endured a month of chemotherapy and other interventional treatment. “He took it all in stride and never complained despite the pain he was in — he actually kept the entire family positive throughout the treatment process,” says Joe. Joey’s mother adds, “From day one, he never let cancer define him or bring him down — he’s such a strong kid.” It was during in-patient treatment at CHOP that Joey first learned about Ronald McDonald Camp. “When we heard about Camp, Joey was very, very nervous because he had never been away from home; however, I encouraged him to go from the very beginning because I knew that being around other children going through what he’s going through was just what he needed,” says Nicole. In August 2013, Joey’s parents took him to Ronald McDonald Camp for a week of fun, friendship, and freedom from being different. “Joe and I felt great leaving Joey at Camp because his doctor, social worker, and child life specialist were all there and we knew he would be in great hands,” says Nicole. Ronald McDonald Camp provides the experience of a traditional overnight summer camp while taking into account the needs of children who are at different stages of cancer treatment, in remission, and the siblings’ needs as well — both medical and psychosocial. “You go through this devastating experience, then there you are with other children just like you, and brothers and sisters who have been in a similar situation — there’s nothing else like it and it’s food for the soul,” says Nicole. Joey’s first summer at Camp turned out to be a life-changing experience and the anxieties of being away from home were quickly replaced with activities like Joey’s personal favorites: kayaking and fishing. “I remember picking him up on the last day of Camp and all the kids were eating in the mess hall. I yelled over to him so he would see me and he just ran into my arms – his spirit was renewed and he looked so happy. We spent the entire car ride home talking about all things ‘Camp’,” says Nicole. Camp helps children with cancer and their siblings reclaim their childhood. For one week, a child can just be a child and experience new activities and acquire new skills in a supportive, nurturing environment. Camp means the world to not only the campers, but to their parents as well. “I just want to thank Camp supporters for their generosity towards children who have had or are battling cancer. To take a week away from everything they have been through and have an opportunity to forget their troubles and just be with friends, it’s just a tremendous experience. These kids build lifelong memories,” says Nicole. Joey, now nine years old, loved Camp so much that he returned the following year in 2014 and will be attending again this summer. When asked what he would say to those who support Ronald McDonald Camp, he says, “You’re so awesome and thank you…so much!” Joey’s Camp Story “I knew that being around other children going through what he’s going through was just what he needed.” You too can become a part of the magic of Ronald McDonald Camp. Find out how at www.philarmh.org/camp. Joey Fantozzi, (bottom row, second from the left) with his cabin bunk mates in 2014.

Transcript of Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House MESSAGES OF HOPE · 2017-08-11 · Gemini Bakery Equipment In...

Page 1: Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House MESSAGES OF HOPE · 2017-08-11 · Gemini Bakery Equipment In loving memory of Carl A. Goldenberg from family and friends ... Yards Brewing Company

Volume 2 2015

Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House MESSAGES OF HOPE

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Joey Fantozzi was just like most boys his age – happy, active, and involved in many activities. But everything changed in September 2012, when Joey, then six years old, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). “It all started when the nurse from Joey’s school called me to let me know that Joey looked really pale and tired – they thought he might be anemic, so I went to school and picked him up,” says Nicole, Joey’s mother. A few days passed and Joey’s condition didn’t improve. His parents knew they had to seek medical treatment when Joey had to leave flag football practice early because he became short of breath. Nicole and Joe, Joey’s father, took their son straight to their local hospital near their hometown in the Pocono Mountains. Almost immediately, doctors knew something was wrong, but advised the family to seek the opinion of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). “Everything moved very quickly…an ambulance picked up Joey that afternoon and by the late evening he was diagnosed with leukemia,” says Nicole.

That day marked the beginning of a long road ahead as Joey endured a month of chemotherapy and other interventional treatment. “He took it all in stride and never complained despite the pain he was in — he actually kept the entire family positive throughout the treatment process,” says Joe. Joey’s mother adds, “From day one, he never let cancer define him or bring him down — he’s such a strong kid.” It was during in-patient treatment at CHOP that Joey first learned about Ronald McDonald Camp. “When we heard about Camp, Joey was very, very nervous because he had never been away from home; however, I encouraged him to go from the very beginning because I knew

that being around other children going through what he’s going through was just what he needed,” says Nicole.

In August 2013, Joey’s parents took him to Ronald McDonald Camp for a week of fun, friendship, and freedom from being different. “Joe and I felt great leaving Joey at Camp because his doctor, social worker, and child life specialist were all there and we knew he would be in great hands,” says Nicole. Ronald McDonald Camp provides the experience of a traditional overnight summer camp while taking into account the needs of children who are at different stages of cancer treatment, in remission, and the siblings’ needs as well — both medical and psychosocial. “You go through this devastating experience, then there you are with other children just like you, and brothers and sisters who have been in a similar situation — there’s nothing else like it and it’s food for the soul,” says Nicole.

Joey’s first summer at Camp turned out to be a life-changing experience and the anxieties of being away from home were quickly replaced with activities like Joey’s personal favorites: kayaking and fishing. “I remember picking him up on the last day of Camp and all the kids were eating in the mess hall. I yelled over to him so he would see me and he just ran into my arms – his spirit was renewed and he looked so happy. We spent the entire car ride home talking about all things ‘Camp’,” says Nicole.

Camp helps children with cancer and their siblings reclaim their childhood. For one week, a child can just be a child and experience new activities and acquire new skills in a supportive, nurturing environment. Camp means the world to not only the campers, but to their parents as well. “I just want to thank Camp supporters for their generosity towards children who have had or are battling cancer. To take a week away from everything they have been through and have an opportunity to forget their troubles and just be with friends, it’s just a tremendous experience. These kids build lifelong memories,” says Nicole.

Joey, now nine years old, loved Camp so much that he returned the following year in 2014 and will be attending again this summer. When asked what he would say to those who support Ronald McDonald Camp, he says, “You’re so awesome and thank you…so much!”

Joey’s Camp Story

“I knew that being around other children going through what he’s going through was just what he needed.”

You too can become a part of the magic of Ronald McDonald Camp. Find out how at www.philarmh.org/camp.

Joey Fantozzi, (bottom row, second from the left) with his cabin bunk mates in 2014.

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Dear Friends,

As I sit down to write this fi nal message as President, I cannot keep from thinking about the incredible experience this has been for me. It really has been life-altering. I am not leaving the Board, just making way for another person to be at the helm of this wonderful organization and put their fi ngerprints on our path.

So much has happened in the 18 years I‘ve been on the Board. It was suggested that I should highlight the accomplishments during those years for this last message, but I would rather thank the people who have helped me during the fi ve years of my presidency. It’s because of all of them that we have fl ourished. I’ve worked alongside three Executive Directors but none more capable and devoted than Susan Campbell. She understands every nuance of our operation, works well with our Board, and has complete support of her staff. She is highly respected in the Executive Director community of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and is a wonderful spokesperson on our behalf. I am so appreciative of her support, partnership, and friendship.

Our staff has grown and blossomed in to a cohesive team, and you know it is not just a job to them but a heartfelt commitment to our families. I think they all know how much I appreciate them and the long hours they are present to get the job done.

Our Board has grown and they are all so committed to our mission. They see the impact of the House on our families and know that their job is never fi nished until we can accommodate all that come to our door. They make sure the House is fi scally sound and they spread the word to donors to fund our two Houses, two Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, Hospitality Kiosk, and Ronald McDonald Camp. They have been my support throughout my presidency.

I cannot say enough about the Camp staff who volunteer their time each summer to give the campers a fun-fi lled week where cancer is put on the shelf and replaced with laughter and smiles. It is through their caring and devotion that we can give this gift to over 200 campers each summer. They are a wonderful group of people and they know they hold a special place in my heart.

Our devoted volunteers make such a difference across all of our programs. They are the fi rst faces that families see when they walk in the door. They are the fi rst people that tell them they will be safe here. They are kind, selfl ess people who take their jobs very seriously and, in turn, make a serious impact. I appreciate them all and hope they know it.

Finally, I thank all of you — the many donors who have supported our mission every year. It takes a lot of funds to do what we do and you have been there for our families and our programs. There are many places you could give money to and we are so appreciative that you have chosen the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. I don’t need to look back to list our past accomplishments because I look around and see it every day. I would rather look to the future and know that all of you incredible people will be there to offer your support. I am eternally grateful to each and every one of you.

Many thanks,

Marlene Weinberg

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Marlene Weinberg, President of the Board, 2009-2015

Many thanks,

SHOW YOUR STRIPES FOR THE PHILADELPHIA RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

Our 41st birthday will be here before we know it and you can support the House by participating in our Show Your Stripes Sock Fundraiser.

How it works: Purchase your socks prior to our birthday celebration on October 15, 2015. On the big day, be sure to wear your socks in support of the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House and don’t forget to take a photo and tag @Philarmh #Sockie #ShowYourStripes #MyPRMH.

Socks are $10 per pair and can be purchased online at www.philarmh.org/socks.

Gather your colleagues, sports teams, school, organization, and friends and help support the House this fall. For more information, please contact Chris Callanan at [email protected].

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The generosity of our Adopt A Room donors allows us to fulfill our mission of supporting families with seriously ill children by creating a community of comfort and hope.

To renew your sponsorship or to become a 2016 Adopt A Room Sponsor, please contact Chris Callanan at [email protected].

THANK YOU TO OUR 2015 ADOPT A ROOM DONORS

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.

Ammerman Family Foundation

Dan and Edwina Amoroso

Aramark Conference Centers

In loving memory of Alexa C. Artis

Lenny Brenner

Budget Maintenance

Cancer Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

CAPTRUST

Cara’s Sweethearts

CJR Memorial Foundation

Construction Financial Management Association - Philadelphia Chapter

Croke Park Golf Classic – Dublin, Ireland

CSL Behring

Joel and Matthew Damron

DLL

Di Bruno Bros.

Donna Calvert and family in honor of Stephen Calvert

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City

ERT

In honor of Whitney Fox

Gemini Bakery Equipment

In loving memory of Carl A. Goldenberg from family and friends

In honor of Bruce Goldenberg's special birthday

The Goldenberg Group and People Helping People Foundation

The Greene and Schaefer Families

The Goldstein and Liss Families

Guidi Homes, Inc.

Innovative Print and Media Group

J&J Snack Foods Corp

Jacobs

Jonathan Grant Meyers Legacy Foundation, Ltd

The Katie Kirlin Fund

Katie's Krusaders

Cindy Keaveney

Maiden Re

Marsh

Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc.

McGladrey LLP

Brad McPhee and Pat Tagliolini

Medical ID MarketPlace by Hope Paige

In loving memory of Scott Adam Menkowitz – Michael and Amy Menkowitz

In loving memory of Scott Adam Menkowitz – Sue and Elliot Menkowitz

Salli and Stephen Mickelberg

The Montufar Family

Navmar Applied Sciences Corporation

NFL Alumni and Philadelphia Chapter Cheerleaders

Denny Parisan and the County Corvette Toy Drive

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau

The Persinger Cookie Throwdown

Philadelphia Eagles

Pilot Freight Services

Pine Forest Camp, Lake Owego Camp, and Camp Timber Tops

The Joseph Plumitallo Memorial Foundation

Reed Smith

Jill and Neil Reiff

Richie Nelson Celebration of Life Golf Outing

Servicing Contractors Association of Greater Delaware Valley

Shari and Mark Rosenberg

Paul Sabelli Family

The Brian Seibert Memorial Fund

TGaS® Advisors

Tri-State Racquetball Tournament

Turner Investments, Inc.

UAS

Van Aken Family Foundation

The June and Steve Wolfson Family Foundation

Wylie's Day Foundation

Yards Brewing Company

The Young Lawyers' Section of the Delaware County Bar Association

Dear Adopt A Room Donor,

Not only did I get adequate rest at the House, but I got the support of other people who were going through the same thing I was. Each day I would return to the hospital feeling refreshed and ready to continue our battle, and it was also a much-needed break from the reality of what I was going through.

With gratitude,

Christine Weideman– Mother of Nicholas, an oncology patient at St. Christopher’s

Hospital for Children

WISH LIST

We depend on the generosity of our donors to assist us in providing the comforts of home to the families we serve. This wish list consists of items that we need immediately. For more information, or to schedule a drop off, please contact Tina McDonnell at [email protected].

Aero Beds (Twin Size)Paper Towels

Passes to the Philadelphia Zoo and Other Area Attractions

DVD PlayersGift Cards to Target

Box Fans & OscillatingFloor Fans

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It is said that things happen for a reason. We may not know why today or tomorrow, but at some point in time, things begin to come into focus and eventually the mystery unfolds.

For me it all started in 1999, when my then 12-year-old daughter, Cara, was diagnosed with bone cancer in her right femur. It was a total shock and I would never have expected it to happen to my happy and healthy child, but it did, and it was something that has had a lasting impact on me and my life would never be the same.

I will never forget the day that Dr. Halligan of St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children came out of surgery from our daughter’s biopsy. As if in a nightmare, I heard him speak those dreaded words informing us that she had cancer – news that brought fear into our hearts of what the future would hold for our child. The weeks and months that followed included chemotherapy, long hospital stays, transfusions, and surgeries. It was the beginning of a whole new understanding of what it was like being the parent of a seriously ill child and the impact of illness on a family. It was a terrifying experience for all of us as we lived with the anxiety and fear of Cara’s condition. But we stayed

strong and with the love and support of our family and friends, our faith, and the efforts of the wonderful staff at St. Christopher’s, Cara did well, and we gradually made our way through the protocol of treatments and physical therapy.

It was after Cara finished her treatment that our family was invited to attend a Committee to Benefit the Children (CBC) Golf outing honoring Dr. Halligan, and we were all seated at the table after dinner. Cara was somewhat shy and uneasy since she didn’t feel comfortable with people she didn’t know, so she didn’t have much to say. A certain individual (who I didn’t know personally, but was someone in the public eye that I recognized), noticed Cara sitting at the table and took it upon himself to pull up a chair and sit next her. As he introduced himself and spoke to Cara, I noticed how she seemed more relaxed as he made her smile with his wit and warm personality. I was so impressed and never forgot how this gentleman took the time and interest in my daughter, still hairless and frail, and made her feel special, even if only for a moment. It was then that I decided I wanted to follow this man’s example by paying it forward to other sick children and their families, as he had done for my child.

Since we still took Cara back and forth to St. Christopher’s for follow up visits and scans, we stayed close with not only the staff, but families of other patients at the clinic, including Katie Duffin. When Katie lost her battle with cancer, Katie’s Krusaders was born to help provide families of sick children with financial and personal support during a most difficult time. I gladly accepted an offer to be on the Board of Katie’s Krusaders and was eager to be part of their mission. Nowadays, I also serve on the Board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey and support their mission to grant wishes to help strengthen and empower children battling life-threatening medical conditions.

When Katie’s Krusaders coupled with the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, the longstanding dream to build the Front & Erie House next to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children came true. I watched it materialize over time and flourish into the beautiful House that it is today, and I volunteer there every Wednesday evening with my wife, Jo. As parents of a child who has been there and gone through the hardships of hospital stays, treatments, and surgeries, we have empathy for the guests who stay at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House and we strive to give them the comfort and support they desperately need. I meet so many families and hear their stories of how the Ronald McDonald House has helped them through their toughest times; I am proud to be a part of this organization and I have so much respect and admiration for the people who make it all work.

Now, as I am asked to put into words why I serve on the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Board of Directors, it all goes back to the CBC dinner when I was inspired by that kind gentleman who befriended my daughter and offered her kindness and comfort. Who was that person you may ask? It was one of the Co-Founders of the world’s first Ronald McDonald House, Jimmy Murray.

Chuck Montufar

On Tuesday, March 24 from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, CBS 3 and the CW Philly partnered with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region, Inc. for the Sixth Annual “Change the Luck of a Child” Phone Bank. We received an overwhelming response from the community and raised over $1,000,000 to directly support the programs of the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House and the Ronald McDonald Houses of Delaware and Southern New Jersey.

Thank you to all of the individuals who supported this event and our most heartfelt gratitude to our valued partners who sponsored the 2015 Phone Bank. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Di Bruno Bros. for donating a delicious spread of food for our sponsors and volunteers, and to Coca-Cola and Yards Brewing Company for donating beverages. To see more photos from the Phone Bank, visit our Flickr page at www.flickr.com/philarmh.

1 Ronald McDonald with former Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House guest, Hailey Bekos, and star of CBS’ Big Brother 16, Cody Calafiore.

2 One of our Presenting Sponsors, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, presenting a check on air.

3 One of our Platinum Partners, Aberdeen Asset Management, presenting a check on air.

SIXTH ANNUAL “CHANGE THE LUCK OF A CHILD” PHONE BANK

BOARD SPOTLIGHT

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LOOKING BACK ON 30 YEARS OF CAMP

Ronald McDonald Camp (RMC) has served as a magical place where kids with cancer and their siblings go to reclaim their childhood. It’s a place where, for one week, a kid can enjoy just being a kid—free from the worry of being different. It’s a chance to experience new activities and acquire new skills in a supportive and nurturing environment. It’s a time when kids can talk openly about cancer and everybody else understands. As we celebrate our 30th year, we fondly look back on our history with Doris Sterner, Founding Camp Director and former Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Social Worker, and Cindy Candela-Ryan, who joined the RMC staff in 1987 and has been the Camp Director for 15 years.

Then: The idea of Ronald McDonald Camp was conceptualized by Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Co-Founder, Dr. Audrey Evans. In August of 1986, the first week of Ronald McDonald Camp took place at a camp in Pennsylvania with about 50 oncology patients. As Doris says, “In a lot of ways that first summer was a test to see if Camp was a long-term possibility.”

Now: Since 1986, RMC has evolved and grown. This year, over 230 campers with cancer and their siblings will gather at Ronald McDonald Camp, now hosted at Camp Timber Tops in the beautiful Pocono Mountains. “New campers oftentimes arrive feeling like they are one of the few kids who has ever had pediatric cancer and suddenly there are 230+ kids who have been on that journey too, whether as a patient or a sibling,” says Cindy.

Then: Camp started off with a small volunteer staff. “We also had medical professionals from The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) volunteer their time at camp. With oncologists, nurses and psychosocial staff, our children received excellent medical care and emotional support,” says Doris.

Now: RMC counselors are volunteers who commit a week of their time and come from a variety of backgrounds. They not only act as bunk counselors, but they also run activities and participate in program planning in the off-season. This year, our volunteer staff is over 130 strong and includes medical and psychosocial professionals from CHOP and Camp Counselors. “In addition to the support of our volunteer staff, Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Board President Emeritus, Marlene Weinberg, and Board Member, Salli Mickelberg, have generously donated their time at Camp for over 10 years. “Our staff is completely unique. With an age range from 20 to 76, many have been with us for a long time – their dedication is incredible,” says Cindy. “The volunteers come up for a week ready to do anything asked of them and they do such a great job,” says Doris.

Then: Dr. Evans wanted to give children with cancer new experiences that would encourage play — especially outside. Says Doris, “She wanted to get children outside and into the great outdoors because she loved to see kids just being kids.” Dr. Evans, a longtime proponent of the holistic approach to healthcare for a sick child and their family, saw Camp as part of the treatment process.

Now: To this day, Dr. Evan’s holistic approach holds true in all that we do at Camp and the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House to provide comprehensive support to families with seriously ill children. Children with cancer and their siblings greatly benefit from the environment at Camp. As Cindy says, “Young people who have battled life-threatening diseases often feel their dreams slip away. At Camp, our message is yes, you can move on and be the person you want to be. Our camp environment is designed to help kids do just that - it’s a safe place emotionally and physically where trying new things and developing peer friendships are encouraged and treasured. Ronald McDonald Camp looks like a regular summer camp, but if you listen and watch closely, you’ll realize it’s so much more.” Dr. Evan’s dream has been realized for 30 years, and she continues to visit Camp each year to share in the fun and smiles.

Ronald McDonald Camp plays an important part in the health and wellbeing of children with cancer because it allows them to do what other kids their age do, which is go to summer camp and have a great time.

— Dr. Evans

CELEBRATING THE HEART OF THE HOUSE – VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION 2015

Each year, we gather together to celebrate and thank our dedicated volunteers, and this year over 200 House volunteers and their guests came together at the Inn at Penn for the annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration. Staff dressed to impress volunteers for the Love-Boat-themed event complete with a cocktail hour, dinner, dessert, and live music and dancing. During the program, volunteers were recognized for their commitment to our organization and presented with pins to commemorate milestone years of service. An exciting addition to the program this year was the presentation of the Cabot Community Celebrity Award Cruise to two very deserving volunteers and brothers, Brandon and Brett Gallashaw. The Gallashaw brothers were nominated by their peers to win an all-expense paid cruise compliments of Cabot Creamery Cooperative and presented by Bob Schiers of Cabot.

We would like to thank the Inn at Penn for hosting, staffing, and providing the delicious meal for this event and Cabot Creamery Cooperative for providing the beautiful wine and cheese displays. And our most heartfelt thank you to our wonderful volunteers who play an essential role in all that we do at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House.

Cabot Community Celebrity Award Cruise recipients Brandon and Brett Gallashaw (pictured center and far right) with staff, volunteers and Bob Schiers of Cabot Creamery Cooperative.

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WE’RE SO THANKFUL FOR...

BEDROOM UPDATE All of the 65 bedrooms at both our Chestnut Street and Front & Erie Houses received a much-needed makeover this spring, thanks to the support of an anonymous donor. The rooms now have beautiful hotel-quality bedding—including new duvets, duvet covers, pillows, linens, blankets, and bed skirts—designed to make them feel more comfortable and welcoming. The updates have had a significant impact on the families who stay with us, as one family shared: “The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House has always been the most comfortable place next to being home. But, I must admit the super soft new bedding adds a nice comfy warm twist. My daughter loves the pillows and I really like the soft blankets. Thank you for helping our home away from home feel even better.”

WORLD WIDE STEREO Our bedrooms received another major upgrade this spring when World Wide Stereo generously donated 26 new flat screen televisions. Thanks to their donation, all of the televisions in our two Houses are now updated and able to show our new in-house FamilyOne television channel, which is debuting this summer. FamilyOne—in both English and Spanish—will play on a dedicated channel on the televisions in each bedroom and will provide information about our services and resources in the comfort of the families’ rooms.

A special thank you to all of the schools who participated in the 21st Annual 76ers Read for Ronald program.

READ FOR RONALD

Belmont Hills Elementary SchoolBerlin Community School Chester M. Stephens Elementary SchoolChesterbrook Academy Elementary Chesterbrook Academy Elementary Cornwells ElementaryEpiscopal AcademyErdenheim Elementary SchoolFox Chase Elementary SchoolFrancis Hopkinson Elementary SchoolFranklin Elementary School Franklin Elementary School Friends’ Central Lower School Girard College

Ithan Elementary SchoolJohn Marshall Elementary School Loesche Elementary School Nazareth Academy Grade School P.S. 16 The Leonard Dunkly School in Memory of Aubrey RennyPenn Wynne Elementary SchoolPerelman Jewish Day School Radnor Elementary SchoolRose Tree Elementary SchoolSamuel K Faust Elementary School Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Lower School for Girls Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Middle School for Girls

St. Francis of Assisi SchoolSt. James SchoolSt. Peter’s SchoolTinc Road ElementaryThe Agnes Irwin SchoolThe Baldwin SchoolThe Wyndcroft SchoolUpper Merion Area Middle SchoolVare Washington Elementary SchoolWayne Elementary SchoolWhitemarsh Elementary SchoolWilliam Loesche Elementary School

We would like to extend a special thank you to all of the students who read throughout the month of February to support the House in the 21st Annual 76ers Read for Ronald Program. We also thank the participating schools, parents, teachers, school staff, and volunteers, along with the 76ers organization, for their unwavering support in making this year’s program another success and raising over $111,000 to support our House.

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GUEST CHEF SPOTLIGHT

HEALTHY BREAKFAST

DONATIONS FROM THE HEART - 1/1/2015 TO 3/31/2015

$10,000 to $24,000Mr. and Dr. Dries DariusThe Mark David and Anne Kupferberg Pepper

Family Foundation2 014 NFL Alumni Cheerleaders

Association Gala

$5,000 to $9,999Anonymous2015 Golf Outing In Memory of Dominic V. DiCiccoEndo International, plcIndependence Blue CrossUnited Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New JerseyMs. Elaine Walker - In Honor of Arielle Walker

$2,500 to $4,999Ms. Marcy D. FriedmanGlaxoSmithKline Navy YardThe Merck FoundationPam and Tony SchneiderMs. Ellen SiegelSonesta International Hotels CorporationMr. Jeff TertelTorcon, Inc.

$1,000 to $2,499AnonymousAccu-Tune, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Dean AdlerAIG Matching Grants ProgramAir Ambulance Worldwide, Inc.Mr. Essa AlzahraniArthur Rann Elementary School - Snowball Sling Fundraiser

Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology NursesThe Bacharach FamilyCaroline J. Sanders TrustMr. Rajiv DeSilvaMr. and Mrs. Attilio R. EspositoMr. and Mrs. Mike Ferro - Hope Brings StrengthGold Coast Production ManagementHealthcorp, Inc. - Dudnyk FundraiserHeidel Hollow Farm, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Samuel I. HongIBM Employee Services CenterThe JennJoe Fund of the Community Foundation of New JerseyFran and Leon L. LevyMr. and Mrs. Richard G. LangMr. and Mrs. John C. LeClairLehigh County Farm BureauLehigh County Farm Bureau Women’s CommitteeMacQuarie Group FoundationMarion Prochazka Charitable TrustMr. and Mrs. Michael McAleerMetropolitan Contract CarpetsMicrosoft Giving CampaignNeshaminy High SchoolDr. and Mrs. Jason NeustadterOffice of Health Promotion at Villanova UniversityPhiladelphia 76ersMr. and Mrs. James A. PizziPMC Property Group, Inc.Ms. Rene PresserPwCMr. Donald Rush

Mr. Craig SabatinoSalesforce FoundationSRM Entertainment, Ltd.Time After TimeMr. Suketu UpadhyayMr. Douglas White

$500 to $999Mr. Richard J. AdelizziAlpha Delta Pi Foundation, Inc. - Pie a President FundraiserAmerican Express Foundation - Employee Gift Matching ProgramMr. and Mrs. Fred E. AndersonMr. and Mrs. Joseph AronsonBabcock Hollow CampgroundThe Boeing CompanyMs. Barbara Y. CampMr. Chad CastorinaChristopher Columbus Charter School - Crazy Hat Day FundraiserChubb Personal InsuranceComcast SportsNetDelbarton Shop TeamDougherty Electric, Inc.Ms. Suzanne DrakeEnterprise Label, Inc. - Dress Down Day FundraiserEstate of Sebastiana C. BalaityMr. and Mrs. David O. FinkMr. Michael FooterMr. Dennis GorscakMr. and Mrs. Bryan GrossmanMr. Spencer Hoffman and Ms. Sarah W. MilletMs. Irene HurfordMs. Angela HutchinsonMs. Briege Ibanez

Ironton Telephone CompanyJohnson & Johnson - Matching Gifts ProgramJoseph H Brown Lodge NO. 751 F.& A.M. of PAJP Morgan Chase FoundationMr. and Mrs. Edward W. KellyMr. and Mrs. Richard B. KelsonMs. Caroline ManogueMontgomery County Farm BureauNBC UniversalNorthampton/Monroe County Farm BureauMr. and Mrs. Mark A. PageParts Life, Inc.Penn Vet Class of 2017 - Date a Doctor FundraiserPilgrim Lodge 712 F&AMPSEG PAC Match ProgramMs. Annette RicciThe Rittenhouse FoundationMs. Alida RizzoMr. David RushSandmeyer Steel CompanyMr. and Mrs. Manoj ShirodkarSiemens Caring Hands FoundationMrs. Tina SimpsonMr. Charles SmithMr. Anthony SnyderSt. Hubert’s School Bake SaleMr. Clark D. Stull Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Brian TesslerToy Trains in MotionUnited Way of the Greater TriangleMrs. Marlene WeinbergMr. and Mrs. William C. Zimmer

Our most heartfelt thanks go to NRG Home for taking the time to prepare and serve our families a delicious dinner on May 21. NRG Home, based in University City and part of the NRG Energy family of companies, has been at the forefront of changing how people think about and use energy. Whether as one of the largest solar power developers in the country or by giving customers the latest tools to better manage their energy use, NRG is a pioneer in developing smarter energy choices. We greatly appreciate NRG Home’s generosity and dedication to serving Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House families in their greatest time of need.

If you are interested in becoming a Guest Chef, please visit www.philarmh.org/guestchef.

We thank Hymie’s Bagels, Amoroso’s Baking Co., and Ginsberg Bakery for their continued support in providing baked goods to the House as part of our Healthy Breakfast program. If you are interested in becoming a Breakfast Buddy and preparing healthy breakfast items for our families, please contact Lori-Anne Miller at [email protected].

Page 8: Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House MESSAGES OF HOPE · 2017-08-11 · Gemini Bakery Equipment In loving memory of Carl A. Goldenberg from family and friends ... Yards Brewing Company

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Joey Fantozzi and his mother, Nicole

I remember picking him up on the last day of Camp and all the kids were eating in the mess hall. I

yelled over to him so he would see me and he just

ran into my arms – his spirit was renewed and

he looked so happy. We spent the entire car ride

home talking about all things ‘Camp’, says Nicole.