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A publication of Ronald McDonald House Charities®

of Central New York..

away from home

SAVE THE DATE!

With an elevator, bedrooms with private baths, the extended-stay suite and many other amenities, the new Central New York Ronald McDonald House allows us to offer expanded services and meet the diverse needs of new populations of guest families.

1100 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13210 | cnyronaldmcdonaldhouse.org

Many Hearts One Home Annual Celebration

Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013SRC Arena and Events Center at Onondaga Community College

Fall

2013

New House Serving More Families Than Ever

The Hranek family of Binghamton, N.Y., was introduced to the CNY Ronald McDonald House by the social worker at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Brittany was diagnosed with HLH (Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis), a noncancerous, life-threatening immunodeficiency, when she was 4½ years old.

In November 2012, it became apparent to doctors that something more was going on with Brittany. After several months of testing, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in January 2013.

After Brittany received chemotherapy treatments approximately once a month for a period of time, new, more aggressive treatments were eventually necessary. Doctors decided it was best for Brittany to undergo radiation for a solid three-week period.

We offered the family our extended-stay suite, a fully equipped apartment with a bedroom, private bathroom, living room and kitchen, to provide a much more comfortable atmosphere for her and her family during treatment.

Brittany went through radiation like a champ and is continuing on her road to recovery.

An Extended StayTamara Puccia, of Watertown, N.Y., was 19 weeks pregnant with her son, Carmine, when an ultrasound revealed she had developed a complete placenta previa, a condition where the placenta covers the cervix and creates a serious bleeding risk. Sometimes this condition resolves itself, but in Tamara’s case it did not.

At 22 weeks, Tamara suffered severe bleeding and went to Crouse Hospital. The hospital staff introduced her to the CNY Ronald McDonald House because she was required to be on bed rest and near the hospital in case of an emergency. Tamara was very happy to stay at the new House because it provided her with a comfortable environment while she awaited the birth of her son. Tamara’s husband, Geoffrey, traveled back and forth from Syracuse to Watertown for work but spent time at the House as well. A chef, he even prepared dinner for our guest families one night!

“The staff at the CNY Ronald McDonald House was so compassionate, and being there really offered me peace of mind during such a difficult time,” said Tamara.

Carmine was born on July 16 at 32 weeks and six days. He weighed 4 pounds, 6 ounces and was 17 inches long. After the birth, Tamara returned to stay at the CNY Ronald McDonald House while Carmine received care at Crouse Hospital’s Walter R. G. Baker Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

On Aug. 5, the family returned home, and everyone is doing great.

A High-Risk Mom

In 2013, guest families will stay with us approximately

5,285 nights. An increase of

84% over 2012

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Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central New York1100 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13210P: 315.476.1027 | F: 315.476.5022 | cnyronaldmcdonaldhouse.org

VISIT CNYRONALDMCDONALDHOUSE.ORG TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEW E-NEWSLETTER

N o n - P ro f i tOrganizationUS Postage

Syracuse, NYPermit No. 999

paid

2013 Board of DirectorsChris Geiger PresidentLeola Rodgers 1st Vice PresidentAaron D. Hugo 2nd Vice PresidentPatrick D. Leitgeb TreasurerKathleen Kotz SecretarySteven Gross, MDJustin HummelDouglas K. LattnerYvonne Annese LoReMike MadiganMaureen E. ManeyHon. Anthony J. ParisHenry PearlMark RenquinJonathan V. Riddell, MDMatt SchiroColleen M. SchmidtBrian Sickora

Staff MembersBeth M. Trunfio Executive DirectorJennifer Saraceni Leitgeb Development DirectorJoe Walsh Business ManagerLee Wilder House Program ManagerJessica Ockenden Fund Development AssociateKaren Hynes Administrative Office AssistantAnne Dashnaw Housekeeper

save the dateMany Hearts One Home CelebrationSaturday, Nov. 16, 2013SRC ArenaOnondaga Community College

Baldwinsville Big ChillFriday, Jan. 24 & Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014 Baldwinsville, N.Y.

6th Annual Bella Casa Celebrity Fashion ShowThursday, May 8, 2014Holiday InnLiverpool, N.Y.

Artie’s Party at Syracuse NationalsFriday, July 18- Sunday, July 20, 2014New York State FairgroundsEvent to benefit RMHC of CNY

For more information about upcoming events, visit www.cnyronaldmcdonaldhouse.org.

For ticket, advertising and sponsorship information on any of the above events, contact Jessica Ockenden at 315.476.1027 or jockenden@rmhcny.org.

Students Helping FamiliesThroughout the 2012-2013 school year, Wellwood Middle School in the Fayetteville-Manlius School District raised $5,000 for the CNY Ronald McDonald House. Students raised the money by hosting car washes, a family movie night, change wars by grade level, cupcake sales, a snack drive and other activities.

A group of SUNY Upstate Medical University students, known among their peers as “Iron Chefs at Upstate,” is one of the 16 service partnerships facilitated at the Upstate Center for Civic Engagement. For each of these programs every year, second-year medical students are selected as service learning leaders who help to plan civic engagements for students. This year, we welcome service learning leaders Arthur Zak and Nicole “Mei” Tuong. Each week, Arthur and Nicole make online sign-ups, recruit first-year students, post recipes and purchase food for the CNY Ronald McDonald House. The students come to the House every Friday evening and create a spectacular meal for our families.

Join us on Saturday, Nov. 16 for our Meany Hearts One Home Celebration, formerly known as the annual Homecoming Party, at the SRC Arena and Events Center on the Onondaga Community College campus as we celebrate the one-year anniversary of being in our new home. Please help us honor our “Cornerstones,” who have shown their dedication and support from the beginning: Chris Geiger, Jim and Ellie Grooms, Aaron D. Hugo, Kathy Kotz, Patrick Leitgeb, Maureen McGlynn, John Osta, Garry Payne, Paul M. Ross and Matt Schiro. The event will include silent and live auctions featuring auctioneer Bernie Brzostek, along with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and food stations. Cocktail attire is suggested. For more information, visit www.cnyronaldmcdonaldhouse.org or email Jessica Ockenden at jockenden@rmhcny.org.

Many Hearts One Home Annual Celebration

Gardening EffortsNow that we have beautiful landscaping in the backyard of our new House, the Men’s Garden Club of Syracuse has a full-time job volunteering with us, and we greatly appreciate their help in keeping everything looking great!

Dear Friends,

As the one-year anniversary of the opening of the new Central New York Ronald McDonald House quickly approaches, I find myself reflecting on all that we have accomplished this year, the families we have served and how our organization is one year stronger.

With our new, handicap-accessible home, we have been able to expand our services and increase our occupancy within the last year, serving more families and new guest populations since December. This year, guest families will stay with us for approximately 5,285 cumulative night stays, an increase of 84 percent over last year.

New amenities such as our extended-stay suite, elevator and guest rooms with private baths have allowed us to serve families such as the Hraneks and new moms like Tamara Puccia, who are both featured on the cover of this newsletter.

This spring, we held our fifth successful Bella Casa Celebrity Fashion Show featuring local celebrities and community members. This summer, Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY was the beneficiary of Artie’s Party at Syracuse Nationals for the first time. This outstanding event included a weekend full of cars, talented artists and generous donations for our organization.

With a larger House and more families to serve, the need for your support is as important as ever. Whether you choose to donate your time through volunteer efforts, raise money through a corporate event or individual fundraiser, or make a legacy gift through our planned giving program, your commitment to the CNY Ronald McDonald House truly helps us keep families together during difficult times.

It takes many hearts to make one home. We thank you for your support and look forward to growing even stronger together in the years ahead.

As always, thank you for your help in keeping families exactly where they belong…Together.

letterfrom the director

Beth TrunfioExecutive Director

Thank YouThank you to all the individuals and groups who continue to dedicate their time and talents to raising money for “The House That Love Built.”

A.A. Cole Elementary School – A.A. Cole candy grams sale: $1,924.19

Canastota Central School District – Employee dress down day: $141.00

Cardinal Health – Employee fundraisers: $1,210.00

Chittenango Middle School – Dress down day: $200.00

Dandy Mini Marts Inc. – Dandy Mini Mart contest: $29.75

Destiny USA – Baby Expo: $154.00

Ed Tietje and family – Cotton candy sale: $350.00

First Presbyterian Church of Chittenango – Christian education bake sale: $200.00

Flyers Gymnastics – In honor of Sydney Kresconko: $500.00

GC2 Gymnastics – New York State Women’s Coaches Classic: $3,800.00

Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School – Hat day: $289.00

Joy Bodewes – Scarf sale: $140.00

Mid-State Raceway, Inc. – June horseplay: $1,848.00

New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Co. – Employee casual dress day: $632.50

NYS Amateur Trapshooting Association – July 2013 trap shooting event: $4,300.00

Olum’s of Binghamton Inc. – JC Tent sale proceeds: $292.00

Red Knights New York, Chapter 2 – Trailer raffle: $1,137.00

Remington Elementary School – Roadrunner F.R.: $500.00

Reveille Management LLC – Syracuse Crunch/Denny’s January Goals: $300.00

Rome Memorial Hospital – Denim day: $494.28

Seneca Data Distributors Inc. – Wish list drive: $685.00

Solvay High School – Hispanic Honor Society/Key Club: $150.00

St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church of Syracuse New York –

Festival beverage stand: $500.00

Syracuse Insurance Professionals – Meeting collection: $205.00

Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists – Jeans Monday: $556.00

Tompkins County – Casual-wear jeans charity day: $50.00

Tully Council for the Arts – Paying Forward event: $250.00

Union-Endicott High School – Key Club bake sale: $75.00

Wellwood Middle School – School store proceeds: $200.00

Donations made from Feb. 2 through Sept. 1, 2013.

External fundraisers, both big and small, are a tremendous source of support for the CNY Ronald McDonald House every year, and they can be very easy to hold. Thinking of supporting the CNY Ronald McDonald House by holding a dress down day at work, setting up a bake sale in your neighborhood with the kids, or going on a bowling outing with your co-workers? Visit our website and fill out a Host Application form and we will help you get started on your own event.

Leave A LegacyFor more than 30 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY has helped thousands of children and families gain access to the health care they need. And we couldn’t do it without you. With your continued help, we can change children’s lives for years to come.

With just a little planning and a big heart, you can arrange a charitable plan that brings hope and help to sick children and their families. For more information about making a Planned Gift to Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY, please call Jennifer Saraceni Leitgeb at 315.476.1027.

Company VolunteersWe are so grateful for a variety of local companies and organizations, including Anaren, Carrier, Liberty Mutual Insurance, The Vineyard Church and Welch Allyn, that each spent a day volunteering at the CNY Ronald McDonald House this summer. They donated their time by cooking, baking, cleaning and doing yard work.

Remember Our Donation Boxes Whether you’re driving through or dining in, please remember our charitable donation boxes at your local McDonald’s. Your spare change directly supports the children and families of Ronald McDonald House Charities. The donation boxes are one of the largest fundraisers each year for our local organization.

Many thanks to all the individuals and groups who dedicate their time and talents to raising money for “The House That Love Built®.”

Christmas in JulyThis year’s Christmas in July was very well supported by the local community and our donors. We had several organizations, neighborhood groups and individuals drop off wish list items, including food, paper products, grocery gift cards, office supplies and toys. Through tremendous community support, we generated more than $17,000 in wish list items for our House. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this a success!

Artie’s Party Raises More Than $71,000During Syracuse Nationals at the State Fairgrounds, pinstripe and airbrush artists at the pinstripers’ panel jam, known as “Artie’s Party,” worked almost around the clock inside the Horticulture Building to hand-paint original automotive artwork on items of all kinds, from vehicle panels to skateboards to mailboxes. The one-of-a-kind items were then auctioned throughout the weekend, with proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY. The event raised $71,461 for our organization.

The volunteer pinstripers came from across the United States and as far away as Japan, Italy and New Zealand to support Artie’s Party through their custom artwork. A very special thank you to Artie Schilling and Right Coast Cars for their commitment to our organization and this amazing event. We are pleased to announce that we will be involved with Artie’s Party again next year. Stay tuned for more details!

Volunteer ReceptionThis year, for the first time, we were able to host our volunteer reception at the new CNY Ronald McDonald House. We wanted to share our beautiful new home with everyone and thank those who help us throughout the year. More than 100 volunteers attended and enjoyed a catered luncheon. Our volunteers were essential during the transition of moving from our old House to the new one, making sure our families were still being taken care of and attended to. They also are always helping with cooking and baking, along with other everyday projects and tasks at the House.

Fifth Annual Fashion Show Includes Newly Crowned Miss AmericaWe express a special thanks to all who helped make the 2013 Bella Casa Celebrity Fashion Show a success. 615 people attended our special evening, and we raised more than $63,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY.

For the past five years, Michele Castrilli, chairwoman of the Bella Casa Celebrity Fashion Show, has worked tirelessly to ensure this annual event remains a signature fundraiser for the CNY Ronald McDonald House. During that time, the event has grossed nearly $265,000 to support the guest families at the CNY Ronald McDonald House.

At this year’s fashion show, we were honored to have MaryAnn Haefner, a former guest at the CNY Ronald McDonald House, share her family’s story. Donna Adamo traveled from Atlanta to emcee the event.

A big thank you to our event sponsors JGB Enterprises Inc.; Summit Automotive Group; Welch Allyn; Jag Environmental LLC; Bailey, Haskell, & LaLonde; CNY Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery; Empower Federal Credit Union; Wegmans; Polaris Library Systems; CNY Central and Syracuse Woman Magazine.

Additional thanks to AGI, John Charles Cook, DJ Jeff Watkins, Renee’s Salon and Rick Policastro Photography.

Be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s event on Thursday, May 8!

Nina Davuluri, newly crowned Miss America, is pictured here modeling as Miss Syracuse in this year’s Bella Casa Fashion Show.

Recent VisitorsIn the spring, local fire-fighters from around the corner stopped by for a visit. Syracuse Fire Department’s Station 7 team brought their firetrucks to the House to teach the children about safety and what they do. One of our younger guests, Liam, was very excited to tour a firetruck and learn how the hose worked.

This summer we had a visit from the folks at Watkins Glen International. They were touring the area with Kyle Busch’s

race car and stopped by the House. Our guest families were so excited to climb inside the driver’s seat!

Two of our favorite visitors are Molly, a chocolate Lab, and her owner, Amy. The two visit with guest families at the House once a week. Their visits always put a smile on our faces!

Buy A BrickToday, you can become a permanent part of our new home by purchasing a brick paver in honor or memory of a loved one. Personalized brick pavers will be placed in the outdoor patio at our new House.

It’s a great gift idea for birthdays, special occasions and holiday gifts. Buy your brick now at www.cnyronaldmcdonaldhouse.org.