Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central IndianaNewsletter | WINTER 2017

A Brother’s Selfless Gift

Alisa and Fred Knoll’s journey began in April 2016, when their 16-year-old son Seth began experiencing neck pain.

“Seth woke up one morning and said he had a really sore neck. So, like a good mom, I told him to take two aspirin and go to school,” Alisa said. “But before long he was begging to go to the doctor.”

Initial trips to the doctor in their hometown of Noblesville, IN showed no signs of concern. Convinced that some sunshine and fresh air could do them all some good, the Knoll family set o� to Gulf Shores for Spring Break. But even on the exciting trip, Seth, who normally loves outdoor activities like tennis and kayaking, was not himself.

Growing increasingly concerned, Alisa took her son to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, FL. After several rounds of testing, it was here they received Seth’s o�cial diagnosis—acute myeloid leukemia. Soon after, the Knolls were airlifted to Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health where Seth began chemotherapy that very night.

The Knoll family found comfort in being able to stay by Seth’s side throughout the course of his treatments. Together, Seth, his parents and four siblings could still share important moments, like dinner as a family, staying up late with Seth and being able to make early appointments.

Unfortunately, after several months of remission, doctors discovered the cancer had returned and Fred and Alisa learned that Seth would need a stem cell transplant. Upon discovering he was a perfect match, Seth’s older brother, Connor, did not hesitate to help save his little brother. In fact, Alisa describes Connor as “calling dibs” amongst his siblings should more than one of them be a match for Seth. Seth received his transplant on July 17, 2017 and was released to return home in early August. Throughout their ordeal, Fred and Alisa were thankful for the support system they found amongst both Ronald McDonald House sta� and other families.

“We try to tell everybody about the Ronald McDonald House,” Alisa said. “It’s a welcoming place and it’s the people that make a di�erence. They always greet you — there’s always somebody smiling. Whether it’s sta� or volunteers or even other families — everybody seems to genuinely care and wants to encourage and support you.”

We try to tell everybody about the Ronald McDonald House. It’s a welcoming place and it’s the people that make a difference. They always greet you — there’s always somebody smiling. Whether it’s staff or volunteers or even other families — everybody seems to genuinely care and wants to encourage and support you.

“

Seth and Connor Knoll playing Guitar Hero at Riley Hospital for Children.

The Knoll Family

A LETTER FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT - FOUNDER’S CIRCLE PARTNERSEach year, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana serves thousands of families that look to us in search of comfort, care and respite. Partners in our Founder’s Circle support our mission with an annual giving level of $20,000+ and play a critical role in bringing to life our vision of nurturing a community where children and their families embrace life and healing with a sense of hope, enthusiasm, courage and joy.

The holiday season has o�cially arrived at the Ronald McDonald House! On Nov. 28, we hung the wreaths, dusted o� our nutcrackers and opened our doors to the public for our annual Home for the Holidays Open House.

A big thank you to our presenting partner, CFH Enterprises, LLC and the local friends and businesses including pianist Bryce Wray-Nelson, Engledow Group, Kim’s Kakery, Bakery & Café and Le’Qui Sweets who helped make our evening a great success! We are also grateful for the 11 amazing companies that arrived at our House the day before

— arms full of ribbon, tinsel and ornaments — to spread holiday cheer in our 2nd Annual Deck the House Tree Decorating Contest.At the time of year that is typically filled with parties, shopping, laughter and joy, our families experience the season much di�erently. Though we are grateful every day and every season for your support, we are especially thankful for your assistance in bringing a little holiday joy and comfort to our families during a time of year that can be particularly di�cult.

With Gratitude,

Michelle Study-CampbellChief Executive O�cer

Ronald McDonald Houses have been McDonald’s “charity of

choice” since the very first House was founded in Philadelphia in 1974. From event partnerships and in-restaurant fundraising

campaigns to serving meals and hosting our annual Father’s Day lunch – McDonald’s does it all.

Since 1982, McDonald’s of Central Indiana has served as our mission partner and are integral to supporting our

families during their greatest time of need.

For 35 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana

has been keeping families close and our friends at Indiana

University Health have been there from the very start. From supporting our families through

room adoption to event sponsorship, partnering on new programs and initiatives such as Keeping Families Safe and so

much more -- Indiana University Health plays a critical role in

keeping families together and near the care they need.

Providing a “home-away-from-home” to

thousands of families each year takes a lot of time, resources and manpower. On any given month, you can find several NextGear Capital employees supporting

the RMHCCIN mission — whether that is serving as a high-level

partner for two of our signature events, serving one of their

delicious monthly breakfasts, or providing fabulous auction

packages. No matter the need, NextGear Capital is always there

to answer the call.

2017 DECK THE HOUSETREE DECORATING CONTEST

1st Place: Indiana Members Credit Union (IMCU) - Legos

Participants: AAR Aircraft Services; Barnes & Thornburg, LLP; CFH Enterprises, LLP; David Rausch Studios; Indiana Members Credit Union; National Bank of Indianapolis; OmniSource Recycling; Rowland Design; Southwest Airlines; Sun King Brewery; and Universal Hospital Services

OUR 10TH ANNUAL TASTE GALAWAS A GRAND SUCCESS!

the Pacific Northwest

What a spectacular night! Thank you to our 400+ friends who attended our 10th Annual Taste gala, featuring the wines and cuisine of the Pacific Northwest, and to the nearly 200 that joined us for the 2nd Annual Taste After Dark after-party!

Together, we were able to set a new Taste record and to raise more than $200,000 in support of the families we serve at RMHCCIN!

An extra special thank you to the Taste Planning Committee, RMHCCIN Board of Directors and Young Professionals Board, our fabulous emcee, Scott Sander of WISH-TV, photographer Brayden Bridgeman, sta�, volunteers and our generous partners who made the evening possible!

THANK YOUTASTE PARTNERS!

Strada Education NetworkNordstrom

Barnes & Thornburg LLPERMCO

Kendra ScottCarrier Corp

INCOIndiana Members Credit Union

Turner ConstructionMesser Construction

AllegionAnthem

Blue & Co., LLCCareer Consultants OI Global Partners

Coca-ColaDELV Design

McDonald’s USAOmniSource

Performance ContractingPile CPAs

National Bank of Indianapolis

PLEASE DONATE A VEHICLEMake a vehicle donation before the end of the year and receive a tax deduction on your next tax return. When you make a tax-deductible vehicle donation, you help

families staying at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana by keeping them close to their

hospitalized child.

Visit onecarhelpsrmhc.com for more information!

1) Donate your used car, truck, boat or RV by visiting onecarhelpsrmhc.com or calling (855) 426-2477.

2) Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA) picks up the vehicle at no cost to you.

3) Your vehicle is sold at an auction.

4) You get the sales receipt to file for a tax deduction.

5) Proceeds go to our House to continue to provide a “home-away-from-home” for families.

Emcee Scott Sander of WISH-TV Colleen Gordon & Je� Paxson with their puppyTaste at the Biltwell Event Center

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM OPEN TOGRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

We are currently accepting applications for our Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana scholarship program. In 2018, RMHCCIN will award 20 Central Indiana high school seniors each with a $5,000 scholarship.

The RMHCCIN Scholarship Program awards scholarships to students in financial need who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership and community involvement.

Graduating high school seniors should apply by January 18, 2018.

For more information visit rmhccin.org/what-we-do.

2017 RMHCCIN Scholarship Recipients

435 Limestone StreetIndianapolis, IN 46202-2819(317) 269-2247rmhccin.org Address Service Requested

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 5703Indianapolis, IN

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

HOUSE STAFF

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS BOARD

David Peterson, PresidentAlicia Schulhof, Vice PresidentRandy Shields, SecretaryKurt Beier, TreasurerCurt Hiddle, Past President

DirectorsAndy BallAnushree M BagMichael BoatrightKaren CampbellAnnette CoulombeJim GlasenerCurt HiddleTroy HoganAlan HoltJami Kasprzyk

Michelle Study-Campbell, Chief Executive O�cerStacy Payne Miller, Chief Operating O�cerKelly Thien, Chief Advancement O�cerSavannah Ball, Development AssociateSarah Bodum, Database AdministratorCandice Bradbury, Business & Finance ManagerPatti Cooper, House Operations AssociateMarci Corbin, Family Experience CoordinatorLee Ann Devine, Grants O�cerMary Friend, Volunteer Resources ManagerAndrea Groves, Guest Services ManagerRhonda Hainer, Guest Services Manager, RMH at RileyLisa Lusk, Administrative AssistantRachel Moehle, Marketing AssociatePeg Strodtbeck, Major Gifts O�cer

Alex Miser, PresidentJesamyn Sparks, Past PresidentGreta Notz, Vice President - InternalAmy Cosgrove, Vice President - External

Tyler EwiglebenLeah HallKylie WaneckeJulie BaerAaron Olson

Emily SogardJinee MajorsSamita PendseKatie RossEddy Lux

Marissa KieferDavid J. KleimanMichael P. LabanaraChris LakeBill McKernanJim NickensJill RoseGerry StieglitzCatherine Stiver

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR 2018 EVENTS• State of the House // March 14 // Ronald McDonald House• Swing for Kids Pro-Am Golf Tournament // June 4 // Chatham Hills• Pop Tab & Coin Drop // June 15 // Monument Circle• Taste Gala // November 2 // Biltwell Event Center• Home for the Holidays Open House // November 27 // Ronald McDonald House