HOUSECALLRONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF LONG BRANCH & NEW BRUNSWICK

~ Winter 2013 ~

Special needs also have Special qualities!Story written by Pat & Nathan Klein

Caleb Michael Klein was born to Pat and Frank Klein on September 7, 2003. Caleb got stuck in the birth canal during delivery and a vacuum was used to assist, but the vacuum malfunctioned. Pat and Frank were in shock and hearing terms like “shoulder dystocia, collapsed lung, subdural hematoma, brain bleed, neurological jitters, meconium aspiration syndrome”. Caleb was transferred to the local Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for further assessment and observation due to his many birth injuries. He continued to have ongoing developmental issue, experiencing tremors, sleep issues, digestive issues, sensory issues (severe moro (startle) reflex and reactivity to sounds in his environment, irritability, and eventually both receptive and expressive communication issues. At age 5, Caleb’s parents decided to seek medical treatment from physicians in the New Jersey area.

In May of 2006, Pat, Frank & Caleb welcomed Nathan William Klein into the world. Due to the facilities available at RMH, Nathan was able to travel with the family to all of his medical interventions in New Jersey. Nathan is currently almost seven years old and just finishing the first grade. He attends East Olive Elementary with his brother Caleb who is in the third grade, but has a one-on-one paraprofessional all day. What is it like to have a sibling of a child with special needs; here is the perspective from Nathan:

What is it like have a brother with special needs? Very strange, because he does weird things like ripping books, unrolling toilet paper and coming into my room at night when I am sleeping. He makes noises and we don’t take him to church because he would not behave himself.

What do you like about Caleb? I like Caleb just the way he is. I like that he listens to me and smiles at me. We wrestle with each other, build towers with couch pillows and jump off, chase each other and put puzzles together or play games. I also like that he has workers that do learning activities and I get to play with them. He gets treats for doing good things and I usually get the treats too. We go outside sometimes too.

What is frustrating about having a brother with special needs? He rips my books and breaks things of mine. He once peeled the handle of my baseball bat off. I did not like that. On the bus he does weird things like throwing his hat and sometimes I do not know what to do.

What would you like to share with other people about Caleb? That Caleb has autism and brain problems. Sometimes he listens to people and sometimes he doesn’t. I want to tell people that Caleb doesn’t mean to make bad choices.

If you could have 3 wishes about Caleb, what would they be? 1. I wish he didn’t rip books. 2. I wish he could play sports better without needing adult help. 3. I wish he could just play with me all of the time instead of having to work with adults on learning activities a lot of the time.

The Kleins, who are a teacher and school social worker, would not have been able to afford to obtain these specialized medical interventions without the support of the Ronald McDonald House. They are so grateful for this charity and service. Traveling is difficult forand this stressor is removed when they stay at RMH. It is without question the Klein’s home away from home.

The Klein Family Pat, Caleb, Nathan and Frank.

Board of TrusteesChristopher Walsh, Esq.

ChairMichael Norris

Vice-ChairSusan Collin

Second Vice-ChairJames J. Decker

TreasurerMichael Knecht

Secretary

Board Members

2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Donna Belbey

Madiha Boraie

Margaret Fisher, M.D.

James J. Flynn

Thomas Hayes

Susan Hudome, M.D.

Ken Hullings

Dawn Kinghorn

Philip Koury

Eric Lasky

Barbara Littman

Nancy Mazza

Warren Moore

Nancy Oliviero

Barry Shapiro

Alan Weller, M.D.

Ed Wilkinson

Elizabeth Wykpisz

Christina Youngblood

Chair Emeriti

Christopher Labrecque

Mary Ann Martin

Angelo Massaro, Jr.

Alexis Tucci, Esq.

Joan Wills

RMH STAFF

WEEKEND RELIEF MANAGERS

Corinne LeBaron - Executive DirectorLynne Siedentop - Development DirectorDenise Boglioli - Business Coordinator

Diana Alikas - Events CoordinatorMary Beth Murphy - Marketing & Office Coordinator

LONG BRANCHKaty Matarese - House ManagerMaria Taylor - Resident ManagerCathy McKnight - HousekeeperFred McCullough - Maintenance

NEW BRUNSWICK HOUSECarol Reynolds - House Manager

Nychey Michel - Assistant House ManagerSkye Schiefer - Resident ManagerHilda Shiumoto - Housekeeper

Frank Muniz - Maintenance

RMHCNJ @RMHCNJ RMHCNJ

For more information visit out website www.rmh-cnj.org or email us at info.rmh-cnj.orgLONG BRANCH HOUSE

131 Bath AvenueLong Branch, NJ 07740

732-222-8755

NEW BRUNSWICK HOUSE145 Somerset Street

New Brunswick, NJ 08901732-249-1222

Letter from the

Chairman

Christopher Walsh, Esq.Chairman

Welcome Christopher Walsh,

Chairperson 2013 – 2014

Chris joined the Ronald McDonald House Board of Trustees in 2007. He became a member of the executive committee as Secretary in 2008, moving up to vice-chair

in 2010 and took the position of Chairperson at the March 2013 Board of Trustees meeting. Chris received his undergraduate degree at Texas Christian University magna cum laude. He completed his Masters in Philosophy at Rutgers and received his J.D with Honors at Rutgers University of Law.

Chris has been a Director at Gibbons P.C., Newark since 2005 and is currently Director of Business & Commercial Litigation. He represents businesses in complex commercial litigation and class-action litigation primarily involving state and federal antitrust regulation, corporate governance, and business torts, especially torts relating to a competitor’s improper use of confidential information.

The focus for Mr. Walsh’s term as Chair will be the expansion of our House in New Brunswick. This will encompass a major capital campaign and will see the House expand from a 6 bedroom house to a maximum of 22 bedrooms. Chris will be a very active participant in guiding the organization through this large, multi-tiered project.

Chris lives in Highland Park with wife Cathy Denning & 2 children – Declan & Lila.

Nicole ArnoneErik HarmadyLynn Hawkins

Vanessa Moinhos

Colleen NickasPatricia Petronko

Dan RibetAndrea Robinson

Diana Alikas joined the RMH team in the Long Branch office as our new Events Coordinator. Diana lived in Santa Monica for 25 years where she produced, managed and art-directed Hollywood feature film and television events, as well as other fundraisers and business events. She holds degrees from NYU, UCLA and Fashion Institute of Technology. Diana travels whenever possible, practices Transcendental Meditation and relaxes at home with friends who share a passion for food and wine, art, music, classic film and feline family members.

We are proud to announce that Cathy McKnight joined the RMH Long Branch team in late May as the housekeeper. Cathy also works part time at Hudson Savings. Besides keeping the Long Branch House clean and beautiful, Cathy always has a smile on her face.

Nychey Michel is the new Assistant House Manager for the Ronald McDonald House of New Brunswick. Her degrees in Counseling and in Psychology along with her years of service in Residential Life creating a safe and comfortable home away from home make her a great fit for the team.

WelcomeNew Staff Members!

Interested in an internship with Ronald McDonald House?We encourage applications from skilled and motivated college students to serve as interns at RMHCNJ. The

purpose of the internship is to provide an opportunity for individuals to substantively contribute to and learn from our work. The intern will be given specific tasks and responsibilities and will be challenged to develop their capabilities and gain experience. The intern is expected to be flexible and to take part in

various activities at the office and sometimes in the field. For office or clerical internships call: Long Branch House - Katy at 732-222-8755 or New Brunswick House - Carol at 732-249-1222

for event internships contact Diana at 732-222-8755 ext. 30.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:

John and I moved to this area as empty-nesters a few years ago and were looking for a place to volunteer our time. The Ronald McDonald House was an organization we had always admired, so when we found out there was a House right here in Long Branch, we knew we’d found the perfect opportunity.

We are so happy with the “home” we’ve found here. It’s rewarding to be able to do something for parents who are struggling with the stresses of having a sick child and being away from their homes and families. But, we feel like we get way more out of this than we put in. It’s an inspiration and an eye-opener to see how most of these parents manage to remain upbeat and positive in spite of everything they’ve been through—it really puts our day-to-day gripes into perspective. Plus, it’s a fun job, too— Katy and Maria are a pleasure to work with, there’s always something new, and rarely a dull moment at the House! ~ John & Judy Lapenta Long Branch Houseparents

Empty-nesters looking for a “home”

How can you help? Lend a hand! Our houses operate through the generous support of area businesses, organizations, civic groups, schools and YOU! There are many ways to help us continue our mission of making a difference for families during a time of crisis.

VOLUNTEER - Our caring volunteers are truly the “heart” of the “House that Love Built.” Individual and group volunteers assist with a variety of roles such as cooking dinners (caring cooks), event volunteers, and visitors office assistance to name a few.

DONATE - Donations help us to provide comfort and care to seriously ill children and their families, making an immediate, positive impact on those who need our assistance the most. You can help our families by purchasing items on our Long Branch wish list or New Brunswick wish list and dropping them off at the House, wish list for each house posted on our website.

POPTABS - Collect aluminum pop tabs for recycling. We receive money for every pound of aluminum can tab tops collected and brought to the House for recycling (the amount we receive depends on market activity). It’s a great way for children, schools, offices and other organizations to support the Ronald McDonald House.

However you support us, you can rest assured that you are making a difficult time a little easier for a family with a seriously ill child. To become involved or to learn more, please contact your house of choice:

Long Branch, Katy at 732-222-8755 or New Brunswick, Nychey at 732-249-1222.

How Can I lend a Helping Hand?

John & Judy Lapenta

Alpha Delta Pi Soriety of Wagner College lending a helping hand on Long Branch’s Friends & Family day

Elana Bohm took the Long Branch house on as a donation project for her bat mitzvah

RMH’s Columbus Day float with Janet Kiss, Janice & Mark Billion, Elizabeth, Jack, Larry, Sean & Andrew.

Ronald and our wonderful Long Branch volunteer Janet Kiss

New Brunswick Mom & Dad, Katrina & Jule, were able to bring home Baby Julian who was born at 3 pounds 10 ounces in time for his 2 month birthday

The wonderful group from United Technologies Corp who cooked up a feast

Samantha, who donated two huge boxes of brand-new pajamas for our families

Rutgers Fraternity, Sigma Pi lending a helping hand on first BBQ of the summer

The Red Shoe Crew Cooked some chili magic for our families

Julian on his first birthday!!

Sean & Grace having fun at the beach!

Tommy having a fun day at New Brunswick’s Friends & Family day!

House Happenings

2013 Event Wrap - upOur Walk with Ronald kicked off the event season, held at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ. The weather started out cloudy but ended up a perfect day for an early morning stroll through the park. Special guest singer Gloria Gaynor and Giants defensive tackle Marvin Austin charmed the crowd and participated in the walk. Over 500 walkers joined in including teams from Kohl’s, Best Buy and New Brunswick Schools, along with several RMH family teams. It was a fabulous day, tremendous thank you to all who donated and partici-pated in the walk.

With rain and clouds filling up the sky, you would think our Garden Tea Party wasn’t to be – but with a quick thought we were able to pull off a flower filled “garden” in our playroom! Volunteers placed floral decals all over; each table was be uniquely adorned with linens and fine china. An assortment of teas and sumptuous sweet and savory finger foods,

served by volunteers excited the palette, graciously donated by Chef Linda Cinquegrana. A presentation by Madam Potts about teas and how they are created entertained the crowd, as well as sipping on a special brew called “Cup of Comfort” created by Madam Potts for RMHCNJ (available on her website: http://www.madpotsoftea.com/signature_blends). The gift auction was abounding with wonderful items up for auction. From rocking chairs to hand-made tea themed lamps, all added a touch of fun to this Sunday afternoon delight!

The weather was perfect for our 20th Annual Golf Tournament held at Jumping Brook Country Club in July. 100 golfers took part in the 1pm shamble start and were treated to a delicious lunch and dinner buffet. Katrina and Jule Procaccini-Brooks spoke at the dinner, telling their story of how RMHCNJ assisted them in dealing with their baby, Julian, and his premature birth. Living at RMH New Brunswick house carried them through their daily struggles while keeping them close to their baby. In addition, we hosted a silent auction with over 40 items, from with tickets for Justin Bieber concerts, to tickets to Count Basie Theater were among many other wonderful items.

The grills were hot and the car hoods were up on Sunday afternoon in August for RMHCNJ’s Car show held at Patriots Stadium in Somerset. Spectators were able to view all hotrods, corvettes, along with the car of the future - Tesla motor car. Unlike the internal combustion engine with hundreds of moving pieces, the Tesla motor has only one moving piece: the rotor. Also featured was a true piece of art – Captain Phil Harris’ Titan motorcycle. The Deadliest Titan has custom paintings of pirates and gold, and a one of a kind feature with the flame thrower. After handing out twenty awards, winners were allowed to do a victory lap around the inside stadium before the Somerset Patriots game that night.

2013 Event Wrap - upAll aboard our Riverboat Cruise! Taking off from Point Pleasant aboard The River Belle, our guests were treated to a riverboat dinner buffet and treasure hunt while enjoying their relaxing cruise down the smooth waters of New Jersey’s Manasquan River, Point Pleasant Canal and Barnegat Bay. Weather might have dampened the fireworks, but Point DJ turned up the music guarantying a fun time for all! Look for our boat cruise to return once again this summer.

This year’s Wine Tasting event was a Celebration Extraordinaire! Along with the fun and fellowship, its main purpose is to raise funds and it was a huge success! If you were one of

the attendees, you know the food paring was a delicious treat for the palette: a wonderful buffet, cheeses, chocolates and fabulous wines from around the world were enjoyed. An abundance of Silent/Live Auction items including trips to Napa and Africa, art work, theater tickets and much more! We owe the evening to our event co-chairs, Ken & June Hullings, along their committee, did a wonderful job and dedicated many hours and much hard work to make the evening come together.

The RMHCNJ Fashion Show sponsored by PVH Corp. was a fun evening for all whom attended. PVH provided a dazzling fashion show featuring the latest styles from Izod, Van Heusen and Tommy

Hilfiger collections. Attendees were treated to a dinner buffet, while being able to peruse the Gift auction - offering up items like a Safari trip to Africa, a Cruise to the Bahamas and custom made dresses. Special guest included Radio personality Helen Little from 106.7 Lite FM and Singer/Actress Olivia. Models, volunteers and RMH families walked the runway to DJ Naim’s musical talents.

Your support of our events will help RMHCNJ to continue to meet the needs of the families we serve. Families are stronger when they are together, and their presence helps a sick child healfaster and cope better.

Thank You to our SponsorsWe want to extend our sincere gratitude for the generous support of our corporate & individual event sponsors over the past year*. They have not only helped to fund our programs and services, they have given us the gift of

their time, products, and expertise, and we thank them.

* includes events from January to November 2013 - We regret any errors or omissions.

A.J. Perri, Inc.AllianceBernsteinAmboy BankAndres Mejer and AssociatesAngel Medical SystemsArnold’s Plumbing and Heating, Inc.August DiRenzoB&G Lawn CareMr. Mitchell BarnettBelbey Enterprises, Inc.Broege, Neumann, Fischer & ShaverBrookdale Community CollegeMr. Joseph CabreraMr. John CeflayCentraState Healthcare FoundationCentury Products, LLCMs. Susan CollinColts Neck Dance & Performing Arts AcademyConcannon Miller & Co., PCCRB Consulting, Inc.Cumberland Dairy, Inc.Damian J. Sylvia Financial Services, IncDCH New Brunswick ToyotaDCH Kay HondaMr. Donald A. DirenzoDorno Corporaton, Inc.Dr. Pepper Snapple Group

Mr.& Mrs. James EntwistleEvergreen Lawn Sprinklers, LLCMr. Augustus FieldMr. and Mrs. Frank FredaGibbons, PCGorton’sMr . Gary GreenspanGunther Publishing Enterprises, Inc.Mr. Ken HullingsHutchins, Meyer & Dilieto PAJ&W Auto RepairJ.R. Simplot CompanyJamm PrintingHovnanian Children’s HospitalKay Chemical Company/EcolabMs. Stacy KellyMr. Phil KouryMrs. Barbara LittmanMr. and Mrs. Robert LoweMarin ManagementMrs. Mary Ann MartinMr. and Mrs. Joseph MatuszewskiMonmouth Medical CenterMonmouth UniversityMullins Food ProductsNew Jersey Natural Gas CompanyNortheast Foods, Inc.

Mr. James O’BrienOceanFirst FoundationPanasonic System SolutionsPediatrix Medical GroupMr. and Mrs. Ron PetersProfessional Orthopaedic AssociatesRooney’s Ocean FrontSacco’s Landscape, Inc.Seraphin/Savastano FamilyMr. Barry ShapiroMs. Lynne SiedentopMr. Franklin SpeyerT.E. Freuler Agency, Inc.Taylor Products, Inc.The Coach’s ZoneThe ConnectionThe Jeep StoreThe Jonathan and Tracey Serko FoundationTown Audi of EnglewoodTwo River Community BankUBS Financial Services, Inc.Mrs. Carol Usher-RichardsValley National BankVox Printing Inc.Wakefield Food Corp.WithumSmith+BrownWoolley Boglioli Funeral Home

The Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center Named for Ann and Thomas Unterberg

In recognition of a significant gift from Ann and Thomas Unterberg to the Monmouth Medical Center Foundation, The Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center will be named “The Unterberg Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center.” Active philanthropists, the Unterbergs, residents of Rumson, New York City and Turks and Caicos, have been longtime supporters of Monmouth Medical Center. Ann currently serves as chair of the Monmouth Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees and is the Vice Chair of Monmouth Medical Center’s Board of Trustees. Thomas is a past member Mon-mouth Medical Center’s Board of Trustees. Ann and Thomas’ involvement with Monmouth Medical Center continues the legacy of generations of Unterberg family members who have supported the hospital, including Thomas’ parents, Clarence and Marjorie Unterberg. Mrs. Clarence Un-terberg served as former president of the School of Nursing at Monmouth Medical Center, where she established the Center for Nursing Excellence. She was also a former vice president of the Board of Governors at Monmouth Medical Center.

Save The Date!2014 Event Calendar

Sunday, May 18, 2014 - Garden Tea PartyRMH House

Long Branch, NJ

Sunday, June 8, 2014 - Walk with RonaldSix Flags Great Adventure

Jackson, NJ

Thursday, June 26, 2014 - Riverboat CruiseLocation: Brielle, NJ

Monday, July 14 2014 - Golf TournamentTrump National Golf Club

Colts Neck, NJ

Tuesday, August 5, 2014 Handbags for Hope

Location: TBD

Fall 2014 - 5th Annual Wine TastingRobert B. Meyner Reception Center at

PNC Bank Art CenterHolmdel, NJ

Ronald McDonald House

Enter to win up to $25,000 and help support the Ronald McDonald House of Long Branch & New Brunswick!

The Ronald McDonald House of Long Branch & New Brunswick (RMH) provides a “home away from home” for the families of seriously ill children who are undergoing medical treatment in area medical

facilities. The House is a safe, comfortable, loving haven for families during a time of uncertainty, stress and difficulty. RMH is managed and supported by the local community and is operated through the generous support of companies, organizations and individuals, and through fundraising events.

Cut out the coupon below and enter today!Tickets will be mailed back to name & address on form.

Make checks payable to Ronald McDonald HouseMail this form with payment to:

Ronald McDonald House of Long Branch & New Brunswick l 131 Bath Ave. l Long Branch, NJ 07740

Name

Address

City State Zip

Email Phone ( )

Number of Tickets at $20 ea # x $20 each = Total Amount Due: $

Prizes include*Grand - $25,000

1st - $6,2502nd - $2,500

2 cash prizes - $1,25015 cash prizes - $25080 cash prizes - $125

*Estimated prize amounts based on 5,000 tickets sold.

RaffleMega

MAKE A PLAN TO GIVE THIS YEAR

As the year comes to an end it is a good time to take stock in our assets and think of the future not only ours but possibly of those less fortunate. Families with ill children are caught in a nightmare that can be made even more difficult if they need to travel for medical care. You can help them and take advantage

of tax benefits yourself. A planned gift does not have to involve lengthy legal documents or be given only upon death. You can make an annual gift of appreciated stock or the disbursement of funds from a qualified retirement fund. Please take a moment as you reflect on the year and give a gift to help our families to stay near their ill children.

Make a difference in the lives of our children.

Contact Lynne Siedentop, Director of Development at 732-222-8755 Ext. 30 or by email at Lynne@rmh-cnj.org for more information on how to donate a planned gift.

Helping to put “Fun” into Fundraising!To continue our mission, we rely on the support of our community. Outside fundraisers play an important role in

funding our mission and we very much appreciate the dedication and generosity of every individual and company that wishes to help support our mission. Whether you are a family member or friend of someone whom stayed with us, or

simply a devoted citizen looking to assist in an important cause, we are thankful for your desire to help – we couldn’t do our work without you!

If you are interested in holding a fundraiser to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Long Branch & New Brunswick please call our Development Director, Lynne Siedentop, at 732-222-8755 x30 as early as possible to discuss your plans.

New Jersey Music Teachers Association Children Helping Children Performathon continues to be a non-competitive music experience for students of all ages and levels of advancement. The Performathon is an opportunity for students of all levels and ages to perform for both artistic enrich-ment and community service. The event is Coordinated by long time RMHCNJ Supporter Betty Stoloff.

The NJ Chapter of Clipped Wings presented “A Night of Comedy” benefitting the Ronald McDonald House in Long Branch. The event was held at the American Hotel, Main Street in Freehold. Tim Hayes was the event MC with headliner, Chris Coccia, and featured comedienne Julia Scotti.

Susan Miller is the driving force behind The Regency Golf Outing, held for the past six years by the Regency Culture Club at Monroe which benefits RMHCNJ. A beautiful day for golf, played right at The Regency - on the community’s beautiful 9-hole course designed by Arnold Palmer’s Palmer Course Design Company.

Color Me Rad is a 5K that fires off in a blaze of color bombs, color cannons, and multi-toned courses that guarantee your outlook will be brighter! This year’s event benefitted RMHCNJ held at Met life stadium, where thousands joined in the colorful race!

A great time was had by all at the April Vegas & Vino Casino & Poker Tournament at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe. There was truly something for everyone from the Texas Hold’em games to the casino tables and the silent auction gift tables. Combine these fun items with the beautiful old world charm of the country club with the delicious food and everyone went home a winner!

Ferrari Club of America celebrated their

50th Anniversary with a breakfast at

Ferrari-Maserati of Edison benefitting

RMHCNJ. Ronald celebrated along with

RMHCNJ Board Chair Chris Walsh and

David North, Regional Director of

Ferrari Club of America.

Our 1st Suits & Stilettos networking party was held at Bella Vista Country Club, who was a sponsor along with The Monmouth Business Times. People from all types of businesses enjoyed net-working with others and viewing what vendors had to offer, all while enjoying a delicious buffet.

““The House That Love Built”Administrative Offices 131 Bath AvenueLong Branch, NJ 07740

“... A study published July 23, 2013 in Families, Systems and Health, a journal of the American Psychological Association, finds that families who stayed together at a Ronald McDonald House, for even a portion of their seriously-ill child’s hospital stay, believed their ability to stay nearby helped their child recover and spend less time in the hospital. This is the first pub-lished research to explore the role of family accommodation in enhancing the family experience, psychosocial well-being

and perceptions of child recovery for hospitalized, seriously-ill children.”

Turning away more families than we are able to serve is truly the most difficult thing our staff & volunteers ever have to do. We need your support to help our families so we never have to turn another family away.

Click here to make your annual donation today.

Our families thank you…

New Brunswick Proposed Expansion When opened, the New Brunswick House was approved for 6 family bedrooms. In the 8 years since opening the demand for pediatric care in

the New Brunswick area has tripled.

Which is why we are seeking to expand our New Brunswick House. Take a look at the

proposed expansion photos, expanding the home will take community support – going from the

original 6 family rooms to up to 22 family rooms.

We need your support now more than ever!