Around the House
Volunteer Newsletter
Karen Lewandowski, Rega Kowalski and Karen McGugin
Honored With Lori Kleiman Award
Lori Kleiman was one of RMHI’s highly valued and very special volunteers dating
back to our opening in 1982. She was valued for her dedication to the our mission,
her hard work, her generosity with her time and talent, and most of all her compassion. Since her passing, the RMHI recognizes volunteers that most exemplify her
dedication and values with this award.
At this year’s volunteer recognition on September 27th, three RMHI volunteers were
presented with this honor.
Rega Kowalski ~ Rega made her mark on the House quickly, having
joined us just a year and a half ago in March of 2012 after retiring
from a career in management and personnel. A few descriptors that
come to mind when thinking about Rega include fun-loving, outgoing,
organized and a hustler – in a good way, as in energetically determined.
Rega is a true leader and didn’t hesitate to jump right in to some projects needing her
energy and organizing skills.
(Rega Kowalski tribute is continued on page 2)
Karen Lewandowski ~ If you looked up the words reliable and
dedicated in the dictionary we are positive you would see a picture
of Karen. She began volunteering in April of 1990 and is a virtual
fixture on the Tuesday evening shift. She alternates every week between our Limestone and Riley locations. She puts in so many volunteer hours that she has won the President’s Bronze Award for
three consecutive years.
(Karen Lewandowski tribute is continued on page 2)
Karen McGugin ~ Karen began volunteering with us in January of
2010 and has demonstrated a true passion for the House and our mission. Given her history of volunteering throughout the City for everything from charity walk/runs, various conventions and the 500 Festival, we are very fortunate that she is able to fit us into her busy schedule!
Karen is truly dedicated to the RMH at Riley. She is scheduled to cover two morning
shifts each week but more often than not is known to come in up to four times a
week.
(Karen McGugin tribute is continued on page 2)
October
2013
Ronald McDonald
House of Indiana
435 Limestone St.
Indianapolis, IN
46202
317.269.2247
www.rmhindiana.org
Ronald McDonald
House of Indiana
RMHIndiana
Our Mission
To provide a
supportive homeaway-from-home for
families of seriously
ill or injured children
receiving medical
care at Riley Hospital
for Children and
other Indianapolis
hospitals.
Newsletter Editor:
Mary Friend, CVA
Volunteer Resources
Manager
[email protected]
Direct line:
317.267.0605, x 225
Volunteers Needed for Glow in the Night 5K
Saturday, Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Garfield Park
NR Road Racing is planning its annual Glow in the Night 5K to benefit our House. We are excited about
this opportunity and need 20 volunteers to help at the event. Volunteers will receive a cool t-shirt, and assignments, ranging from check in to scattering glowrific color dust, are fun and easy.
Follow these steps to sign up to volunteer:
 Go to NR Road Racing website at nrroadracing.com
 Click on Glow in the Night 5K, then Upcoming Glow in the Night Races, then Indianapolis, I
 Click on Volunteer Registration and fill out the online form. Please add the letters RMH to the end
of your last name so NR Road Racing knows you are with the House.
 NR Road Racing will contact you closer to the event with more information.
(Rega Kowalski tribute continued
from page 1)
(Karen Lewandowski tribute continued from page 1)
(Karen McGugin tribute continued from page 2)
She inherited the Linen Coordinator position that requires her to
work in the basement keeping all
of our sheets and towels in order
including discarding those that are
worn and torn. Along those same
lines, she was in charge of planning and implementing the great
mattress enclosure project that involved organizing a group of volunteers who went room to room
stripping beds, installing the enclosures and then remaking the
beds.
Some words that were often repeated by those who nominated
her are: caring, compassionate,
entertaining and fun to be around.
She is renowned for thorough and
consistent guest check-ins. No
houseguest who is oriented by Karen can use the “uhhh nobody told
me that” excuse.
If she knows that Daun is going to
be short on volunteers, she is the
first to step up to help, often as the
only volunteer on the shift. Because of her extra effort, she has
received the President’s Silver
Award for two consecutive years.
She also willingly fills in as a substitute when needed. She can be
found bustling around the House
emptying dishwashers, doing
laundry and willingly assisting
with anything and everything.
She always reminds us that she
lives close by and to call if we
need anything. As a matter of
fact, she put in so many hours this
last year that she was the recipient
of the President’s Bronze Award.
Among her most valued contributions is her role with the volunteer
training program. As most of you
know, our training program includes two sessions with a mentor.
Karen is among our best mentors
in terms of her thoroughness and
encouraging attitude with new
volunteers. Plus she is a “two-fer”
in that she has the knowledge and
experience to mentor at both locations.
On top of all of this, over the years
Karen has always been willing to
step up and help with numerous
fundraising and awareness events.
She rides the bus to the House,
usually arriving early to make coffee so she can have it ready for
our guests at 9AM sharp. She can
then be found pitching in --- either
helping make up the sleeping
rooms, whipping up some lunch in
the kitchen or registering and orienting new guests at the front
desk. She has excellent rapport
with our guest families and as a
result, they get to know her, often
asking about her on the days she
isn’t there.
In addition, this volunteer is always eager to assist with various
other activities --- everything from
Run for Ronald to Pop Tab Drop
to Volunteer Recruitment Fairs.
Please join us in congratulating all three of these outstanding volunteers
for their exemplary service to the Ronald McDonald House mission!
Page 2
Thank You for Giving and Giving
to Our Families!
Regardless of the years of service or the number of
hours you record, the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana would not be what it is today without volunteer support.
Although we would be remiss if we did not recognize
those celebrating significant anniversaries or who have
gone beyond the call of duty at the annual volunteer
recognition celebration, it is the time and talent ALL our
wonderful volunteers donate to the House that makes
our House a home for the families we serve.
“And the tree was happy”
Thank YOU for all you do for our House!
~ Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
Anniversaries
The following volunteers were recognized at this year’s volunteer recognition for length of service. If your
name is listed below and you were not able to join us at the event, please contact Mary Friend regarding getting you your gift.
One Year
Zak Bergman
Jennifer Cannady
Mary Diaz-Przybyl
Maria Drake
Elaine Fleckenstein
Katie Kirkman
Rega Kowalski
Ali Marendt
Riley Mineart
Alex Miser
James Nickens
Jim O’Connor
Nancy O’Connor
Dick Pluckebaum
Nancy Pluckebaum
Anne Ratz
Byron Robinson
Jill Rose
Sarah Schueler
Kevin Shamuyarira
Randy Shields
Retzy Thompson
Kearstin Tocco
Mona Vasavada
Cheri Wilson
Five Year
Harold Aron
Kurt Beier
Ellen Dolinar
Linda Elkins
Sally Fear
Judy Hall
Peggy Hall
Candice Hoos
Catherine Jennings
Ashley Johnson
Becky Kellogg
Xin Liu
Eddy Lux
Marg Millman
Ten Year
David Ayres
Tami Evans
Bert Harvey
Ernie Harvey
Elizabeth Henry
Nancy Iles
Harlan Watson
Joan Watson
Twenty Year
Judy Dunkerly
Ella Mae Martin
Thirty Year
Linda Cummings
George Gordon
Marsha Gordon
President’s Service Awards
This national award was established in 2003 as a way to thank you and honor Americans who, by their
demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.
This award is presented to RMHI volunteers who recorded over 100 hours of service last year.
Bronze
(100 to 249 hours)
Harold Aron
Juanna Brennan
Jennifer Cannady
Karen Devansky
Marcia Dougherty
Linda Duke
Theresa Errard
Bert Harvey
Ernie Harvey
Terri Hawkins
Lisa Hull
Woody Hurst
Kyle Just
Debbie Kiesel
Rega Kowalski
Diana Laybold
Karen Lewandowski
Dale Roberts
Mercedes Roots
Bob Schofield
Leah Shubert
Lane Sims
Bob Skorjanc
Marge Vogel
Shirley Yegerlehner
Silver
(250 to 499 hours)
Christin Enochs
Cindy Hutchison
Nancy Iles
Karen McGugin
Joan Watson
Gold
(500 plus hours)
Michael Rhinaman
Linda Satterfield
Helping Hands Award
This award recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses who have responded to the needs of our families through generous in-kind gifts and support of our mission.



Allan Bowers
Stan Bunting, Sam’s Club ~ Greenwood
Huston—Lynn Enterprises ~ McDonald’s


Indiana Members Credit Union
Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health
BEQUEST GIFTS
If you would like to make a gift to Ronald McDonald House of Indiana, Inc., why not consider a testamentary
gift, namely a gift that takes effect upon your death? Fortunately, today’s federal estate tax laws favor testamentary gifts. Combined federal estate and state death tax rates can significantly reduce the size of an estate;
however, a testamentary charitable gift can be a desirable way to support RMHI and reduce your estate taxes.
A bequest is a gift of personal or real property in a will. A bequest may provide for a specific asset, specific
dollar gift or percentage of your estate to be given to RMHI in support of its various programs.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please call Joe Schulz, Director of Development, at
317-269-2247 or [email protected].
As always, we recommend that you consult with your attorney or tax advisor for the various tax benefits and
restrictions that may apply to your specific situation. We are available to you and your advisors to answer
questions or help arrange a planned gift to the RMHI.

Join Us In
Welcoming Our
Newest Volunteers
Kara Alwine ~ Guest Services
Volunteer, Limestone

Dean Nicholls ~ Special Tasks

Emily Parker ~ Guest Services
Volunteer, Riley

Victoria Beaty ~ Meal Host

Ed Berman ~ Intern

Alexandra Kowalski ~ Guest
Services Volunteer, Limestone


Katherine Burbrink ~ Guest
Services Volunteer, Riley
Jen Plantz ~ Guest Services
Volunteer, Riley

T J Liu ~ Intern

Leilanie Diaz ~ Guest Services
Volunteer, Limestone

Shenia Loper ~ Guest Services
Volunteer, Limestone
Diana Roberts ~ Guest Services Volunteer, Riley

Danielle VeZolles ~ Meal Host

Molly Dunn ~ Special Tasks

Alexandra Makris ~ Guest Ser-  Kevin Zhang Sonera ~ Intern
vices Volunteer, Limestone

Chris Heine ~ Guest Services
Volunteer, Limestone

Katie Meyer ~ Guest Services
Volunteer, Riley

Substitute List
Please call these volunteers if you
need a substitute.
Limestone
 Jennifer Cannady~
[email protected]
 Angela Criggar~561-543-7500
(Weekday early afternoons)
 Loretta Dale~941-1713 or
[email protected]
(Saturday only)
 Rega Kowalski~241-1566
 Diana Laybold~838-9491
(Mornings & early afternoons)
 Jacob Lee ~
[email protected]
 Mercedes Roots~356-9002
(Afternoons)
Paula Swift~797-1398
(3:30-9:30 pm and weekends)
 Marge Vogel~727-5359
 David Wilkerson~294-4948
(Weekdays 9am—12 noon)

Riley
 Eddy Lux~250-7953
(Weekday Evenings)
 Michael Rhinaman~258-4688
(Weekday Evenings)
 Meredith Velez~304-639-1351
If you would like to add your
name to this list, please contact
Mary Friend.
Please remember to notify the
Manager on Duty for last minute
shift cancellations. If you know of
your conflict in advance, notify
Mary Friend. Also let us know if
you are able to find a substitute so
we can update the posted schedule.
Remember to notify Mary or the
Manager on Duty directly rather
than through your shift mates.
Upcoming Visit our website or watch for details in this and future editions of this publication.
Events
(* Denotes a third-party event where RMHI is the beneficiary of community events organized by individuals,
local organizations, schools and businesses.)
 A
Taste..Journeys to California Wine
Country ~ November 1
 New Volunteer Orientation ~ November TBD
 Kicks for Kids* ~ November 22
 Decorating Day ~ November 30
Page 5
on
ey is
on th
m e ct
e eiv ta
us ec on
Ho o r ly, c
e
T al
rg
th .
d ge nic d at na.o
an ta o
s os ctr rien dia
n
ee p le
tr nd r e y F h-i
ve r a te ar rm
Sa pe let M d@
pa ws
en
ne
fri
m
Go
Gr
ee
n!
Indianapolis, IN 46202-2819
435 Limestone Street
Happy Birthday!
Please
join us in
celebrating
the following RMHI
birthdays!
Albert Barnes
10/10
Norm Cochran
10/31
Diane Powers
10/10
Jane McClure
10/31
Bob Skorjanc
10/13
Debbie Kiesel
10/14
Sarah Schueler
10/14
Amy Zhang
10/1
Alia McCord
10/16
Chris Baire
10/2
Cara Kowal
10/17
Donna Schofield
10/2
Kylie Kovach
10/20
Kate Carlstedt
10/3
David Milsho
10/21
Lisa Tiffany
10/3
Chris Heine
10/22
Dennis Porter
10/5
Kate Neff
10/25
Alexandra Makris
10/6
Micki Siner
10/26
Jeff Chamness
10/7
Hiddy Bagwell
10/27
Jesamyn Rayman
10/8
Ernie Harvey
10/30