Naveh uses a technique called “Kangaroo Care” which helps him both bond with Zohar and provide numerous medical benefits to the preemie.

Above: The family, finally ready to go home

To all The house sTaff,102 days ago we arrived here, just a few days after our daughter, Zohar, was born 3-months premature. From the moment we arrived, you brightened up our lives. The Ronald McDonald House not only provides housing in close proximity to the hospital, it provides a warm and supportive environment. The love our older daughter, Noga, received from all of you—including during her first steps which she took to the toy box—and the way our entire family was so warmly supported and received by volunteers and even other residents, including the attention and the concern for Zohar which she received upon being released from the hospital, all of this we

shall forever cherish and remember. With your help we successfully got through

a very trying time in our lives. Despite our joy at returning home, we part with mixed

feelings since it is difficult to leave all the good we have experienced here. We aspire to raise our daughters in the spirit of all the good values with which the Ronald McDonald House has impressed us.

With thanks from all our heart,Adi, Naveh, Noga & Zohar

Dear angels, We hope this email finds you well. Although we haven’t been in touch for a long time, we can’t stop thinking of RMH, and of the big privilege we had to be there. Time is flying and more than 3 months have passed from our return back home. Both Noga and Zohar are well. After our return it took Noga a few days to get back to her day-care and it seems on some level she forgot all of the time we’ve been abroad. Zohar has a great nanny and she is turning out to be a healthy smiling baby—no problems or symptoms at all because of premature birth—an angel who sleeps all night long... a real treasure! Thank you again for everything and be blessed in the great and important job you are doing.

Naveh & Adi

Zohar: A Tiny One’s Long Trip

Young Professionals

Here is your chance to network with other 25-40 year olds while giving

back. Join our new auxiliary group, Friends of the House! Learn more at www.friendsofthehouse.org.

2House Album

In Their Own Words

3A Note to Families

Family Survey

4Denim to Diamonds

6Donations and Gifts

7We Remember

10Volunteer Spotlight

11Randy Cross Invitational Drawing

Planned Giving: An Alternative to a Roth IRA Conversion

Adi and Naveh came to Ronald McDonald House at Stanford in July of 2009. The dads, who live in Israel, needed to be near the hospital where their second daughter, Zohar, was being treated after her premature birth. Their letters express the unique sense of community and support they found at the House.

W h a t ’ s I n s I d e

Ronald McDonald House at Stanford Spring 2010 Volume 17, Issue 1

Board of DirectorsBern BeechamDenise CôtéGregg DavisBrian DinsmoreGreg DoughertyLorry Frankel, M.D.Judy KirkpatrickKarin KlarreichBob KresekLaurie LacobMelinda LitherlandBrad LymanKatharine MartinJim McCaugheyHoney Meir-LeviDebbie MuellerRick PartridgeDean RiskasScott RodrickBarbara ShapiroSusan TwietmeyerPeter Ziebelman

StaffHoney Meir-LeviExecutive Director

Tina AlexanderHouse Operations Director

Denise CassellaHouse Manager

Marsha CompagnoniExecutive Assistant

Ryan GramacyAccommodations Manager

Linda LyonDevelopment Director

Monica MakelaVolunteer Coordinator

Clare MaloneyEvent & Communications Coordinator

Madeline MayhewFinance Assistant

Paul McNabbDevelopment Officer

Ramona NestorData Coordinator

Sarah ReichanadterChildren’s Activity Coordinator

Cynthia SemenoffFinance Director

Melanie TaylorSpecial Projects Coordinator

Resident & Weekend ManagersSydnee BrooksCheryl HoganCheryl KeamaLucy SantosFelipe Zaragoza

In Their Own WordsLetters from families who have stayed at

Ronald McDonald House at Stanford

We could never say “thank you” enough for all

that you have done for our family. You all do

such an incredible job making this such a

comfortable, pleasant stay for the families in

the midst of difficult circumstances. We

were beyond blessed to have the privilege of

staying here. You all hold a very special place

in our hearts.

With love, Justin, Victoria & Moriah

Thank you to all the staff and

volunteers that helped make our

stay here as good as it could

be given the situation. Aiden is

home and his heart is doing well!

Thank you all for the love,

support, and prayers.

Love, Shifra, Jesse and Aiden

H O U S E A L B U M

Clockwise from upper left: Participants from the Legar Salon event pose with their dogs and Kylara. Eddie enjoys a visit from Riley’s Place on Valentine’s Day. Diego and Oscar fill up on a pancake breakfast. Gennesy painting in the playroom.

2

Ayoung teen who stayed at the House recently expressed a wish that every child who deals with a serious medical challenge could get a day off. It

is such a simple wish, but one that is difficult to grant. In the past year—as households and businesses cut back and postponed whenever they could—we were reminded again and again that our kids can’t wait for the economy to get better. These critically ill children need treatment now. One of our primary goals is to create a place where families get a reprieve from the serious issues they are dealing with. Even if we can’t give them a day off, we can remove some of the stress and let them know that they are not alone. Working on projects that will have the greatest outcome with minimal impact on our staff, resources and environment will enable us to continue serving a growing

number of families with seriously ill children. To that end, our staff will focus on being efficient and sustainable in how we manage and operate the House. To guide us, we created a statement that I would like to share with you: “In order to ensure the brightest and healthiest future for the children who come to stay at this home-away-

from-home, Ronald McDonald House at Stanford is committed to implementing environmentally

friendly and sustainable practices which promote the brightest and healthiest future for the planet, its resources, and our community.”

P.S. You can help us go green—email ramona@ronaldhouse.net to switch to the

electronic version of our newsletter.

A Child’s Wishhoney Meir-levi, exeCutive direCtor

Dear Families,

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSEAT STANFORD

FAMILY SURVEY

Last December, the House launched a

survey to evaluate the programs offered

to families who stay at the House. The

feedback will help determine the future

direction of Family Services and House

Operations. Thank you to those of you who

took the time to share your experience!

If you are a family who stayed at the House,

and you have not yet completed the survey

but would like to, send an email to Children’s

Activity Coordinator Sarah Reichanadter at

sarah@ronaldhouse.net.

A young teen expressed her simple wish that every child who deals with a serious medical challenge could get a day off.

3

On Saturday, March 6th guests stepped “under the Big Top,” into a world of entertainment at the 23rd annual Denim to

Diamonds, held for the first time at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. The daring feats of jugglers and contortionists dazzled the more than 500 partygoers as they sipped champagne and feasted on delectable hors d’oeuvres, while bidding on an array of silent auction items. The festival continued as everyone was treated to a gourmet sit-down dinner. “Ring masters” Cheryl Jennings and Don Sanchez of ABC7 News, along with the Honorable Joseph Simitian, lent their energy to an awards presentation and live auction, which included one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experiences, a trip to Hawaii, a luxury box at a Giants game, a stunning aqua and diamond necklace, a private suite

at a San Francisco 49ers game including a meet and greet with 49ers President Jed York, and the opportunity to personally welcome His Holiness the Dalai Lama when he visits the House in mid-October. During the dinner presentation a new game, Heads and Hearts, was introduced. Players donned bead necklaces and placed their bets either on their head or heart. After several rounds of coin tossing, the last woman standing, Emily True, took home a diamond and gold necklace valued at $10,000. A spectacle of sugary delights and personalized coffee drinks awaited the crowd afterwards, and the evening finished off with gaming in the Casino and at the Wheel of Fortune.

Event Chair Debbie Mueller, who led the 25 committee members and 250 volunteers for the fourth year in a row, was proud to say, “many people that I have not ever met before were coming up to me saying this was an amazing event and they had a wonderful time. People once again focused on what the House is all about and proved that everyone is there to support the House, the families, and the children.” Thanks to many wonderful and generous sponsors, especially Event Underwriter Art Zafiropoulo of Ultratech, Denim to Diamonds exceeded its goals—bringing in a net revenue of nearly $430,000. “The best party in the Silicon Valley” lived up to its reputation, both for the guest experience, and the financial support it will provide Ronald McDonald House at Stanford.Photos provided courtesy of JAT Studios Photography

4

EVEnt UndERwRItER

Ultratech

Platinum Patron

Gold Patron

Casino sPonsor

The Campbell Family

Volunteer sPonsor

The Rubenstein Family

Wheel of fortune sPonsor

Hercules Technology Growth Capital

inVitation sPonsor

Clarity Consultants

ProGram sPonsorLucile Packard Children’s

Hospital at Stanford

dessert sPonsorKohlberg Kravis Roberts

& Co.

rental sPonsor

Classic Party Rentals

media sPonsors

ABC7 / KGO-TV

Gentry Magazine

San Jose Mercury News

Print sPonsor

Moquin Press

desiGn sPonsor

Hector Jaime Graphic Design

diamond Patron

Sequoia CapitalPresident’s CirCle

Sue JacksonWebcor Builders

Jeff Chambers & Andrea Okamura

DPR Construction

The Coca-Cola CompanyBob & Kathy Courson

Deloitte Founders Financial Network

The Frankel & Chopin Families

Conrad & Lee Ann Freeman, Jr.

The Greenstein & Withrow FamiliesLockheed Martin

Space Systems

Ty & Jennifer HixMargaret & Jim Jimenez

Laurie Kraus LacobMarilyn & Jim Lattin

Martin-Brower CompanyDebbie Mueller &

David Barber

McDonald’s USANeiman Marcus

Bob & Meryl Selig

Rodrick Management GroupRoyal Glass Company

Barbara Shapiro & Mark Lewis

Gary Weaver & Susan Walker

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Foundation

5

Many thanks to our generous donorsDue to space limitations, we regrettably cannot list donors below $150. Please accept our sincere appreciation.

A FAMIly STAy FOR TWO MONTHSChet and Peggy BriansElizabeth and Manuel HenriquezLisa and Michael Rubenstein

A FAMIly STAy FOR ONe MONTHSue and Chris BillatJeanne and Gordon CaseRod HowardLiz and Martin KormanMeryl and Bob SeligSteve Silver

All FAMIlIeS STAyING IN THe TWO IMMuNe WINGS (14 ROOMS) FOR ONe NIGHTByron K. Adams, Jr.Gia and Jason BedellDiana and Mark BowlerNanci CaldwellLynn and Jim CarterisBeth and Gregg M. DavisBeth and Christopher DawesShelley Doran and Woody DeMayoDana EckertBrad FinkelsteinLee Ann and Con FreemanJennifer and Ty HixMary HynesSusan JohnsonMargie and Jeff KlapperKoret FoundationJerry MaggioreJim MaggioreLinda and Bill ManryKatharine Martin and David LauritsKimberly and Jim McCaugheyBridget and Brian McDonellD.J. MillerTracy and Phil MurphyKaren and Hugh O’BrodovichStephanie and Mike OlsonCarrie and Gary RobinsonBarbara Shapiro and Mark LewisSandi and Jerry SpectorDebbie and Robert SpinardiDiane and John StraetkerGretchen and Chris ThomasMia and Chris ThreattWhitney and John ValentineSusan Walker and Gary Weaver

A FAMIly STAy FOR ONe WeekKathy and Doug AnbergRita and Paul BischoffLatika Chaudhary and

Wesley HartmannDawn and Hutch CollierClaudia Cowan

Kathleen and Kenneth L. CoxJennifer and Derek DavisMark DietzPhil and Barbara EndlissWai-Ling and Steven EngLisa and Michael FischerSanchita and Dave GhoshRenee and Mark GreensteinMary and Tom HaverstockLula and Jeffrey HebbEstelle and James HenleyMichael HogendijkRitsuko and Joe IwasakiJudy JewJudy and Andrew KirkpatrickPaula and Tim LutzEllen and Richard MahanySusan and Anthony MathewsDustynne and Robert MendesJan and Steve PeatAnnie Berlin and Frank PriscaroKathy and Gary RebackChristy Sandborg and

Bruce Buckingham Shrinivas ShettyBarbara Shufro and David SteuerItamar and Yael SimonsonTina and Taber SmithJodee and Rick SussmanEmily True and Adam StanfordCarolee and Scott WheelerHelen Wilmot and Greg Davidson

A FAMIly STAy FOR THRee DAySSusan Anderson and John MelvillePhil AnthonySuzette and Roger AustinMinoo and Kris BakkeLeslie and Drew BardetDenee and Peter BerlinerTami and Sam BhaumikSue and Frank BiscegliaJodi and Alan BogomilskySusan and Gary BrandenburgDebbie and Ernie BrookfieldKendra and Kevin BurchShazia ButtPat and Jack ChristensRobin and Lenny CiancioloCathy and Bob CrowshawErnie and Kenneth CrossRoxanne and Tony DeblauweLaura DuDell-Foley and Jack FoleyJanet and Brian FalknerAlicia FarquharElsie Floriani and Ron WendtValerie and Galen FongLone and Gary C. FossJudy and Jay FowlerKaren and Lorry FrankelNanette and Rich Freedland

Betty Friedman and Wallace BrooksIsabel GahindoLesley Gold and Scott SutherlandJoan and Robert GrantScott HarveyJohn HeathEllen and Ira EhrenpreisCheryl Jennings and Rick PettiboneMichael KresserMarilyn and Jim LattinHeather and Larry LustigAnna MacielKarl MartitschDonna and James McFadzeanCarol and Jim McWhirterSusan and Seamus MoranRebecca and John NelsonStephanie OsbornePhyllis PeiJacqueline and Matthew PicciniJohn RashidMindy RoarkCandace and Gerard RoneyKristi and Michael RossiJulie and Greg RothHenry Sang, Jr. Sue and Paul SchmittAlicia and Mark ShevetoneSarah Staley ShenkKaren and Gary SmithSusan and Steve SordelloLisa StimmellK.C. and Al VinceletteDiane and Scott WieserKaren and Jim WithrowSarah WrightBen YanLeetha YeeErica Yew and Tom Nazario

ADDITIONAl GeNeROuS DONORSSarah and David ChungBeverlee HastingsKenneth HayesWendy Jeansonne and Dave DargoMyla and Francis LaPollLaura and Todd LevineBrenda McNabbBridget McNielRita NicholsNorma and David RogstadConstance and Alejandro TorresKathy Turner and David HarrisJudy and Lawrence WilliamAngela York

ANGelS $100,000+Mrs. Donald Scranton

VISIONARIeS $50,000+Greg P. and Nancy Dougherty

BeNeFACTORS $25,000+Mark J. and Renee Greenstein

PIllARS $10,000+Louise and Robert BurtonRoland and Jeanne ChanDinesh and Joy DesaiE*Trade FinancialMrs. Susan Ford Dorsey and

Mr. Michael DorseyConrad J. and Lee Ann Freeman, Jr.Golden State FoodsRichard and Rhoda Goldman FundKatharine A. Martin and

David LauritsMr. and Mrs. John MumfordLynn and Susan OrrShane and Robin RobisonBarbara L. Shapiro and Mark LewisMs. Susan TwietmeyerThe Valentine Foundation

ARCHITeCTS $6,000+Beau-Coup Wedding FavorsBellini FoundationMr. and Mrs. Frank BiscegliaMary Esther CandeeMs. Marilyn ChaitCobalt GroupMr. and Mrs. Gregg M. DavisMr. and Mrs. Michael DohertyMr. Patrick GibbsMs. Marleen KirkorianJared and Donna MurayamaPeninsula Building Materials

BuIlDeRS $3,000+Mr. and Mrs. Scott AltmanMr. and Mrs. Dave AmorosoBank of America FoundationBloomingdale’sMrs. Rhodine GiffordLeslie and Richard HallettMr. Edward Han and Ms. Polly LiuMr. and Mrs. Hollis HaugheyMr. and Mrs. Cliff HeapsEdward E. Hills FundMr. and Mrs. Ty E. HixMr. and Mrs. Charles JacklinKearns Saldinger Charitable

FoundationMs. Sue Klarreich, Ph.D.The Krauss Charitable FoundationRobert G. and Susan KresekLaurie Lacob

Thank You to the Denim to Diamonds “Sponsor-a-Family” Donors Whose Gifts Will Underwrite:

6

Thank You

We Remember…These children will live in our hearts forever:

Ashley LittleAyana Ali (Campell)

Randall Ethan Sneed-HarrisKelcee Bass

Christian MauricioEleanor Noelia Ramirez-Gil

Liberty AshDrey Jebb

Mr. John Livingston and Mrs. Sandra Korzenny

Mr. and Mrs. Brad C. LymanLinda and Jeremy LyonMs. Madeline MayhewMellam Family FoundationMrs. Albert MoormanMorrison & Foerster FoundationChris and Donna PaisleyMr. and Mrs. Donald PeckoPei Family FoundationPG&E Corporation Campaign for

the CommunityPillsbury FoundationGloria Principe and John O’FarrellRobert Half International Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Allen RubyGeorge H. Sandy FoundationStan and Donna SweteUnited Health Care Services, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. M. Keith WaddellRon and Diane WesselsWoodmont Real Estate ServicesMr. and Mrs. Peter H. Ziebelman

CHIlDReN’S CIRCle $1,200+AnonymousMr. and Mrs. Rob BabcockAndrew and Marsha BardakosMr. James Berbee and

Ms. Karen WalshChet and Peggy BriansMs. Carol ButlerMr. Richard Capelouto and

Ms. Gina MayaRex and Elaine CardinaleMr. and Mrs. Mark CatorMs. Jenny ChangChizen Family FoundationLinda and Howard ColehowerMs. Sally Crawford and

Mr. Robert DuplantierEddy CueKevin and Lisa CullinaneMs. April DanaDanford FoundationBrian J. and Samantha DinsmoreMr. Robert DixonMrs. Phyllis J. DorricottMr. and Ms. Gerald DownThe Mark and Wynne Dubovoy

Family FundMr. John DwyerPhil and Barbara EndlissPer and Elaine EngeMr. and Mrs. Tom FenstermacherFiddes-Talmadge Family TrustMs. Kristine FlowersMr. Richard Foreman and

Ms. Susan MensingerMike and Cathie Foster

Mr. Michael Gagliasso and Ms. Catherine Murphy

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore H. GeballeGenomic Health, Inc.Howard and Martha GirdlestoneKen Goldman and Susan ValerioteGoogle Matching Gift ProgramRichard Green and

Kathleen KnopoffGreene Van Arsdale FoundationDr. Ranu Grewal-BahlStella B. Gross Charitable TrustMr. and Mrs. Joe GrundfestGunderson Dettmer StoughDan GundoDr. Kathleen GutierrezMs. Nancy HandelMr. and Mrs. Bruce HeisterMr. and Mrs. Robert E. HopperMr. and Mrs. Jim HutchinsonMr. and Mrs. Neil JeffriesClay and Nita JuddKallen & Helen Chan FoundationMr. and Mrs. Michael P. KellyMs. Margorie KingMr. and Mrs. Andrew KirkpatrickMr. and Mrs. Steven KitrosserKarin Klarreich and Walter WilsonKohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.Mr. and Mrs. Christopher LaporteTom and Ann LivermorePeter and Pat MaschiMr. and Mrs. Greg McCullochMr. and Mrs. Marc McMorrisDavid and Honey Meir-LeviMs. Desiree MooreMr. and Mrs. Joseph Morey, Jr.Mr. Won Sup ParkThe William L. Price Charitable

FoundationProject Consulting SpecialistsMr. Brian RainieRossi Family FoundationSangetta FamilyMs. Yvonne SangiacomoDon ScifresSarah Shema and Neyssa MarinaSony USA FoundationThe Spain FamilySteven and Cindy SpringsteelCindy and Jim SummersDr. and Mrs. Philip SunshineMs. Janet Swann and

Mr. Doug RosenerMr. and Mrs. Jack TayanLes and Janice TongMrs. Teresa Van OrdenMs. Devonne VillafuerteMr. and Mrs. Kurt von EmsterDave and Heidi WelchWells Fargo Community Support

Campaign

September 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009Due to space limitations, we regrettably cannot list donors below $150. Please accept our sincere appreciation.

Wells Fargo Peninsula Commercial Banking

Gary and Mansie Williams

GOlD CIRCle $600+Adobe Systems IncorporatedJohn and Diane AkersMr. and Mrs. Frederic AmmannMr. and Mrs. David AnvarAnonymousBAE SystemsMr. and Mrs. Roy BillingsThe Caldwell-Fisher FoundationMr. and Ms. Robert ConnellySteve and Anne CunninghamMr. and Mrs. Angelo De GiuliMs. Ava DiamondMr. and Mrs. Gary DillaboughMr. and Mrs. William Draper, IIIMs. Charissa EbertTadashi Egami and

Susan Raisty-EgamiTom and Dana EvanMr. John ForanDr. and Mrs. Lorry R. FrankelMr. and Mrs. Milt GarfieldMr. and Mrs. Jeb GibneyJohn and Mary Ann GrilliMr. and Mrs. James HannayMr. and Mrs. Bill HawkesMary Henry and Raj SandhuJohn and Alison JolyMr. and Mrs. Mark KaoMr. and Mrs. Thomas KendraMr. R. Kirchner and

Ms. Jacquelynn MaxonMr. John Kriewall and

Ms. Betsy HaehlJane and Jerry LambMr. and Mrs. Scott Lamson

Mr. and Mrs. Tom LemieuxTina and Wayne Levenfeld FamilyMr. and Mrs. Ronald LindsayMacy’s West United Way CampaignMas Mac, Inc.Jeffrey S. Mayer and Tacy WitterMr. and Mrs. Joe MillerMr. and Mrs. Timothy MooreLuke and Monica MoreyJames MorleyMr. and Mrs. Doug

Murphy-ChutorianJanice M. MurrayMr. and Mrs. Donald NebioliniMrs. Laura O’SheaThe David and Lucile Packard

FoundationLarry PelznerMr. and Mrs. Gary PiazzaThe Plant-Rao FamilyMr. and Mrs. William PowarMr. and Mrs. John PrecissiMr. and Mrs. Damodar RavalMr. and Mrs. Richard L. ReginatoMr. and Mrs. Andrew ReidDr. Bert Rouleau, D.M.D., M.S.Saal Family Found., Jewish Comm.

Endowment FundMr. Scott Schriver and Mrs. Pamela

Hall-SchriverMr. Lawrence ShihThe Somekh Family FoundationMr. and Mrs. Geoff TateMr. Michael Terry and

Ms. Linda LannonThe Westin/Sheraton HotelsUnited Way of the Bay AreaUnited Way Silicon ValleyMr. and Mrs. William VanderbeekAnne and Don Vermeil

7

June S. WallerJanet Weiss and David WilsonMr. Gary WimmerJames and Virginia Zeitler

SIlVeR CIRCle $300+American Legion Auxiliary,

Redwood City Unit 105Ms. Kathy AndersonAnonymousMr. and Mrs. Don ArataMr. Troy Walter Barbee, Jr.Robert and Simone BishopJohn Boghossian, DDSMr. and Mrs. James CassellaMr. and Mrs. John CassidyMs. Dawn CasteelMs. Betsy ChungThe Covello GroupMr. and Ms. Joseph CovelloGordon and Carolyn DavidsonJennifer and Len DulskiMr. and Mrs. Bruce DunlevieEncore IndustriesFord Land CompanyMs. Betty FrischmannRobert and Bonnie GerlachMr. and Mrs. Mark HansonRichard and Susan HolicMr. and Mrs. John JarveCharles Katz and Gina SignorelloMs. Silvia KehoeTrish and Larry KubalMr. Jon LambertYael and Amnon LandanRobin and Stan LentMr. and Mrs. David LoomisMr. and Mrs. David MacKenzieMr. and Ms. Robert MarshallaMatin MazidiMenlo Park Live Oak LionsMerrill Lynch & Co. Foundation, Inc.Metropolitan Arts PartnershipWade and Phyllis MeyercordMicrosoft Giving CampaignMonterey Peninsula FoundationMr. and Mrs. George MooreMs. Ramona NestorBonnie and Ollie NuttMs. Denise O’LearyMr. Kenny PateToni and Dick PatersonMs. Marion PenderMr. and Mrs. Joe PerezDr. and Mrs. Frank RiccoboniMr. David RobertsDr. and Mrs. Bernard RossMr. and Mrs. Robert RouseSusan and Mike SabesMr. and Mrs. Donald SchenoneMr. Rex SchmidtMr. David Schwartz and

Ms. Tonia WismanPearl Anne and Edwin A. Seipp, Jr.Ms. Jane SlausonMr. Boyd C. SmithStephen, Paula and Kendall, and

Kyle Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Justin ManningNancy MathewsMr. Burt McMurtryMr. Andy MenefeeDr. Deborah MoreyMr. David MorganMr. Thomas MorganWilliam F. MorrisonMr. and Mrs. Michael MowreyMs. Joan MurdochMr. and Mrs. Peter NarvaezDavid R. Newman and

Frances J. Schenk-NewmanMr. Alan OlsenMs. Margarita OrtizBob and Marion OsterMr. Martin ParkerLaura and Mark PitchfordDr. and Mrs. Michael PlinerGerald and Janetta PriceMr. Frank PriscaroMelanie ProleMrs. Katherine RebackMr. Anthony Richmond and

Ms. Pilar ParducciMr. and Mrs. Doug RichardsonMr. Michael RisucciMr. and Mrs. James RooneyMr. Scott RosecransMs. Annette RossVince and Phyllis RossiRunnoe ConstructionMr. and Mrs. Ralph RussoMr. and Mrs. K. E. RutherfordEd and Ellen SalibaMr. and Mrs. James D. SansburyMs. Vania SantellaAlan and Nancy SchatzbergMrs. Carol SeyferthMs. Alice SgourakisLou ShoafDr. Caroline SigmanMr. and Mrs. Joel SilvermanMr. and Mrs. Philip SilvestriMr. Sven Erik SimonsenGail and Carol SiriMs. Lisa SkobyMr. Michael StarkSun Microsystems Matching Gift

ProgramBette and Stanley SussmanMr. Joseph SweeneyMs. June TachibanaMs. Deborah ThompsonC.D. and R.L. TorcelliniMrs. Joan WaltersMr. Ted B. WertheimerJohn and Elaine WestonMs. Mary Grace WhalenPaul H. WickRichard and Arleene WilkolaskiMr. Grant WinfreyBill and Evelyn WinnegarMrs. Barbara WrightMr. Robert WoolleySusan and Bruce WorsterJohn and Zaza WuMr. Du Zhang and Ms. MeiLiu LuDr. and Mrs. Gary Zweig

Ralph J. StauntonMr. and Mrs. Ron SturzeneggerMary Takahashi and Karl KramerDr. Michael TaylorMr. and Ms. Robert TraceyMr. and Mrs. Richard TwietmeyerStephen Tzyh-Lih Wuu and

Yu-Fuen LiaoVentana Property ServicesMr. and Ms. Stephen VierraMr. and Mrs. Ramamurthy

VijaykumarMs. Stephanie WeissMs. Arleen WetmoreMr. and Ms. Joe Winters

BRONze CIRCle $150+Mr. Scot AdairLars and Michelle AhlstromKaren and Bob Allen, Jr.Ms. Mary AllanMs. Amy AndrewsAnonymousMr. and Ms. Diosdado BanataoMs. Marie BaroneMr. Barry BeemanJ. David BlackMs. Linda BolgerMrs. Parvin BrodkinMr. Wallace Brooks and

Ms. Betty FriedmanMr. and Mrs. Thomas R. BrownMr. Robert BuxtonDouglas & Robert ByerRobert V. CatteyMr. Albert ChiangMs. Emily Chow and Hsi-Jung WuMr. and Ms. Randy ClarkMr. and Mrs. Alan CohenMr. Spencer Commons and

Ms. Martha GatesChris and Sharon ConnorsMr. Rick CorbettMr. Denis CullenMr. David CullenDaines, Inc.Kerry and Howie DallmarMr. and Mrs. Harvey DavisPatti and Mark C. DavisDoug and Irene De VivoMrs. Jennifer DeVosDGI ConstructionMs. Chantale DoinelMr. and Mrs. Gregory FinleyAlan Fitch FamilyDennis and Debbie FlippinThe Fox GroupMr. and Mrs. Daniel GreensteinMs. Trudy GroweJoe and Patti HansenMr. and Mrs. Christopher HansonMr. and Mrs. William HawesAdam and Heather HopkinsMiss Diana HsuIBM Employee Services CenterBetsy and Gary KohnThe Dry Cleaner/LaunderlandDr. Darlene LeBlancAnn and George LimbachDr. Linda Lowenstine

IN-kIND DONATIONSThe gifts listed below have a declared value of $500 and above.

AAA Business Supplies - InteriorsAccel PartnersMr. and Mrs. Raj AgrawalAll World Sports & Celebrity

MemorabiliaAutoVinoMs. Kristine BallBig O Tires - Asher Doué GroupScott and Mimi CacchioneCardio DXClub Sportiva San JoseData Marketing Inc.Mr. Mark DeitersMr. and Mrs. Harry DeOrnellasMr. and Mrs. Frank DouglasMary Ann DulcichMr. and Mrs. Phil DunkelbergerE3 Youth PhilanthropyFerrari and Maserati of San

FranciscoGP EnterprisesGrand Hyatt San FranciscoGrowth1Concierge-Focused Lifestyle

SolutionsGuadalupe Elementary SchoolHeitz CellarsMs. Susan HellerKangaroo KissesMr. and Mrs. Peter KeepKimpton Hotel & Restaurant GroupKohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.KTVU Fox TVLeft BankLegar SalonMills The FloristMock PhotographyMs. Jackie MoliisMs. Erna MorganNicolet Family TrustMs. Dayna NielsenQuail Lodge Resort and Golf ClubMr. and Ms. Michael RayMr. and Mrs. Henri RichardMr. and Mrs. Dan RosensweigSeascape Beach ResortSequoia CapitalSophie’s HeartMr. and Mrs. Tod SpiekerThe Tech Museum of InnovationThe Yarn Spinners for CharityVillage Treasures, Inc.Vince Tarry PhotographyMr. and Mrs. David VogelhuberMark Volpicelli, M.D.Webcor BuildersWells Fargo BankWilson Sonsini Goodrich & RosatiWood Lane Family PortraitsMr. and Mrs. Wayne Zuurmond

Many thanks to our generous donorsDue to space limitations, we regrettably cannot list donors below $150. Please accept our sincere appreciation.

8

To help maintain clinical integrity, please be sure that all items are new and in original packaging. Thank you for your desire to help!

house supplies• Liquid / Gel dishwasher detergent• 100% Cotton Twin & Double

Blankets• Pillows• Target / Safeway / WalMart Gift

Cards ($25 and up in value)• Blankets, 100% Cotton Weave

(Full & Twin Size)• Shower Curtain Liners, Clear• Mattress Pads, Waterproof

(Full & Twin Size)• Gift Cards in $25 increments to

Smart & Final, Safeway• Blankets, 100% Cotton Weave

(Full & Twin Size) • Swiffer Sweeper Wet Cloth Refills

Programs• HP Ink Cartridges 564,564XL

(Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Photo Black)

• HP Advanced Photo Paper / Glossy / 4 X 6 & 8.5 X 11

• Painting Canvases – 11x14 with NO staples on sides

• 12 X 12 Scrapbooks • iTunes gift cards / $15, $20 &

$25 value• Michael’s gift cards / $25 and up

value• Starbucks gift cards / $5 / $10 /

$15 value• AA Batteries• Infant Toys (0 – 18 mos) • Teen Items (13 – 17 yrs)• Birthday wrapping paper• Lego Creators

GIFTS IN HONOR OF...Honor someone special in your life or celebrate a milestone event, birthday, marriage, or holiday while helping the hundreds of families who call the House “home” each year. Donor is listed after the event or person they are honoring.

Gayle AssettoJames L. and Marjorie M. Hodel

Joan and Brian AtkinsMr. and Mrs. Clayton Atkins

Mr. and Mrs. Demetri CacoyannisMrs. Anthony Moitozo

Jonathan lloyd Gregory, Joshua David Gregory, Jefferson Jordan Gregory, and Jamison GregoryDr. and Mrs. R. Henry Richards

lindsey’s 5th BirthdayMr. and Mrs. Bryan Gebhardt

lucas and GiselleAnonymous

MoriahAnonymous

Mackenzie Peterson and FamilyMs. Dawn Casteel

PH PatientsMr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Feinstein

Ginny and Gary PiazzaMs. Madeline Benson

katriana RifesiRita L. Rifesi

Courtney RobertsMr. Eric Roberts

Bob and Meryl SeligMr. and Mrs. Christopher Ream

Shell’s Partnership with Stanford universityShell Oil Company

Rearden and Roarke Stata-Sweidy’s BirthdayMr. and Mrs. Patrick CivielloMr. and Mrs. Patrick HuntMs. Sarah SpanogheMr. Raymie Stata and Ms. Kimberly

Sweidy

The St. Claire FamilyMs. Valeri Andres

Rebecca SudermanCraig Suderman and Germana

Silva Suderman

IN MeMORy OF...Making a memorial gift is a meaningful way to honor the memory of a loved one. All memorial gifts are designated to the Children’s Legacy Fund Endowment, making your gift a lasting tribute. Donor is listed after the person they are memorializing.

Vera BlairMr. and Mrs. Thomas Rettagliata

Chloe BlomMr. and Mrs. Thomas Rettagliata

Ryan CahillDaniel and Shirley Kealey

kristin M. CrudoMr. Tim Crudo

Deceased MembersIrmandade Do Divino Espirito Santo

Nick DillinghamAnonymous

Mrs. Fulvio and Grandson-in-lawMr. and Mrs. Jim Tilton

kelly GeorgeMr. and Mrs. Stephen George

Jennifer HoylandTrinity Presbyterian Church

lisabeth kaplanThe Kaplan Family

Peter kornfeld, M.D.Mrs. Carol Kornfeld

Tony lambertiMr. and Mrs. Thomas Rettagliata

James e. ledgewoodSachiko Ledgewood

John lennonMr. Robert Caldarelli

lawrence leonardONSET Ventures

Chad MalloRob and Kristi Peckham

Joseph Mardesich, Ann and Anton Colendich, Margaret and John MardesichJoe and Carol Mardesich

Steffanie MillimanMs. Kay Freese

Peter MoreyMr. and Mrs. Donald Morey

Ralph OswaldDr. and Mrs. Donald St. Claire

Franco PetriMr. and Mrs. Thomas Rettagliata

Robert A. PhelpsMr. and Mrs. Thomas Rettagliata

Chris PiccardoMr. and Mrs. David Piccardo

Dorothy l. RubinoMr. and Mrs. Thomas Rettagliata

Scottie, Jimmy, and RyanMr. and Mrs. Joseph A.

Scheuermann

Steve ShirleyMr. and Mrs. Stephen Shirley

Gillian Smith-leitchMr. Jared Smith

Scottie Summers and D.J. FrandsenMr. and Mrs. W. James

Scheuermann

Annette TaberMr. and Mrs. Thomas Rettagliata

esther e. TaylorMr. and Mrs. Thomas Rettagliata

Betsy WrightConstance Cross

Sandra WrightMr. and Mrs. Thomas Rettagliata

September 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009Due to space limitations, we regrettably cannot list donors below $150. Please accept our sincere appreciation.

w I S HL I S t

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I help out in the activity room where children can simply be children. For them the traumas of having a serious illness are not present and for me the stresses of going to school seem to disappear as I help them play

with Legos and draw Crayon Masterpieces! One nine-year-old boy loves to play games on the computer. Usually he wears a hospital mask to keep unwanted germs away from his weak immune system. But on this particular day he isn’t wearing a mask and I can finally see his white teeth smile back at me as I nod, “yes, you can play on the computer.” His bright eyes and joyous smile are all that matter as he enjoys a Spongebob computer game. In another room, a three-year-old boy, whose energy level could fill the Pacific Ocean, is running around, picking up toys and throwing them on the rainbow colored rug. Between running after him and cleaning up the enormous pile of Legos, I get a pretty decent workout. Determined to

build a Lego car without any assistance, he succeeds in creating a beautiful castle. He smiles at me with a struggle because of the tube connected from his back to the inside of his nose. In the community at the Ronald McDonald House a smile or a gentle hug is well appreciated by both families and their children. And for two hours each week, I get to join that community by volunteering with small children suffering from big diseases. They go through their daily lives with determination, dignity, and a bravery that I can only envy.

We are grateful for the generous time, support and dedication of our volunteers. They are a

tremendous asset to the families and our organiza-tion. We congratulate the following volunteers on

5 years of service:Nita Judd

Andrea BastianLori BaenzigerJenny Blaschke

John CottleVeronica Ellis

Janine Stone WillinDebbie Burkholder

Carol MasonBarbara SidorBob Mazawa

Each will receive this specially designed pin as a token of our appreciation.

VOLUNTEERS

ANNIVERSARIES5-YEAR

Trıpplett

VO L U N T E E R S P OT L I G H T

Teen ProgramLauren&

For more information on volunteering at the House,

please visit our website, www.ronaldhouse.net, or contact Volunteer

Coordinator Monica Makela at

monica@ronaldhouse.net.

At the House, enthusiastic and responsible teens (16 years and older) can volunteer for weekly shifts in the Activity Room. Programs focus primarily on playtime with the children, providing recreation such as Cooking, Sports, Arts & Crafts, Movie Nights, Themed Parties, and Bingo. Teens are also invited to assist with the yearly Summer Camp program. Below is a story from Teen Volunteer Lauren Tripplett, describing her experience interacting with the children. For Lauren, helping at the House is truly a family affair—her father, Larry Tripplett, is the local McDonald’s owner/operator who has generously donated dinner for the families every Friday night for more than a decade.

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I get to join that community by

volunteering with small children

suffering from big diseases. They go

through their daily lives with determi-

nation, dignity, and a bravery that

I can only envy.

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11

Randy CrossInvitational Drawing

PReSeNTeD By

Ferrari Maserati Silicon Valley

Win a Maserati Quattroporteor $60,000 in cash

Or one of the great travel packages including trips toNew York, Miami or Los Angeles.

Tickets are $100 each and only 2,500 are available.To purchase, send a check or money order

for $100 per ticket payable to:Randy Cross Invitational Drawing

Ronald McDonald House at Stanford520 Sand Hill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304

Void where prohibited. Must be 18 to enter.

Drawing will be held on Monday, June 7, 2010Need not be present to win.

For the first time, taxpayers with incomes over $100,000

can now convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Before

you choose to convert your IRA, there are factors to

consider.

Traditional IRAs generally consist of pre-tax dollars subject

to both income taxes and estate taxes; taxes which can consume

a significant part of your IRA. If you have a large taxable estate,

your heirs might receive only 30% or less of the value of the

IRA that you leave to them.

The alternative is to use your traditional IRA assets for

charitable giving and leave your other assets to your heirs.

Charitable beneficiaries of an IRA do not pay any taxes, so

100% of the value of your IRA goes to work for the cause you

support. This strategy means that there is no need to do a Roth

conversion and you avoid paying income taxes on those IRA

assets.

Leaving your IRA assets to charity is easy to do. Every IRA,

401(k) or similar tax-deferred account has designated primary

and contingent beneficiaries, which can be easily changed by

filling out a simple form with your employer or the brokerage

firm acting as custodian for the account. For more information,

contact Linda Lyon at linda@ronaldhouse.net.

Planned Giving: An Alternative

To A Roth IRA ConversionBy Robert Kresek, CFP®

Managing Partner, Founders Financial Network and Ronald McDonald House Board President

Example of Taxes on an IRA*

$1,000,000 Pre-Tax IRA Value

-45% Estate Tax over $3.5M Exemption

$550,000 After-Estate Taxes

-45.4% CA & Federal Income Tax on

IRA Withdrawals

$300,300 Net After-Tax to Heirs

* Income tax assumptions are 39.6% federal with a deduction

for state income tax payment of 9.55%. Estate tax assumption

is 45% on assets over $3.5 million exemption level.

Get Involved!Upcoming events at the House and ideas for projects to sponsor.

520 Sand Hill RoadPalo Alto, CA 94304-2001Tel 650.470.6000Fax 650.470.6018www.ronaldhouse.net

Return Service Requested

Please check your mailing label. Is your address correct? Please make any changes and mail to the House at the address above.

If you would prefer to receive your newsletter electronically, email your request to ramona@ronaldhouse.net

Nonprofit Org.U.S. PostagePaidPalo Alto, CAPermit No. 290

May7, FridayHouse TourHold a drive at work for Mother’s

Day and Father’s Day gifts

June7, MondayRandy Cross Invitational Golf TournamentHonor a graduate with a gift to the

House in their name

July10 & 11, Sat-SunHot San Jose Nights, benefiting the HouseBring your family to this classic car

show at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, which features casino gaming, carnival rides, and music

August2, MondayBi-monthly Professional Advisors Council MeetingStart training for the Team RMH Half

Marathon

November14, SundayBig Sur Half Marathon on Monterey (Team RMH)Have a “Dinner-Making Party” with

friends and cook supper for the families

Design & Production: Alexander Atkins Design, Inc.

To register for an event, or to view the full calendar,

please visit us online at www.ronaldhouse.net

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSEAT STANFORD

Enter to win a Maserati Quattroporte or $60,000 in cash. See page 11.