The following article was published in the Des Moines Register’s West Register on Friday, January 6, 2012.

Giving Cards Benefit Charity
Recipient Chooses Nonprofit to Receive the Money

BY KRISTIN DANLEY-GREINER

A first-of-its-kind gift-giving program in Iowa offers people a new way to support nonprofit organizations.

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines last month debuted a gift card that allows the recipient to go online and choose a charity to receive the money on the card.

“Community members who have purchased giving cards tell us they enjoy giving it as a gift to children and grandchildren to pass on the importance of giving,” said Jessica Brown, director of marketing and communications for the foundation. “It’s also a great gift for the ‘person who has everything.’ ”

Brown said there are communities and community foundations in other states that run similar programs, but this is a first for Iowa and the greater Des Moines area.

Urbandale resident Tiffany Tauscheck purchased a card to give as a gift this holiday season to a colleague who she believed would “sincerely appreciate finding a way to give back to the community.”

“She’s the kind of person who has a little bit of everything and this is a nice gift to give her that I think she’ll appreciate,” Tauscheck said. “It’s a very easy process, doing it online. It’s available 24-7, there’s no waiting in line and it’s very convenient.”

Tauscheck said the giving cards are one way to help friends and family support organizations close to their hearts.

“I like to give personal gifts and I myself am heavily involved in many organizations throughout the community. I really see the value in giving back and supporting the foundation and its mission. I like being able to engage a colleague at that level, and it will be another special connection she and I will share.”

Cards can benefit any 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Brown said.

“When people redeem the cards, there is a link to GuideStar if the person redeeming the card wants to check the charitable status of the charity he or she would like to support,” she said.

Brenda Miller, executive director of the Des Moines Ronald McDonald House, said she loves the concept and sees groups like the Ronald McDonald House benefiting by reaching new donors.

“What a unique way to benefit so many,” Miller said. “You can often wander from shop to shop or surf the Internet to find just the right gift, the perfect gift, one with meaning. The giving card program will help with that.”

Since the organizations that can receive the gift money are charities, card givers may see a benefit at tax time if they itemize deductions.

“This is a great way to pay it forward and with many benefits,” Miller said. “The purchaser of the card receives a tax benefit, the individual receiving the card has the opportunity to make an impact while choosing their favorite charity, and the charity will benefit from the gift.

“This is the type of gift that you remember receiving for years to come. And I think it is the type of gift that once you have received a giving card, you will want to share this concept and buy one for someone special in your life to provide them the opportunity to ‘give forward’ to their favorite charity.”

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The following article was published in the Business Record on Saturday, April 18, 2009.

McDonald House is a ‘home away from home’

BY MARJORIE SIMOENS

Brenda Miller, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House in Des Moines, sits in the house's library. The house opened in August 1981. Photo by Duane Tinkey

With 12 bedrooms, a large dine-in kitchen and a family room on every level, the Ronald McDonald House in Des Moines prides itself on being a “home away from home” for families with seriously ill children who are being treated at Des Moines hospitals.

“It’s hard to imagine what they are going through, and I think what makes it nice for them is having a place like this,” said Brenda Miller, the local charity’s executive director. “It’s a safe haven, it’s a refuge, it’s somewhere they can come and share their stories with other people that are going through similar instances. Their stories might be a little different, but they are all going through the same thing and they can pull strength from each other, and I think that in itself has got to be healing to the families on some level – to just be able to recharge physically, mentally and emotionally before going back to the hospital to endure what they need to endure.”

The home, which opened in August 1981, was the first and only Ronald McDonald House in Iowa until ones opened in Iowa City and Sioux City. Now, the Des Moines house is one of 284 homes located in 30 countries.

Miller said the families who stay in the house must have children 21 years old or younger who are receiving treatment. The house asks for a $10 per night fee, which can be waived if the family is unable to pay, and can provide the family with shuttle service to and from the hospitals.

“We all know that these are difficult times financially, and no one feels the impact harder than the families we have staying at the house,” Miller said.

“Imagine if we had never been established near the hospitalized children; many of these families could never afford the gasoline it would take to make the weekly trip, so it’s a godsend.”

The Ronald McDonald House, which Miller said receives the majority of its funding through fund-raisers, will host its ninth annual Run for Ronald on May 16 at 8 a.m. at Blank Park Zoo.

“With many we can accomplish a lot,” Miller said. “It just takes a little bit from everyone.”

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Feb 19, 2009

(Newton, IA) ““ Officials from Iowa Speedway put their cooking skills to the test on Wednesday by preparing a meal for guests at the Des Moines Ronald McDonald House.

Iowa Speedway’s team of cooking volunteers included Vice President and General Manager, Craig Armstrong; Debb Smith, Director Human Relations and Administration; Karen Owen, Sales Manager. Approximately 20 people enjoyed the meal, which included “˜Revved Up’ Beef Roast, “˜Crew Chief’ Corn Casserole, Cheesy “˜Pit Stop’ Potatoes, “˜Spin-Out’ Salad, “˜Dale Junior’ Dinner Rolls, “˜Red Line’ Relish Tray, and “˜Checkered Flag’ Jell-o Cake.

Des Moines Ronald McDonald House is headed by Brenda Miller, Executive Director. It is a place where families can stay with their hospitalized children in a home-like environment. They have the chance to share concerns and receive support from other families that are going through difficult times.

Iowa Speedway Vice President, Craig Armstrong said it was a truly gratifying opportunity. “Ronald McDonald House is a tremendous charity organization. Deb, Karen, and I felt blessed by having the opportunity to prepare a meal for the families. We are enthusiastic about continuing to participate at any level we can in order to ensure the success and ongoing viability of Ronald McDonald House.”

Iowa Speedway sponsors a “NASCAR room” at Des Moines Ronald McDonald House that has all kinds of racing decorations including a Dale Earnhardt Junior comforter. Armstrong says Iowa Speedway is looking forward to enhancing the room’s appearance by adding even more racing items.

For more information about Des Moines Ronald McDonald House, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, you can call or visit their website.

Ronald McDonald House of Central Iowa 1441 Pleasant St. Des Moines, IA 50314 Phone: 515.243.2111 Fax: 515.280.3111 www.rmhdesmoines.org

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