06 Jun Cup O’ Cheer

Tim & Julie Carter
Brentwood
Renovation of Indoor & Outdoor Living areas by Nathan Taylor of Obelisk Home
Holiday Décor by Obelisk Home

The modernized sprawling ranch-style home of Tim and Julie Carter is located in an exclusive area of Brentwood, offering a blend of historical charm and contemporary elegance. Built in 1956, this expansive 5,500 square foot residence was recently reimagined by designer Nathan Taylor of Obelisk Home. The home underwent significant structural changes three years ago, reflecting the Carters’ desire for a more open and inviting living space. Home to the Carters for 30 years, one of their primary goals was to transform the previously closed-off kitchen and living room into an expansive main gathering area. This new layout now includes a state-of-the-art kitchen, a cozy breakfast area, and two spacious living spaces. The transformation was achieved by raising a previously sunken dining room, which also created the opportunity to add a functional butler’s pantry behind the kitchen. The upgrades extended to the primary suite, their daughter’s bedroom suite, and a large entertainment room. Each of these spaces was meticulously updated with new flooring, wall coverings, lighting, fixtures, and furniture. The addition of carefully selected art and accessories added the final, personalized touches to each room. The modernization efforts also extended to the outdoor living space. By raising the elevation, they were able to add a stunning stone patio and altered the existing outdoor living room, perfect for hosting gatherings. This seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces has not only enhanced the home’s functionality but also its appeal, creating a perfect blend of comfort, style, and sophistication.

Nancy Cooper
Fremont Hills
Holiday Décor by Dillard’s

Nancy Cooper’s home in Fremont Hills is a beautiful example of modern luxury offering a perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. Originally built in 2002, the residence was newly acquired in March after undergoing an extensive renovation. The home’s new hardwood flooring, vaulted ceilings, and solid wood beams add to the sense of spaciousness, while a stunning floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace serves as the focal point of the living area. The kitchen is finely appointed with professional-grade appliances including an induction stovetop and a built-in convection oven that enhances both style and performance. The centerpiece of the kitchen is a ten-foot island crafted from quartz, providing ample space for meal preparation and casual dining. The new cabinets, created by Cabinet Concepts by Design feature custom soft-close drawers and doors equipped with dividers for effortless organization. The master suite is designed as the ultimate retreat, offering private access to the back property where residents can enjoy views of a large parcel of undeveloped land. The outdoor space is equally impressive, featuring a heated pool, extensive landscaping, and a custom cedar outdoor kitchen that is perfect for entertaining. The master bath is a sanctuary of relaxation, featuring heated smart tile flooring, heated towel bars for added luxury, and an air bathtub that offers a spa-like experience. The master suite also includes a spacious walk-in closet that connects seamlessly to the laundry suite; a second walk-in closet has been thoughtfully repurposed as Nancy’s personal make-up room. RMHC Global Donor, Dillard’s, will be collaborating with Nancy in adorning her home for the holidays for your enjoyment at this year’s Cup O’Cheer.

Denise Heintz
East Springfield
Original Design & Décor by House Counsel
Holiday Décor by House Counsel

This modern sprawling multigenerational single-story home was designed to blend with nature. The layout, with its numerous connections to the surrounding landscape, provides oversized views of the outdoors, which was a priority for Denise. House Counsel’s inspiration behind the home’s interior was to thoughtfully integrate authentic craftsmanship in the form of slatted wood walls which has been a part of Japanese architecture and design for centuries. Both the horizontal and vertical design of this natural material exude a sense of clarity and warmth throughout the home’s interior. Brick herringbone floors paired with hardwood also add a sense of durability and classic style. The flow of each element in the home works together to create a sense of well-being, balance, and sustainability. Every feature from the textured wall detail, furniture selections, and the authentic wood elements achieves a sense of chromatic harmony for Denise and her family. The stucco and wood slatwalls are adorned with the artwork of Jackie Warren, who is an Associate Professor of Art & Art History at Drury University. The floor plan also allows multiple generations to live under one roof while creating the perfect balance between togetherness and privacy. The exterior palette consists of premium DIZAL aluminum siding which provides the beauty and richness of wood without the maintenance, natural stone, painted brick, and a standing seam metal roof. A holistic approach interwoven with contemporary furnishings makes this space a dream and is a retreat from the outside world.

Mark & Angie Patrick
Villages of Wicklow – Estates of Enniskerry
Interior & Holiday Décor by Ida Erwin

Mark and Angie Patrick’s 2,900 square foot home is nestled within the exclusive Estates of Enniskerry development of the Villages of Wicklow. Completed in 2022, this residence was designed by Rex Maples and constructed by RM Homes, formerly Elite Homes. The home’s exterior showcases a timeless Craftsman style, while the interior embraces an open floor plan ideal for family gatherings and entertaining guests. Stepping inside, photographs adorn the walls capturing cherished memories and adventures from the Patricks’ travels. Among the many photographs is an image of the James River Valley during the 2007 ice storm, which was purchased at an auction for RMHC many years ago. The kitchen, a true centerpiece of the home, features an expansive island made from quartz, a tile backsplash, open shelving, and cabinetry crafted by Dana’s Showcase Cabinets. A raised cabinet leading to the primary suite holds a treasured collection of Depression glass from the1920s, passed down from Angie’s grandmother, and a patterned glass piece for the 1860s from her grandfather. The master bedroom offers a warm, inviting space with a unique wood cut-out ceiling. The master bath features a freestanding tub enhanced by a decorative tobacco basket. The shower is adorned with textured tile and glass enclosures crafted by American Glass. One of the home’s most practical features is the large primary walk-in closet, which seamlessly leads to the laundry suite. This thoughtfully designed space includes an ironing board drawer pull-out. Ida Irwin, who guided the Patrick’s interior décor selections, will also adorn the home with festive holiday décor for the upcoming Cup O’Cheer. Mark and Angie Patrick have long been dedicated supporters of Ronald McDonald House Charities and we are thrilled to have their home featured this year.

Nathan Taylor & J Tyler Whitmer
Brentwood/Fritts Lane
Interior Design & Décor Selections by Nathan Taylor and J Tyler Whitmer
Holiday Décor by Nathan Taylor and J Tyler Whitmer and Obelisk Home

In the spring of 2020, local designer Nathan Taylor and actor J Tyler Whitmer began flipping this 1952 Don Russell home on one of only a few private streets in Springfield. As they continued with the expansive renovation process and their relationship grew, they fell more in love with this architectural gem and decided to call it home. This home is a reflection of their love of travel as it showcases an eclectic mix of artifacts, art pieces, and mementos collected from their global adventures. The residence stands as a testament to their deep appreciation for art, design, and the importance of family. The exterior façade of this single-story ranch integrates with the simplicity of the landscape. Clean lines, thoughtfully placed windows, and an innovative use of materials showcase Russell’s commitment to creating a harmonious relationship between structure and surroundings. The interior spaces marry form and function with carefully curated furniture, lighting fixtures, and bespoke elements that evoke a sense of wanderlust and elegance. The use of natural materials, such as warm woods and textured fabrics, creates a welcoming  atmosphere that invites all to immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the home. It embraces the concept of shared experiences with open-plan living areas that encourage connectivity and togetherness. The multitude of windows not only allows an abundance of natural light to flood the space, but also blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living, enhancing the sense of unity with nature.

For 2024, our “cup” was from Japan, connecting to Springfield’s Sister City in Isesaki, Japan. We also focused on Ronald McDonald House Charities in Japan, demonstrating the global mission of our charity. Thanks to the support of Little Sure Thing, the 2024 commemorative “cup” is a Japanese tea bowl.

Did you know there are more than 1,000 RMHC programs in 62 countries? Although we may have different cultures and languages, we all share the common purpose of caring for families with children who are ill or injured and providing essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.

2024 Cup O’Cheer Japanese Tea Bowl – PROVIDED BY @LITTLESURETHING

We found our commemorative “cup” for 2024 on Etsy, where we met our new friends at Little Sure Thing. Not only did they help source our 1,000 Japanese Tea Bowls, they also immediately wanted to contribute to the RMHC mission through the 26th Annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour, Holiday Tea & Market.

We love the connection with our Sister City in Japan and the KIMURA family who is from Isesaki. We had the opportunity to gather with our counterparts this summer in Chicago, from 58 of the 62 countries where there are RMHC programs. The global impact of our mission is so inspiring!

Springfield’s two Ronald McDonald Houses have welcomed more than 16,400 families from 47 states and 9 countries, including one from Japan in 2024. Most of our families come from SW MO and NW AR, but due to travel and bringing patients to the US for donated medical care, you can see we have a wide reach. This is the case for many Houses in the world. The Tooth Truck serves the Springfield Metro, providing over 34,000 at risk kids with all the dental care needed for a healthy smile.

The KIMURA Family From Our Sister City ~ ISESAKI, JAPAN

My son was born with extensive blue spots on his stomach and back. I was told at the obstetrics clinic that “it will go away over time,” but at the 6-month checkup, the doctor said, “This may stay into his adulthood” and referred me to another hospital in the same prefecture (regional authority). There, I was also told to start treatment early or it will become less effective and recommended to begin his treatment before my son’s first birthday. So, I decided to have my son treated at this hospital but about 4 weeks before the admission, they contacted me saying that “The device for the treatment broke down and we don’t know when it will be replaced.” No other hospital in the same prefecture was capable to treat my son, so I had no choice but to go to the Children’s Medical Center in the Saitama Prefecture, which is about 3 hours away by car.

It’s was doable but commuting there would limit the time I could spend with my son. That’s when I happened to learn about Ronald McDonald House. The facility was located in the Medical Center so I was able to stay with my son up until the lights-out time. It was a lifesaver. I gave birth to my second son during the treatment and since I was breastfeeding, I couldn’t leave him with my family but at times my first son wanted me to stay with him when undergoing treatment. Whenever this happened, I hesitantly asked the House staff for help. They told me that “I can stay in the common area until the room becomes available.” Their kind and mindful approach brought peace of mind to our family including my first and second son. The Ronald McDonald House and their staff were always there for us and gave us a helping hand and I don’t know what I would have done without them.

My first son is now 6 years old and finished his treatment.

From time to time, he says, “I did well at the hospital, didn’t I? That’s why they gave me treats, right?” He is talking about origami, toys, and events at the Ronald McDonald House as ‘treats’. It is true that the medical treatment was such a challenging moment and my son went through pain and distress, but more than that, he remembers those fun moments and can also look back with confidence knowing that he didn’t give up. That makes us happy, and I know that it’s because of the warm support of the Ronald McDonald House and the staff.

Thank you so much!
by Eiki & Tomoka KIMURA

Donald McDonald House

In Japan, the “Ronald McDonald House” is called “Donald McDonald House” because the Japanese language doesn’t have a clear “r” sound, making it easier for native speakers to pronounce “Donald” than “Ronald”; and to not cause confusion with the first English teacher in Japan, Ranald MacDonald.

The Japanese Tea Ceremony

What does the tea ceremony represent in Japan?—or, directly translated, the “way of tea”—is in many ways a microcosm of the Japanese traditional sense of omotenashi, which is a Japanese concept that means to provide wholehearted hospitality and care for guests without expecting anything in return, which is exactly what happens at Ronald McDonald Houses all over the world.

The Japanese tea ceremony is built upon four core principles: harmony (wa), respect (kei), purity (sei), and tranquility (jaku). These principles are not only essential to the tea ceremony itself but also serve as a guide for living a balanced and fulfilling life.