“You just don’t know what this means to me, to be able to eat again without pain is the best gift I have received this year! – Cody O., a young man who has not been to a dentist in over 4 years.
On Saturday, June 23, volunteers all around Smile Brands Inc.’s “Mighty East” market gathered at Castle Dental in Murfreesboro for a Day of Giving. Having already participated in a Day of Giving in the past, this team was eager to give back to their community once more. Forty-five individuals in need received free dental care from these volunteers that day, totaling over $25,000 in donated dentistry.
As the day progressed, more and more patients showed their gratitude for the compassionate care that they received.
“Thank you for making sure that I was comfortable,” says patient Gabriel W., who heard about the event through Community Action. “It helped decrease my anxiety. I haven’t had a tooth pulled in 12 years.”
“Thank you so much for being patient with me and taking so much good care,” says Hazel F., a community member who lacks dental insurance.
Smiles for Everyone Foundation partnered with local non-profit organizations to help identify individuals in need to receive free dental care at this event. These non-profits include Stepping Stones Safe Haven, an organization that serves homeless women and children; Head Start, a support services organization; and Community Helpers of Rutherford County.
Since 2011, Smiles for Everyone Foundation has delivered Smiles to over 16,000 individuals around the world, providing over $12 million in donated dentistry. We would like to thank all the volunteer providers and support staff who so kindly take time out of their lives to give back to those in need. Volunteer providers at the Nashville Day of Giving include Dr. Rachelle Fleury, Dr. Jennifer Gordon-Maloney, Dr. Charles Major Jr., Dr. Oye-Somefun and Dr. Cheryl Snyder.
A special thank you goes to Smile Brands Inc.’s Director of Market Operations Holly Stiner and Office Manager Melissa Patterson for helping organize the event and making it a huge success!