America’s ToothFairy Celebration of Smiles Featured Programs Helping At-Risk Children
Charlotte, N.C. – The Celebration of Smiles held by National Children’s Oral Health Foundation: America’s ToothFairy® (NCOHF) in Chicago on February 21, 2013 was truly an evening to remember with the ToothFairy herself making an appearance. The event focused on the over 750,000 children reached through the non-profit America’s ToothFairy Affiliate network and community programs and the supporters that made it all possible.
Master of ceremonies and NCOHF Board Member, Dr. Gordon Christensen, encouraged all in attendance to get involved in supporting the cause. He highlighted by America’s ToothFairy Signature Programs engaging dental professionals, students, children and families including the NCOHF Oral Health Zone Program®, Tomorrow’s SMILES®, Dentist of Distinction, Esther Wilkins International Education Program & Legacy League, Students United for America’s/Canada’s ToothFairy® and the America’s ToothFairy Kids Club.
NCOHF President & CEO, Fern Ingber, presented the Affiliate of the Year Award to the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Department of Pediatric Dentistry. Margaret Snellings accepted the award on behalf of the VCU Department of Pediatric Dentistry dressed in the ToothFairy costume she wears when providing oral health education to young children in the community. The award is provided to a member of the NCOHF Affiliate network demonstrating exceptional commitment to oral health promotion in their community.
Ingber also announced the expansion of the partnership between the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and National Children’s Oral Health Foundation: America’s ToothFairy. The goal of this partnership expansion is to encourage good dental hygiene and foster stronger leaders among teens by providing critical oral health education and mentoring activities in some 4,000 Clubs throughout the U.S.
The highlight of the evening was an outstanding performance by fourteen-year-old rising star, Savannah Robinson. She shared her own personal story of being bullied and embarrassed by her broken smile. Recommended for Tomorrow’s SMILES, an America’s ToothFairy teen program through her local Boys & Girls Club, she is now receiving the vital care she needs. She dedicated the song “Beautiful” to the America’s ToothFairy supporters and volunteers who helped make a difference in her life and for other children suffering the consequences of poor oral health. Her incredible performance moved many in attendance to tears and received a standing ovation from the audience.
“We are so fortunate to have wonderful supporters and volunteers dedicated to helping ensure at-risk children have access to the oral health services they need and deserve,” stated Fern Ingber, NCOHF President and CEO. “Our Celebration of Smiles is a chance to show what an impact they have helped make in the lives of over 750,000 children this year.”