UK Women Dentists to Hold Fundraiser Benefiting Abuse Victims
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 26, 2011) − Members of the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry are preparing for their largest fundraiser of the year benefiting neglected and abused domestic violence victims.
The fifth annual "Smiles for Life" event will be held from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the UK Student Center Grand Ballroom. The Master of Ceremonies will be Elizabeth Dorsett from Fox 56 News.
"As future dentists, we understand the importance of community involvement and helping others in need," said Amy Goodlett, fourth-year student and president of the AAWD at UK. "This fundraiser is extremely important to members of AAWD and the dental school as a whole. We have worked diligently to bring you a bigger, better Smiles for Life, in hopes to do more for those we serve.”
The "Smiles for Life" event was started three years ago by Dr. Erin Langfels to raise funds for victims of domestic violence so that they would be able to receive dental care for no cost to them at the UK College of Dentistry. The event includes a fall fashion show, brunch and silent auction. All proceeds from the event go directly to the Bluegrass Domestic Violence Center where the money is earmarked for individuals and families entering the center to be able to receive much needed dental care due to oral trauma and neglect.
Since its inception, the event has raised more than $40,000 which has gone to pay for extractions, tooth replacement and even cancer treatment for some victims. Guests are encouraged to bring clothes which will be donated to God's Closet at the Chrysalis House and toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, for the Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center.
“What makes this event fabulous is the heart and kindness that the students have to give back and help others in a way that is familiar with them," said Darlene Thomas, executive director of the Bluegrass Domestic Violence Center. "Giving a woman or child the ability to smile again without being embarrassed, ashamed or fearful that they will be judged provides tremendous hope and healing.”
A full brunch buffet will be served by UK Catering Service during the silent auction. Auction items include a UK football autographed by Coach Phillips and a UK basketball autographed by Coach Calipari, massages, wine tastings, jewelry, oil changes, golf lessons, and many more. The fashion show to follow will include the latest looks from Alumni Hall, Gap, Men’s Wearhouse, Bella Rose, Calypso Boutique, Bluetique, Black Market Boutique, Runway Couture, and Ann Taylor. All the models in the fashion show will be styled by Planet Salon. Additionally, there will be door prizes available, and each guest will receive a bag full of coupons and samples at the fashion show portion of the event.
Tickets for the event are $20 in advance and may be purchased online at www.smilesforlife-aawd.com. Tickets are $25 at the door the day of the event. Student tickets are $10 for all students who present a current UK Wildcat ID Card or any other current student ID at the door. T-shirts are available for $12.
Parking is available in the lot next to the Student Center on the Avenue of Champions, as well as the E lot directly across the street next to Memorial Coliseum. The parking structure on Limestone beside Kennedy Book Store will be reserved for this event from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at no cost. Take the elevator to the third level and the pedway across to the Student Center. Please remove all vehicles before 3:30 p.m., as the gates will lock at this time.
For more information about Smiles for Life, go to: http://smilesforlife-aawd.com . For questions, contact Amy Goodlett at admin@smilesforlife-aawd.com
Media Contact: Ann Blackford at (859) 323-6442 or ann.blackford@uky.edu