Dental Students Help Survivors 'Strut Their Smiles' During Domestic Violence Awareness Month
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 3, 2017) — Actress Connie Stevens once said, "Nothing you wear is more important than your smile." Unfortunately, domestic and intimate partner violence have robbed many of their best accessory, often leaving them financially unable to replace them.
In order to help restore beautiful, healthy smiles to the faces of women and children who have experienced violence, members of the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry are preparing to host the 11th annual Strut Your Smile fundraiser. The event raises thousands of dollars to provide dental care to the women and children of GreenHouse17, an emergency shelter and advocacy agency committed to ending domestic abuse.
"The AAWD Strut Your Smile Fundraiser is a fun event for such a wonderful cause," said Blaire Arnold, UK dental student and AAWD member. "Not only do the funds raised restore the dentitions of women who have experienced domestic violence, but they also help us to restore their confidence."
Sponsored by White, Greer & Maggard Orthodontics, Strut Your Smile will be held from 7-10:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at the Round Barn at Red Mile. The event includes a silent auction and fall fashion show. Auction items include Talon Winery packages, Louisville Slugger Museum tickets, autographed Nashville Predators memorabilia, UK tailgating gear and more. During the evening's fashion show, UK dentistry students, faculty and staff will walk the runway in the latest looks from local boutiques such as Bella Rose, Peggy's Gifts & Accessories, and Sugar Belle's.
The master of ceremonies will be UK College of Dentistry's Dr. David Thornton, and alumnus Dr. Josh Diamond will serve as DJ. A cash bar and hors d'oeuvres will be available.
Tickets will be available for students and the general public beginning on Oct. 9. Student tickets can be purchased for $15 with a valid UK ID in the Dental Science Building on UK's campus. General public tickets can be purchased for $20. For more information, contact Rebecca Rafla at rebecca.rafla@uky.edu or visit dentistry.uky.edu/aawd2017.