College of Dentistry's Annual Fundraiser to Restore Smiles of Abuse Victims Set for Oct. 18

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 13, 2014) − Smiling is one of life's simplest pleasures and has been scientifically linked with many health benefits, such as, lower blood pressure, a boost in the immune system, and an increase in happiness and self-confidence. However, victims of abuse are often robbed of this powerful human gesture which can potentially negatively impact every area of their lives.

Members of the American Association of Women Dentists at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry are preparing to host their largest fundraiser of the year which will fund their commitment of restoring lost smiles to victims of domestic violence.

'Strut Your Smile' will be held from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18 at the UK Student Center Ballroom. The master of ceremonies will be Miss Kentucky Ramsey Carpenter, who will also be performing at the event. The fun begins with a brunch followed by a fashion show and silent auction.

The fundraiser was founded eight 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.

“I am extremely proud of our students for not only raising a significant amount of money to help victims of domestic violence, but also for helping to shine a bright light on a very ugly problem," said Dr. Sharon Turner, dean of the College of Dentistry. "The more awareness we can raise about domestic violence, the more impact we can have in helping its victims and preventing countless unnecessary injuries and deaths.”

Whitney Deitz, president of the AAWD said that treating a patient from Greenhouse 17, a local domestic violence shelter, is one of the best experiences of her dental school career.

"It is an amazing privilege to be part of an organization of women helping women and an even more personally rewarding privilege to be the student dentist who gets to give a fellow woman back her smile after years in a domestic abuse situation," Deitz said. "It's moments like this and opportunities like these that remind me why I have chosen dentistry."

"I think we all want to make a difference in our corner of the world," Deitz said. "Every woman deserves a smile that inspires self-confidence; we want to help give that to other women."

All proceeds from the event go directly to Greenhouse 17, formerly named 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 eight years ago, the event has raised over $80,000 which has gone to pay for much needed extractions, tooth replacement and even cancer treatment for some victims.

"The fundraiser is a fun way to bring the community together and raise awareness and money to help make a difference in people's lives," said Darlene Thomas, executive director of Greenhouse 17.  "Over the years, this program has helped many, many survivors by bringing back smiles and providing the confidence to explore new opportunities in their lives."

The full brunch buffet will be served by UK Catering Service during the silent auction.  Auction items include autographed photography from the Bengals, sporting event tickets, customized jewelry, and over 100 gift baskets.

Eleven local stores will participate in the fashion show which include the latest looks from Bella Rose, The Loft, Ruby Ribbon, lululemon, White House Black Market, Lexington Angler, Lily Pulitzer, Gap, Francesca's Collections, Calypso, and Alumni Hall. All the models in the fashion show will be styled by Cha Cha's.  Additionally, there are many door prizes available, and each guest will receive a bag full of coupons and samples at the fashion show portion of the event.

A domestic abuse survivor who received dental care made possible through funds raised by past events will speak. The guest speaker has lobbied on the state and national level for legislation supporting lives harmed by domestic violence.

"Strut Your Smile provides a unique opportunity to help women in the Lexington community," said Brooke Faulkner, president-elect of the AAWD for 2015-2016. "It brings a sense of joy seeing the impact this charity has on the lives of these amazing women and how in many cases it helps them begin a new chapter in their lives."

Tickets for the event are $20 in advance and may be purchased at the Medical Center Library during the lunch hour Monday - Friday. 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 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 ped-way across to the Student Center. Please remove all vehicles before 3:30 p.m., as the gates will lock at this time.

Media Contact: Ann Blackford at 859-323-6442 or ann.blackford@uky.edu