UK HealthCare

UK Women Dentists Give the Gift of a Healthy Smile

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 27, 2010) − Members of the American Association of Women Dentists at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry are preparing for their largest fundraiser of the year benefitting neglected and abused domestic violence victims. The fourth annual "Smiles for Life" event will be held from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2 at the UK Student Center Grand Ballroom. The Master of Ceremonies will be Elizabeth Dorsett, with Fox 56 News.
 

 "As future dentists, we all know the impact of community involvement and reaching out to help others," said Susanna Goggin, fourth-year student and president of the AAWD at UK. "This fundraiser is very important to the members of AAWD and we all enjoy working hard each year to make it a success for those individuals whom we are helping."
 

The "Smiles for Life" event was begun 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 three years ago, the event has raised over $30,000 which has gone to pay for much needed 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. 
 

"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 the Bluegrass Domestic Violence Center.  "In the past three years, this program has not only made a difference but it even saved one woman's life."
 

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, Men’s Wearhouse, White House Black Market, Calypso Boutique, World’s Apart and Ann Taylor. All the models in the fashion show will be styled by Bak-4-More salon. Additionally, there are many fantastic 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 ped-way 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 Susanna Goggin at admin@smilesforlife-aawd.com