The Oscars were held in Hollywood last night but the must-attend party of the weekend was held last Friday in Springfield. It’s so swanky that they only hold it every three years. I’m talking about the Greater Springfield Dental Foundation “Smiles from the Heart” Auction and Dinner. The GSDS graciously allowed my wife, Leah, and I to attend and represent the MDA and MDA Foundation. I was so glad I made it. What a wonderful event, in a great setting, with a spectacular turnout and an amazing result. I can’t possibly cover it all, but here are some highlights.
The Happy Hour reception was off the hook with an open bar, an opportunity to visit with members and sponsors in their decked-out attire, a chance to play games like skeet shoot, and a wide range of silent and verbal auction items to bid on from fine art to golf carts to Green Eggs and more. I barely had time to speak to various members and friends I know in this component, due to GSDS being a great pipeline for leadership at the MDA level including current president, Dr Jody Vance. Then the formal dinner was excellent and the program allowed for some presentations from a few of the regional charities supported by the proceeds. I was fortunate enough to sit with Dr. Sarah Cimino and the Tooth Truck team. They’ve done excellent work over the years and anticipate treating their 20,000 patient this year. While I had to scoot before the final results of all the fund raising were in, I’m told the proceeds exceeded $130,000. Congrats!
Of course none of this happens without leadership and hard work and generous support on many friends. Hats off to Executive Director, Jean Harmison and the event co-chairs, Dr. Patrick Bauer and Dr. Alan Rosen and their whole committee. Patterson Dental led the way as the presenting sponsor, but there are too many others to mention who sponsored, provided a high-end auction item or worked tirelessly to fill the ballroom. It’s great to see a local society have fun while working together with the whole dental community to raise funds for great oral health outreaches in their region. They started small and grew over time. Maybe your component can do the same?
Thanks for having me and enjoy the photos!
MDA ... The Week That Was 