Dr. Steven Thompson of Holley was recognized, along with other members of the Crown Council, for his efforts in helping to raise millions of dollars to aid children in need. Thompson was one of the 300 dentists nationwide who started the first Smiles for Life campaign in 1998. In addition to the $10 million donated to Teammates for Kids, the group has also donated millions more to St. Jude Children's Hospital and hundreds of other children's charities across the U.S. and Canada, raising more than $18 million in the past seven years. Each year from March 1 to June 30, participating Crown Council dentists offer tooth whitening at less than their normal fee and donate the proceeds to Smiles for Life. "One of the greatest things about this program is that every cent our patients contribute goes into children's programs," Thompson said, adding that all participating doctors donate their time and supplies and even contribute their own funds to cover any administrative costs of the program. Last year, each participating office designated a local children's program to receive 50 percent of the funds raised by that office. Thompson selected the Hawks' Nest, an after school program of the Holley Community Center. "Smiles for Life definitely requires some time and sacrifice from each office," Thompson said. "I've been pleased to have been joined locally by doctors Tod Twichell and Fred Clasquin for the past several years." The Crown Council is an alliance of dentists that are committed to promoting oral health, fighting oral cancer and serving their communities through charitable work. For information about the Smiles for Life program, contact Thompson at (585) 638-5435 or visit www.smilesforlife.org. |
