Oral Health gala 2012

Oral Health America (OHA) raised over $500,000 at its 22nd annual Gala and Benefit on February 22, 2012 at Chicago’s Navy Pier. 772 guests were treated to a four-course dinner, dancing, mingling and a live auction. Over 85 guests also raised auction paddles to donate money to OHA’s mission and cause.

“Many thanks to our guests and sponsors who helped us raise a record level of support for our work,” said Beth Truett, president and CEO of Oral Health America. “Your attendance provided OHA the opportunity to connect the dental community to directly impact America’s smiles.”

Some of the highlighted live auction items included dinner and a Minnesota Wild game with Patterson Dental’s Paul Guggenheim; a round of golf and dinner with Colgate’s Tony Volpe; dinner and a Brewers baseball game with Henry Schein executives; a Tri-City Art Tour; and, a one of a kind New York shopping, hotel and theatre experience with Lanmark 360’s Michael McCarthy.

During this year’s gala, OHA remembered Mr. Bernard (Bernie) Beazley, who helped create America’s Fund for Dental Education (now Oral Health America) as chief counsel for the American Dental Association. Bernie also served as OHA’s Board Chair in 1960 and as Gala Chair Emeritus from 1986 until 2010. A scholarship fund was unveiled in honor of both Bernie and his wife Kathy Beazley.

The gala would not have been possible without the support of many generous sponsors. Gala sponsors include: Technology Sponsor: Ivoclar Vivadnet, Diamond Sponsors: DENTSPLY International, Patterson Dental, Philips Sonicare, Septodont, DentaQuest, Colgate-Palmolive Co., Platinum Sponsors: Midmark, Henry Schein Dental, Chicago Dental Society, 1-800-DENTIST, Argen Corporation, DentalEZ Group, SciCan and Gold Sponsors: Aspen Dental, Burkhart Dental Supply, Atlantic Precious Metal Refining, Bisco, GC America, Inc., Karwoski & Courage Public Relations, Planmeca USA, and Unilever.

OHA’s mission is to change lives by connecting communities with resources to increase access to oral health care, education and advocacy for all Americans, especially those most vulnerable. Sign up for OHA’s eNewsletter at oralhealthamerica.org, become OHA fans on Facebook, and follow our Tweets at Smile4health.