AGD Foundation donates silent auction proceeds to Special Olympics

CHICAGO--The Foundation of the Academy of General Dentistry is on a mission to help maintain the smiles of some special athletes. They are the warm and inspiring smiles seen on the men, women, boys and girls of Special Olympics.

In an effort to ensure special athletes can protect their teeth and mouths while competing, the AGD Foundation recently presented a check for $20,000 to Special Olympics Special Smiles to use for mouthguards. The donation is a result of the AGD Foundation's 2007 silent auction held June 27 – July 1, 2007, at the AGD's Annual Meeting and Exhibits in San Diego, Calf.

With the charitable support of AGD members, corporate alliance partners and 2007 annual meeting exhibitors who supported the silent auction, the AGD Foundation was able to present the proceeds to SOSS at the Yankee Dental Congress meeting Feb. 1 in Boston. SOSS is part of the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes initiative that works to provide services to people with intellectual disabilities.

"When members and their organization come together and show this type of support, they truly do make a difference in the lives of Special Olympics athletes and their family," said AGD Foundation President Mark Buczko, CPCU, CIC, RPLU.

The silent auction, held annually, generates funding for programs that make dental care available to underserved populations, as well as educational programs that enhance the general dentist's ability to serve the elderly, physically and mentally challenged and children.

"The AGD Foundation wants to empower people with intellectual disabilities to help them reach their full potential," said AGD Foundation Vice President Raymond Martin, DDS, MAGD. "We are honored to be able to contribute to the success and progress of Special Olympians."

For more information about the AGD, visit Academy of General Dentistry.

To read more about the AGD and Special Olympics, go to AGD and Special Olympics.