Improve your own health while helping to restore the smile of someone in need: Join the Virtual Race for Smiles, which benefits the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation’s (AACDCF) Give Back a Smile (GBAS) program.
GBAS restores the smiles of those who have suffered dental injuries from intimate partner, family, or sexual violence through the help of volunteer dental teams and donations. Upon receiving their new smiles, patients report a significant increase in self-esteem, more employment opportunities, and often, a sense of closure.
The race, which will be held October 11, offers participants a chance to get active while supporting a great cause. Each registrant will receive a 2014 Race for Smiles t-shirt to wear during a physical activity of their choice at any location of their choice. Participants can post photos of themselves wearing the shirt while running or walking on October 11 from anywhere in the world. If they use the hashtag #RaceForSmiles2014 while posting the photos to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Google+, they will be eligible to win one of several great prizes—including an iPod, FitBit, and much more. “Through the virtual race, participants from around the world can support GBAS while getting active,” said Lisa Fitch, Director of AACDCF. “No matter where you are, you can make a difference in the life of a survivor.”
While GBAS was created to help patients who have survived domestic violence, the program recently expanded its eligibility requirements to include patients who have survived family or sexual violence and patients who reside in Puerto Rico.
Registration costs $40 per participant and includes a race t-shirt. Group registration fees are available. For more information – or to register – visit www.gbasraceforsmiles.com.
