Checking their egos and coats at the door on Feb. 18 at the Sheraton West Hotel in Richmond, Va., a distinguished group of amazing, caring, humble, and generous people gathered in the name of oral health. This magical, memorable night — The Grand Annual Fundraising Gala of the Sonja Lauren Foundation Inc. — brought together physicians, dentists, oral surgeons, lawyers, nurses, teachers, consultants, dental assistants, graphic designers, and many others connected by their belief that “eating, speaking, and smiling are not a privilege but a birthright.”
Gala, Board of Advisors and Directors, from left: Kate Hanger, Dr. John Ward, Medlinda Gullotti, John Randall, Heather Grunder, Dr. Billie Unger, Sonja Lauren, Dr. Terry Dickinson, Linda Miles, Angel Brown, Taurus Satterwhile, and Lisa Thweatt.
Sonja Lauren and Lisa Thweatt
In addition to Sonja Lauren, author of “The Covered Smile” and president of SLF, speakers for the event included Lisa Thweatt, MS, a nurse/teacher/child advocate who is Sonja’s “right hand woman,” has worked in the medical field for 13 years, and serves as a health specialist for a nationally recognized preschool program; John Randall, a Harvard Business graduate/author/marketing specialist who encouraged Sonja to create SLF; Billie Unger, EdD, Sonja’s “purple-penned” English composition professor/dean who encouraged Sonja to find her voice through writing, and also served as editor of Sonja’s autobiography, “The Covered Smile”; Lynn Mouden, DDS, founder of PANDA (Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect Through Dental Awareness) and recipient of the dental association’s Dentist of the Year and Distinguished Service Awards, who supported Sonja’s efforts by writing a foreword for “The Covered Smile”; Terry Dickinson, DDS, executive director of the Virginia Dental Association and recipient of the first NetWorthy Hero of Health Award, and who provides guidance and support to Sonja in numerous ways; Dana Aubert-Truesdale, DDS, who enthusiastically supports Sonja and SLF; Tina Bailey, public benefits coordinator of Delta Dental's Smart Smiles®/Delta Dental of Virginia; and Linda Miles, CSP,CMC, founder of LLM&A and The Speaking Consulting Network, who offered consulting advice and moral support to Sonja.
In addition to Sonja Lauren, author of “The Covered Smile” and president of SLF, speakers for the event included Lisa Thweatt, MS, a nurse/teacher/child advocate who is Sonja’s “right hand woman,” has worked in the medical field for 13 years, and serves as a health specialist for a nationally recognized preschool program; John Randall, a Harvard Business graduate/author/marketing specialist who encouraged Sonja to create SLF; Billie Unger, EdD, Sonja’s “purple-penned” English composition professor/dean who encouraged Sonja to find her voice through writing, and also served as editor of Sonja’s autobiography, “The Covered Smile”; Lynn Mouden, DDS, founder of PANDA (Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect Through Dental Awareness) and recipient of the dental association’s Dentist of the Year and Distinguished Service Awards, who supported Sonja’s efforts by writing a foreword for “The Covered Smile”; Terry Dickinson, DDS, executive director of the Virginia Dental Association and recipient of the first NetWorthy Hero of Health Award, and who provides guidance and support to Sonja in numerous ways; Dana Aubert-Truesdale, DDS, who enthusiastically supports Sonja and SLF; Tina Bailey, public benefits coordinator of Delta Dental's Smart Smiles®/Delta Dental of Virginia; and Linda Miles, CSP,CMC, founder of LLM&A and The Speaking Consulting Network, who offered consulting advice and moral support to Sonja.
Mrs. Linda Miles, Dr. Terry Dickinson, and Sonja LaurenWith the soothing music of Ryan Garfi (former lead vocalist for the Glenn Miller Orchestra) playing in the background, these speakers and many others chatted, dined, and bid on silent auction items to confirm their support of the Sonja Lauren Foundation. SLF is committed to assuring that the oral health of those in need will be provided — one smile at a time. For more information about the Sonja Lauren Foundation, Inc., and the history of the foundation, visit the foundation’s Web sites at www.sonjalaurenfoundation.org and www.thecoveredsmile.com. There you can read about Sonja’s case being written off as “situation hopeless,” and her wearing dentures since the tender age of 13, a true story that inspired so many people to help others not suffer as she has.
