CHICAGO, Illinois--The Oral Health America Gala, held each year during the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, raises funds that support oral health care programs across the country.
But this year's gala will offer attendees an opportunity to fund programs in their own communities. Attendees will bid on 16 dental-themed artworks, created by children in China and donated by DNTLworks Equipment Corporation. The proceeds from donations will directly support Oral Health America's Smiles Across America program.
In 1994, the Chinese government sponsored the first dental exposition open to Western companies and dentists. The Minister of Health requested that elementary school children draw or paint a picture in honor. During the exposition, the pictures were displayed around the exhibit hall.
The drawings were then auctioned off with proceeds going to provide improved oral care to the country's children. DNTLworks Equipment Corporation bought many of the works and has donated them to Oral Health America.
"We are very honored to have these unique works assist in helping children again," said Steve Knight, president of DNTLworks Equipment Corporation. "They are truly one of a kind, as is the good work of Oral Health America."
The art will be auctioned off at OHA's Benefit and Gala Feb. 24, 2010. Proceeds will help support Smiles Across America, OHA's signature program that supports oral disease prevention services in school-cased and school inked settings for children who are unable to obtain routine dental care due to lack of insurance, transportation, or because of low literacy or language barriers.
Donations will be linked directly to these programs that are providing dental care in local communities.
This year's gala auction will also feature an array of advertising space opportunities, including print and electronic media.
Also up for auction are two tickets to see the Oprah Winfrey Show (includes plane tickets and three-night stay in the Hyatt Regency Chicago), two tickets in the faculty section of a University of Florida Gators football game with a gourmet breakfast prepared by OHA Board Member Dr. Frank Catalanotto, dinner with Henry Schein CEO Stan Bergman and his wife, Marion, at the Grand Tier Restaurant in New York followed by a performance at the Metropolitan Opera or the American Ballet Theater, and a stay at the Allison Inn & Spa in Oregon wine country donated by A-dec.
The OHA Gala will be held at Chicago's historic Union Station. Tickets are $300; a table for 10 can be purchased for $2,750. Reservations can be made by going to: g, by calling
Find out more at Oral Health America, call (312) 836-9900, or send an e-mail to Joe.
To read more about Oral Health of America, go to Oral Health America.
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