PROJECT "SAVE A SMILE"

Project Save-A-Smile was conceived by Dr. O’Neal, who serves as co-chairperson of our Club’s Community Services Committee. Ron saw a great need for children to receive dental care, which, because of family circumstances, is not ordinarily available to them. Our Club has adopted the project and enabled him to make his concept a reality.

On Saturday, approximately 70 needy children actually looked forward to going to the dentist. Even the rain couldn’t dampen their spirits. Dr. Ron’s parking lot was transformed into a Halloween festival atmosphere complete with clowns, balloons, face painting, and many other activities. One clown looked suspiciously familiar – it turned out to be Harry Eisnaugle, and his wife, Peggy, was the face painter! Other members of the Kiwanis Club of St. Petersburg, and some from the St. Pete High School Key Club entertained the children while they waited their turn in the dentist’s chair.

When deserving kids get the dental care they so desperately need it does more than save their smiles, it shines up their self esteem, too. Upon exiting Dr. O’Neal’s office one young fellow who was extremely quiet on arrival, flashed his pearly whites and proclaimed "I have beautiful teeth." That sums it up nicely - what a day well spent!

We all thank you, Club members and friends, for your great service that day on behalf of children in our community. Kiwanis wouldn’t be the same without you.