Expressions of KINDness – September 18, 2015

KIND, Kids In Need of Dentistry, provides high quality, comprehensive dental care and education to kids in need throughout Colorado.  Expressions of KINDness is the annual gala fundraiser.  The fourth annual event was held on Friday, September 18, 2015 at the University of Denver, Joy Burns Center.  “We are a dental non-profit that has been providing dental care for kids in Colorado for over 103 years,” said Julie Collett, KIND Executive Director.  “Tonight we’re going to honor Tri County Health Department for all they’ve done as our partner for over 25 years.”

KIND has three dental clinics two in the Denver area and one in Colorado Springs.  “We raise funds and we provide dentistry for underprivileged kids in the inner city,” said Paul Luchau, one of the KIND Board of Directors.  “We provide cleanings, sealants, extractions when needed. Very rarely do they have to pay anything, there’s a lot of financing through grants that takes care of that. We’re really excited the direction that it’s taking.”

Kids In Need of Dentistry’s mission is to increase the health and happiness of Colorado’s children in need by eliminating dental disease through treatment and education.  In 1912 a group of Denver Dentists recognized a need for affordable dental services among children of low-income miners and railroad workers and decided to form a non-profit organization aimed at addressing that need.  While much has changed in the over one hundred years since KIND began its first clinic in Denver Public Schools, KIND’s mission has not.  Through KIND’s programs, staff, faithful volunteers and supporters, they continue to provide quality, comprehensive dental care and education to Colorado’s kids in need.

Kids in need of Dentistry’s vision is to be the recognized leader in promoting the oral health and education of Colorado’s children of need.

The gala was sponsored by DentaQuest, UMB and Dr. Jennifer Thompson.