Kids In Need of Dentistry 29th Annual Strokes of KINDness Golf Tournament

What better way to usher in the first day of summer than with a non-profit supporting kids! On a sunny Monday morning, June 20th, some 140 golfer-philanthropists took part in the 29th Annual Strokes of KINDness Golf Tournament benefiting Kids In Need Of Dentistry (KIND), a non-profit that provides quality, comprehensive dental care and education for children from uninsured and low-income families.

Founded in 1912 by a committee of dentists from the Denver Dental Society (now called the Metropolitan Denver Dental Society or MDDS), KIND is the oldest dental charity in the United States and the recognized leader in promoting the oral health of Colorado’s children.  Additional clinics were opened in the mid-1960s and in 2003 and mobile services were added in the late 1990’s.

The annual event was held at Bear Dance Golf Course in Larkspur, which is always a treat for players especially since Bear Dance was named the No. 1 golf course along the Front Range in 2014 and 2015.

Executive Director Julie Collett and Board President Kerrie Bunce– VP/Relationship Officer at sponsor UMB Bank–were on hand with volunteers to guide participants through the rules and awards ceremony later in the day.

This year’s winners are:
1^st Place: Gary Field, Scott Reiter, Matt D’Addario, Brett Buller
1^st Place Co-ed: Bryan Dahler, Lis Baros, Brian Deken, Brandon Veverka
2^nd Place: Fred Guerra, Laura Guerra, Michael Guerra, Steven Guerra
3^rd Place: Nick Zavolio, Kerry Fowler, Max Breslow, Adam Trenan
Men’s Longest Drive-Wiley Kowlaczyk
Ladies Longest Drive-Naomi Lane
Men’s Closest to the Hole-Marc Shirazi
Ladies Closest to the Hole-Sarah Clark
Long Putt-Alexa Kowlaczyk

Special thanks to this year’s sponsors: Gold Sponsor – UMB; Breakfast Sponsor – Henry Schein; Hole In One Sponsor – UMB; Beverage Cart Sponsor – CTC Associates; Cart Sponsor – Denver Metro OMS / Drs. Patterson & DiPasquale.

Through its Chopper Topper Program the organization sends dental hygienists to elementary schools to apply sealants to children’s teeth, a cost-effective preventive measure preferred over fillings. Launched in 1997, the program offers screening and preventive treatments to 90 schools in 11 metro Denver school districts.

The annual golf tournament is one of KIND’s two major annual fund-raising events. Their next fundraiser called Expressions of KINDness GALA will be held Friday, September 16. KIND is always looking for volunteers. Whether you’re a dentist that would like to spend a day at a clinic or a supporter with some spare time to help with an event, please contact the KIND office at 303-733-3710 or visit the web site at www.kindsmiles.org