Dear Friends -
I am beyond excited to invite you to join me for a second project! The Smile Project will raise much-needed funds for orthodontic treatment for Tri-Cities kids and provide an amazing, once in a lifetime, opportunity for one local individual to receive a beautiful, healthy, smile from the leader in orthodontic treatment in West Michigan - Lakeshore Orthodontics!
Why do The Smile Project?
Because we can do great things despite all 2020 throws our way! Did you know 49 families participated in The Front Porch Project over 60 days and donated to 41 different schools, charities and causes? I’ll bet we raised over $5,000! Since then I’ve thought, “Why not continue to do projects and choose one charity or cause to focus on per project?” I have two kids who have been through braces to correct pretty serious dental issues and since I’m always telling people to “Smile!” I thought awarding smiles would be a good fit. After speaking with Dr. Jason Charnley at Lakeshore Orthodontics and Sandy Huber, a local expert in linking children in need to proper dental care, the deal was sealed. Smile for smiles it is!
Support Children in Need of Orthodontic Treatment
In accordance with Jason and Sandy’s recommendation, we will be donating to the Dr. Elizabeth Curtis Dental Fund for Children in Need at the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. I’m quickly learning Dr. Curtis was a much-loved area dentist who cared deeply for the children and families she served. She grew up in Grand Haven and was always looking for ways to give back to the community. Tragically, she passed away due to child birth complications 7 years ago. A fund was set up in her name to continue her legacy and that fund needs our support. It’s the only source of funds for orthodontic care for children in need in the area. You can read more about Dr. Curtis here. Please consider donating to the fund by visiting the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Give Today page and choosing the dental fund from the dropdown menu.
Help Us Find a Smile Giveaway Winner!
I am partnering with Dr. Jason Charnley and his team at Lakeshore Orthodontics to provide one amazing individual from the Tri-Cities community with a full orthodontic treatment at no cost! Do you know someone who’s in pain, has a misaligned bite, too many teeth or too few? These are just a few of the reasons people seek orthodontic treatment and this holiday season we’re awarding the opportunity to receive free orthodontic care to a special person in our community . The application process is simple - email me at kellyruffing@gmail.com. In a short essay tell me what makes you smile, why you want or need orthodontic treatment and how it will impact your life. You must include pictures of your smile as-is. Entries must be received by 12:00 PM on Friday, November 27, 2020. Please help spread the word so we can bring a smile to someone’s face this holiday season!
Join the project!
You can support The Smile Project and receive beautiful family portraits for cards and gifts. Here’s the details:
What: Front Porch style Mini Sessions (10-15 mins)
When: Now thru Dec 20, 2020
Cost: $125 per session. I will donate $25 per session to the fund and ask that families make an additional donation to help us reach our goal. You will receive two beautiful portraits per session.
How to book a session: Call or email to book your session today. Sessions can be any day of the week and usually take place an hour before sunset depending on which direction your house faces.
COVID cautionary measures: I will be more than 6 ft. away when shooting. Per CDC guidelines, I won’t be closer than 6ft for more an a few minutes and will wear a mask at all times when not shooting. I’m comfortable shooting those in quarantine since we will be outside and at a distance greater than 6 ft.
Please feel free to contact me with questions. I know we can raise another $5,000 for Dr. Curtis’s fund and find a local resident to receive a life-changing smile makeover.
Keep smiling,
Kelly