TeamSmile Spring Newsletter

SPRING FORWARD

The Coronavirus has had a tremendous impact on our country, and our world. The virus has infected hundreds of thousands of people, and has killed tens of thousands. The spread of the virus continues at a rapid pace in the United States, and in countries throughout the world. The ripple effect of this deadly virus is seen in our economy and in the lives of millions of people in our own country. Thousands are losing their businesses, and millions are losing their jobs. The virus is very real and very deadly, and the economic impact is massive.

I write the above paragraph because I want to acknowledge that we’re in the midst of a very challenging time. I want to be very real. Individuals, families and businesses are struggling, and the coming weeks are likely to be very difficult for millions of people in our country. This situation is heart-wrenching for so many, and my heart goes out to those impacted by the Coronavirus both directly and indirectly.

As you’re aware, TeamSmile is a non-profit organization, and let me be blunt: It’s a tough time for non-profit organizations. While our staff is anxious to get back to serving children through our TeamSmile model, the many restrictions caused by this pandemic keeps us from being able to fulfill our mission during this time. It’s a difficult environment to raise money, yet we still have significant expenses. It’s tough.

Having said all of this, I’ve learned a few things during this time. I’ve learned that we have great, committed partners. I’ve learned that our professional team partners are committed to working with TeamSmile to serve children in their communities. During this difficult time, our volunteers and our school partners have reinforced the value and importance of TeamSmile. I’ve been reminded that we have really good, caring people on our TeamSmile Staff. I’ve been reminded that our leadership - our Board of Directors – is a group of people that, collectively, is rational and highly intelligent. They have great composure during stressful times.

Personally, I’ve learned some important lessons throughout my career and my life. I’ve learned how to deal with adversity. I’ve learned that you’re not always able to control what happens to you, yet you’re able to control how you react. I’ve learned that tough times are going to happen, yet tough times don’t typically last…..but tough people last. I’ve learned that, at TeamSmile, we’ve got tough people on our staff, tough people on our Board, tough people that volunteer for our programs, and tough people as our partners. We will last. TeamSmile will last……and we’ll be back in action soon, serving children throughout the country through our special TeamSmile model! We’ll see you soon at a stadium or arena near you.

John McCarthy

TeamSmile Executive Director

TeamSmile Volunteer Chatter

"Very rewarding experience to see underprivileged children receive free dental services. Nice smiles on their faces."

-Volunteer

"I wanted to be a part of something that impacted lives. It was nice seeing the children have positive experience with the dentists."

-Carolina Panthers Volunteer

"I was amazed at how many kids attended. They all seemed genuinely happy to be there, and the staff/volunteers did a great job at making the event fun and enjoyable for the kids. It was great to see everyone interacting together for a great cause."

-UAB Volunteer

" As a Delta Dental employee we are always looking for ways to give back to our communities. This is a natural fit for us."

-UAB Delta Dental Volunteer

"This was my third year volunteering and it is such a rewarding experience."

-Carolina Panthers Volunteer

TeamSmile Staff

John McCarthy

Executive Director

john@teamsmile.org

Chris Peterson

Equipment Manager

IT Specialist

chris.peterson@teamsmile.org

Kellie Reneau

Program Director

kellie@teamsmile.org

Andy Peterson

Equipment Manager

Data Entry Specialist

andy@teamsmile.org

Jane Geiger

Progam and Office Manager

jane@teamsmile.org

Rand Salisbury

Truck Driver

rand@teamsmile.org

Maria Eiserman

Community Outreach and Relations Director

maria@teamsmile.org

Employee Highlight

Maria Eiserman started with TeamSmile in June 2013. She initially came on board to be the social media coordinator. About a year later her duties expanded to recruiting children and new volunteers. She truly takes pride in engaging with the underserved children nationwide by building relationships with social workers and school nurses.

"As a mother of three children I feel fortunate I can take my family to the dentist for yearly check-ups and other dental needs they may need. Since working for TeamSmile, I get to see first hand the number of families that do not have this luxury. The impact we give to the children and their families is life-changing."

"It's not how much we give but how much love we put to giving." - Mother Teresa

Volunteer Spotlight

Kim Griggs-Murray

Kim Griggs-Murray volunteers for our TeamSmile program with the Atlanta Falcons.

"Why do I like being a part of TeamSmile?

When I think about TeamSmile, I only think of all the children I have watched enter a program day event. Some scared, some excited, some anxious, and some with eyes as big as a silver dollar. At the end of the day, it’s about the kids. Being a volunteer, it fills my heart with joy to be able to impact the lives of so many children – many whom are having a first dental experience. I like to make sure it is a well-organized, fun and interactive day. Most of us don’t necessarily like a trip to the doctor or dentist, so I want the kids to have a great time and experience. TeamSmile Atlanta program is exciting, fun and engaging. I just love it!

And, what an honor and privilege to bring along my CAPTRUST colleagues. We love to serve and give back! This part of our CAPTRUST Community Foundation mission...to enhance the lives of all children."

Kim Griggs-Murray

Senior Client Management Consultant | Institutional Client Service

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Partner Spotlight

GOJO, the inventor of PURELL ^® Hand Sanitizer, is a leading global producer and marketer of skin health and hygiene solutions for away-from-home settings. The broad GOJO product portfolio includes hand cleaning, handwashing, hand sanitizing, skin care formulas, and surface sprays under the GOJO ^® , PURELL ^®, and PROVON ^® brand names. GOJO formulations use the latest advances in the science of skin care and sustainability. GOJO is known for state-of-the-art dispensing technology, engineered with attention to design, sustainability, and functionality. GOJO programs promote healthy behaviors for hygiene, skin care, and compliance in critical environments and we are proud to sponsor and support TeamSmile in providing dental care to well-deserving children. GOJO is a family enterprise headquartered in Akron, Ohio, with operations in the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Japan, Mexico, and Canada.

"GOJO is a family enterprise headquartered in Akron, Ohio and our values include making life better through well-being solutions. This is a perfect match to the mission of Team Smile. We are proud to sponsor and support TeamSmile in providing Dental care to well-deserving children."

Mike Goldstein

Senior Manager-Market Development