8th Annual Gini Awards Celebrates Those that Go Above & Beyond

Kansas City, MO – Named in honor of founder Mrs. Virginia Brown, or “Gini” as her friends call her, the Gini Awards honor the many orthodontists, referring dentists, volunteers, and sponsors who have gone above and beyond to support Smiles Change Lives’ mission of providing orthodontic care to children from families that cannot afford the full cost of braces.

This year’s event took place on October 27, 2018 at the Carriage Club in Kansas City, Missouri and was dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Virginia Brown who passed away in July of this year.

Founded in Kansas City in 1997 by Mrs. Brown, her son Mr. Thomas Brown, and Dr. Kelly Toombs, Smiles Change Lives (SCL) has helped more than 12,000 children receive affordable orthodontic treatment in partnership with over 750 caring orthodontists.

“The Gini Awards recognize the heroes that go above and beyond in their role as volunteers,” shares Gracie Harrison, Director of Volunteer Services for the agency. “What could be more appropriate than to name our premiere service award after our founder who has created a legacy of care for children in need of braces,” adds Harrison.

The 8th annual Gini Awards honorees included:

Founder's Award: Dr. Kelly Toombs – Prairie Village, KS

Distinguished Service Award: Dr. Stephen Hechler – Overland Park, KS

Excellence in Orthodontists: Dr. Paul White – Glen Allen, VA; Dr. Richard Schechtman – Jefferson Valley, NY; and Dr. Timothy Scanlan – Asheville, NC

Outstanding Orthodontic Office Staff: Markarian Orthodontics – O’Fallon, MO

Volunteer Excellence: Ms Bea Brittan – Minneapolis, MN

Business Partner: Dentma – Farmington, UT

Smiles Change Lives is an international nonprofit that helps kids get braces who could not otherwise afford them. On average, braces cost $6,000 per child, making them out of reach for many hard working families. Further, orthodontic treatment has long been considered cosmetic by insurance companies, providing little assistance, even for those that are insured. As a result, many children and teens suffer unnecessary discomfort and embarrassment from their misaligned teeth. Smiles Change Lives’ mission is to provide these families with the opportunity to provide their children with braces through its network of over 750 volunteer orthodontists in the United States and Canada.

To qualify for the program, a child must be between the ages of 7-21, have good oral hygiene, not be wearing braces currently, have a moderate to severe need for braces, and meet certain financial guidelines. Families can find out more and apply online at www.smileschangelives.org/apply.

About Smiles Change Lives:

Smiles Change Lives provides access to life-changing orthodontic treatment for children from families that cannot afford the full cost of braces. Headquartered in Kansas City, the program has treated more than 12,000 children since 1997. With its origin as the Virginia Brown Community Orthodontic Partnership, Smiles Change Lives has emerged as the nation’s leader in providing access to orthodontic care for qualified and motivated youth. For more information, visit http://www.smileschangelives.org.