On August 25-27; September 17-19; and September 21-23, 1998 a total of twenty-one (21) dentists from across the nation ascended Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States, in support of the charity Operation Smile. With each step up the mountain, they helped children around the world with facial deformities and significant medical and dental needs to live normal, happy lives.

Our thanks go out to the following 1998 Dentists Climb for a Cause Team members: - Since 1982, Operation Smile, a private, not-for-profit volunteer medical services organization, has been providing dentistry, reconstructive surgery, and related health care to indigent children and young adults in developing countries and the United States. Together, they have provided life-changing surgery to over 15,000 children in twelve countries and over 20,000 children here in the US. "These dentists came together for the opportunity to change the lives of children around the globe... because we're not just changing the children, they're changing us and, in the process, we're changing the world." says Daniel A. Bobrow, MBA, President of the American Dental Company and Executive Director of Dentists Climb for a CauseSM Their efforts yielded a total of THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS donated to Operation Smile!

Daniel A. Bobrow (right) executive director, Dentists Climb for a Cause^sm, presenting proceeds from 1998 Event (see inset) to Frank Vicari, M.D. (center) and Rachel Rosen (left), representing Operation Smile. Doing Well While Doing Good In the process of raising funds for Operation Smile, participants benefited from a wealth of positive publicity and image reinforcement among current and prospective patients, and the public at large. Dr. Frank Wolf, DDS who summited Mt. Whitney via the challenging Mountaineers Route. Dr. Wolf raised over $11,000 for the cause. "We did it by generating grass roots support among all our constituents." explains Dr. Wolf "We began by preparing a mailing to our current patients, hanging DCFAC posters throughout the office, and wearing Operation Smile patches on our scrub tops. We also did a mailing to local area businesses and residents introducing the cause and inviting all supporters to a send-off party. Since nearly everything was donated by our generous neighbors, our out of pocket costs were kept to a minimum. We did retain the services of a publicist to assist in getting the word out, and that proved a great help. In the process, we got a lot of name recognition and good will. We're definitely considering making this a regular part of our Communications Strategy."

Dr. Frank Wolf takes a break to pose for the camera on his way down after summiting Mt. Whitney, CA on August 26th, 1998

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