After a year of trials and challenges, HealthLink Dental Clinic is excited to share some good during its virtual fundraising event on Sept. 26.
“This year, we will be recognizing some exemplary community members and a professional association for their outstanding contributions to HealthLink’s ongoing success,” said Dr. Bernie Dishler, HealthLink’s board president. “Thanks to their special efforts and the overall support of the Bucks and Montgomery County communities, we will be celebrating our 19th year of continuous operation and we will be doing it virtually with our many patients, friends and business associates.”
During its virtual “Spreading Smiles Across the Miles” fundraiser, the Eugene Jackson Humanitarian Award will be presented to Eleanora Cheney and her late husband Daniel for their long-standing support. The Cheney family continues to be one of HealthLink’s leading benefactors.
“Thank you for the recognition,” said Cheney. “I, my late husband, and the other board members of the Danellie Foundation did the easy part. We said yes to a great opportunity to support a great cause. Those of you working and completing the day-to-day tasks at HealthLink really deserve the credit and recognition. I thank you for a job well done and for the hope you bring to the people you help every day.”
Arnold Pfannenstiel, DDS, is being recognized with the Barbara Hartnett Volunteer Award for his service to HealthLink. Over the past 19 years, in addition to volunteering as a dentist at the clinic, Pfannenstiel has supported the organization by serving on the board of directors and currently holds the volunteer position of Dental Director.
“This award means a great deal to me,” he said. “I am most appreciative of this recognition and the opportunity to work with such dedicated people.”
The HealthLink Community Partner Award is being presented to the Montgomery-Bucks Dental Society for its many years of both financial and volunteer support.
“The society, which is the local chapter of the American Dental Association, has co-sponsored the clinic’s continuing education courses, provided volunteer dentists, and promoted all of its projects from the beginning,” said Dishler. “Without this support, HealthLink would not have been able to serve the widespread community as it has done so well.”
Dr. Jessie Scordamaglia, president of MBDS, is accepting this award on behalf of the organization.
To help put the importance of HealthLink Dental Clinic into perspective, patients Leon Vanderhall, a military veteran and long-time Bensalem resident, as well as Ludwin and Sandra Gonzalez, immigrants from Guatemala who moved to the area 20 years ago, will speak. Vanderhall and the Gonzalezes will acknowledge HealthLink for creating a congenial atmosphere in the clinic, making them feel welcomed and appreciated, and for providing critical dental care when they needed it most. They will also remind local residents of the importance of receiving dental care, and that HealthLink’s offerings are available to qualifying veterans and low-wage earning adults at no charge. With sponsor and community support, the nonprofit organization has been able to carry out its mission and provide critical services to many area residents in need.
To learn more about HealthLink Dental Clinic, 1775 Street Road, Southampton, patients and interested volunteer dentists can visit healthlinkdental.org, call 215-364-4247 or follow the clinic on Facebook at @HealthLink1.
To learn more about “Spreading Smiles Across the Miles,” to sign up to be a sponsor, to purchase tickets for a raffle basket valued at more than $1,600, or to register to attend the gathering virtually, visit healthlinkdental.org/spreadingsmiles
