The Capital Area Dental Society has a lot to be proud of these days. We have just had our most successful fundraiser even in a time of economic downturn. While corporate donations were down, CADS members stepped forward to support our Foundation. A record amount of money was donated by our own members to support community programs. Some of this money will be given to local clinics, which have historically been supported, while the remainder will be used to grow our own programs and initiatives.

The Dentists on Campus program was only a dream a year ago. It has been developed into a viable program with support not only from our own Foundation, but has been joined by the St. David’s Foundation. Over two thousand third grade students were given preventive dental education by twenty-eight CADS volunteers in February. The plan next year is to double that number. The program was recognized in a proclamation by City of Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell.

Our local initiative to bolster the TDA Smiles Foundation Donated Dental Services has begun. A coordinator has been hired to process applications for our five county area. Her name is Missy Quintana. If you are a DDS volunteer you should be hearing from her soon.

All of this activity is indicative of the maturing of our Dental Society into a true community leader. In the past, we joined others in their effort to further dental health. Now we are initiating the process. This is a huge step. It does not come without a price. Fortunately our Board had the foresight to form a separate foundation several years ago. This is now allowing us to approach other organizations for support for our projects. We can be proud of our own member support. One of the first things outside donors consider is an organizations own internal support. Ours is strong. In order to continue to be strong, we are starting an annual giving program to allow members to make smaller monthly donations throughout the calendar year. While a large sponsorship donation is beyond many members, a monthly donation is quite possible. CADS has over six hundred members. If a significant number enlist in this program, the Foundation will have a significant cash flow and will not be so dependent on one Fundraising Gala per year and outside grants. To quote Dr. Dolce, "We are responsible for the stewardship of our profession”. Please consider becoming a part of this program.

The other thing I cannot fail to mention is the amount of manpower needed to make all of this happen. Thanks go to all members on both the CADS and CADF Boards. Thanks also go to all the volunteers who have worked hard to make our projects a success. 

Sincerely,

Stan LaCroix

CADS President