High Gear
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
As Rotarians arrived, they got busy on a “hands-on” project for Sonrisas Dental, filling goody bags with toothpaste, toothbrush, floss and a timer, all to be given to children who visit the clinic.
President Cheri then called the meeting to order asking Bob Doerr to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. She then passed the microphone to Paul Nieberding who sang a short but meaningful invocation. Next was Pierre Bouquet who read the Rotary Four-Way Test.
Visitors:
Cheryl Fama introduced two members of Peninsula Health Care District, Vickie Yee CFO and Stephanie Arevalo-Rodriguez Business Operations Director.
On This Day In History:
President Cheri dazzled us with numerous events that took place on March 4
th way in the past.
Fritz Brauner followed with a list National “Whatever” Day for March 4
th. Whether it’s National Hug A G.I. Day or National Grammar Day there is something for everyone. However, of great importance, is International Women’s Day.
Announcements:
Speaker:
Sheryl Young then gave us a bit of history of Sonrisas Dental Health. It was created with a sustainable business plan to provide access to quality dental care and oral health education to the community. She then introduced the CEO of Sonrisas, Tracey Carrillo Fecher.
Tracey provided more information on the organization. Sonrisas has two clinics currently. One is in Half Moon Bay and was started in 2001. The other is in San Mateo. She explained why their services are so important. Oral health impacts overall health, especially in children and seniors. The full spectrum of dental services is provided to everyone. Fees are based on ability to pay. Of the 11,000 patients seen 7,700 were low income.
Sonrisas provides screening in the schools. This often leads to uncovering acute dental needs that can then be addressed. Many low-income parents are unaware of the availability of dental care coverage for children in California. Tracy had some graphic photos where children had huge caries with exposed nerves. They were treated and ongoing care was coordinated. Dental and oral hygiene education in the schools and at their clinics help with prevention of serious dental problems in the future.
Sonrisas Dental Health is funded mostly by grants. We were reminded that our club provided a $30,000 grant a few years ago that helped fund their mobile dental vehicle. Tracey informed us of a number of volunteer opportunities at upcoming school screenings.
After a few questions from the gathered Rotarians,
President Cheri presented Tracey with our Polio Certificate noting that five children would be receiving the polio vaccination in honor of her presentation. With the meeting at an end we were then invited to continue putting together the dental goody bags.
Cheryl Fama reported that we prepared 830 bags.