By Mo’ka (of Mo’ka n Co’ka)
The GuardianLife Insurance Company of America in collaboration with the Children’s Health Fund presented Guardians of the Smile, at Jubilee Park Community Center located in East Dallas not far from Fair Park.
Guardians of the Smile is a kid-friendly, educational program that focuses on proper oral hygiene and offers this program to many students despite any demographics.
With a $1 million commitment, Guardian and Children’s Health Fund will be sure to increase awareness of dental hygiene across the nation.
The children in attendance at Jubilee Park Community Center (ages ranging from kindergarten to 2nd grade) were all too eager to learn provided with the hands-on demonstrations on how to properly brush and floss teeth via giant-sized props, interactive games which taught children how to make good food choices, and even art activities where children drew their smiles to put on display.
The children were surprised with a visit from the “Tooth Guardian,” an animated character who encourages the children to be proactive in healthy oral hygiene.
Also, as a part of this event, there was a ceremony to recognize an eminent person within the community who is also a long-term employee of the Jubilee Park Community Center.
Maria Martha Ruiz was honored for her role in making sure that all children and senior citizens within her neighborhood receive hearty, nutritious meals on a regular basis.
She puts much time and effort into planning and preparing these meals and she does it with a smile! You can see that she truly enjoys helping others.
For these efforts, Sherrie M. Ross, Texas Dental Director, presented her with a special, personalized apron from Guardian and a $10,000 check to help her to continue her work.
Hats off to GuardianLife Insurance Company and the Children’s Health Fund for reaching out to children everywhere to offer such pertinent services.
Photograph credits: Co’ka (of Mo’ka n Co’ka) and Guardian Life