Oral Health America’s (OHA) Gala, held on the eve of the Chicago Dental Society’s Midwinter Meeting, will now be named the Champions for Change Gala to emphasize the organization’s mission and work. Benefitting Oral Health America for 29 years, the Gala will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at Soldier Field’s iconic United Club — midway between McCormick Place and Chicago’s Loop.
OHA is introducing a new format in a new venue that reflects attendees’ desire for increased networking, an opportunity to learn more about OHA’s programs through visual communications and fresh entertainment. The Champions for Change Gala will offer an elegant but more interactive evening, with an opportunity to reserve tables along with open seating. The program will be shorter and enhanced with a video depicting the work of OHA. Entertainment during the cocktail hour will include the electric violins, which drew rave reviews in 2018, along with a dynamic children’s choir and jazz trio during dinner.
The Champions for Change Gala brings together more than 600 dental and industry professionals and supporters from over 300 companies, dozens of private practices and several other organizations — all to raise money for OHA-supported initiatives throughout the U.S. Funds raised at the Gala are critical for providing services to over 500,000 low-income children as well as education and online resources for more than 350,000 older adults and their family caregivers.
“Our Gala helps shine light on the work OHA does for Americans across the lifespan. The funds raised allow OHA to continue our mission and ensure that oral health is a right, not a privilege,” stated Beth Truett, President and CEO of Oral Health America. “We are excited about the Champions for Change Gala. We’ve spent time talking with past attendees and sponsors and have incorporated their feedback to make the 2019 Gala more fun and more meaningful for our guests and more impactful for OHA.”
OHA will honor Dr. Larry Coffee, founder of the Dental Lifeline Network with the Champion for Change Award for his dedication to bringing together 15,000 dentists to provide sponsored care for over 100,000 adults who are aging, challenged by a developmental disability or needing oral care to qualify for a lifesaving medical procedure. Dr. Coffee started the Dental Lifeline Network in 1974 in response to his sister’s health needs. Always pioneering, more recently he has been instrumental in bringing together nearly 80 mostly medical organizations to advocate for Medicare coverage for adults with a medical necessity.
Oral Health America hopes to see all of its friends, partners and donors on February 20 at the Champions for Change Gala. Visit OHA’s website (oralhealthamerica.org) to learn about OHA’s innovative programs and communications efforts that promote oral health across the lifespan. Take advantage of Early Bird pricing on Gala tables and tickets by visiting oralhealthamerica.org/gala or by contacting Liz Kelly at 312-836-9900 or Liz.Kelly@oha-chi.org.
