2016 Giving Back and Spreading Smiles
Posted on May 9, 2017 in Corporate
Delta Dental of Iowa contributes $5,000 to Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa during its annual telethon.
L to R: Michael Elam, Vice President Sales & Customer Relations, Delta Dental of Iowa; Sabrina Ahmed, Anchor, Local 5 We Are Iowa; Suzanne Heckenlaible, Vice President Public Affairs, Delta Dental of Iowa; Eileen Gannon, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations, Workiva; Maren Lenhart, Public Benefit Planning Analyst, Delta Dental of Iowa
Delta Dental of Iowa is talking the talk, walking the walk and delivering smiles when it comes to giving back and improving the health of Iowans. The not-for-profit health care company contributed more than $2.5 million throughout Iowa in 2016 through the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation, Public Benefit Program, and the company’s philanthropic giving. In addition, Delta Dental employees engage in volunteer opportunities throughout the year, like the new effort with Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa in 2017 to build bikes for kids.
Improving Oral and Overall Health
Delta Dental supports programs that promote oral health, which leads to better overall health for underserved Iowans. In 2016, the Foundation and Public Benefit Program contributed to oral health education programs for children and aging Iowans, loan repayment programs for dentists in rural areas, supported community water fluoridation and increased access to dental care for underserved Iowans. Delta Dental’s annual giving reached every county in the State of Iowa.
Giving Back
Not only does Delta Dental give back through its Foundation and Public Benefit Program, the company participates in several philanthropic programs and events. Employees also get involved by giving and volunteering for organizations such as Komen Iowa Race for the Cure, United Way of Central Iowa and Iowa Mission of Mercy.
“One of Delta Dental’s core values is improving lives,” said Jeff Russell, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa. “Our employees are an integral part of our giving culture. As a not-for-profit, we recognize the importance of giving back to our communities and I am proud that each year we are able to have 100 percent of our employees participate in a volunteer project.”
In 2017, Delta Dental and Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa have partnered to support the Kids on the Go! program. Delta Dental has provided $5,000 to Variety and employees will provide items to be donated and assemble bikes for Kids on the Go.
“Kids on the Go! would not be possible without the support from generous donations and partners like Delta Dental of Iowa,” said Sheri McMichael, executive director, Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa. “This program will be meaningful and memorable to the employees and to the kids, most of whom have never had their own bike before.”
For more about Delta Dental’s giving in 2016, visit www.deltadentalia.com/foundation.
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About Delta Dental of Iowa
Delta Dental of Iowa is the leading dental insurance company in the state and provides dental and vision insurance to more than 1 million members. As a not-for-profit insurance company, Delta Dental of Iowa invests in oral health and wellness projects through the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation that focus on access to care, prevention, education and research. Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation’s mission is to support and improve the oral health of Iowans.