Smiles for Survivors Foundation Raises Over $26,000 at its 3rd Annual Blow Out Breast Cancer Eve

LAS VEGAS - Oct. 18, 2013 - PRLog -- Smiles for Survivors Foundation™ (SFS) raised more than $26,000 at its 3rd Annual Blow Out Breast Cancer fundraising event on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013. Approximately 350 guests gathered for a party and silent auction at Square Colour Salon + Spa in Summerlin. Funds raised at the event support the foundation’s mission of providing breast cancer survivors necessary care to restore their oral health that has been compromised by cancer treatment and to raise awareness of the often-unknown oral health side effects caused by cancer treatment.

“We are so grateful to the Las Vegas community for its generosity and willingness to support our mission,” said Dr. Olya Banchik, SFS founder.  “As the first non-profit to address this issue, it can often feel like an overwhelming task in terms of raising awareness, relieving patients who are in pain and starting a dialogue between dentists and oncologists. Yet with this outpouring of support, we can reach out goals and make a difference in lives of so many cancer patients and survivors.”

The evening included live entertainment by DJ Axis, a cirque inspired hula-hoop performance by Katerina, food, cocktails and a silent auction.  Paul May, a local real estate executive, emceed the event along with local cancer survivor Stacey Escalante, a former KSNV-TV anchor.  The foundation debuted a moving video showcasing many of its patients and volunteer dentists, including survivor Lilly Gill.

“Receiving the gift of a smile allows me to share my story with others who are affected by this disease,” said Gill.  “I can never thank Drs. Olya Banchik, Bradley Strong and Mark Degen enough for the wonderful new smile they have provided for me.”  The team of volunteers replaced Gill’s missing teeth and restored her remaining teeth. No longer self-conscious about her mouth’s appearance, Gill explains that the dentists also restored her joyful spirit.

Sponsors included event host and partner Square Colour Salon + Spa and partner By Dzign Furniture.  The event’s platinum level sponsor was Rob Jensen Company – Guard Gated Real Estate and other major sponsors included Park Place Infiniti and Couture Dermatology and Plastic Surgery.

“My father is a dentist, so I when I discovered Smiles I immediately understood the importance of their mission,” said Rob Jensen, Rob Jensen Company’s president and broker. “We are proud to sponsor Smiles and to be a part of shedding light on this this very unrecognized threat to cancer patients’ health.”

Food and beverage sponsors included: Rachel’s Kitchen, Sushi Poppers, Lobster ME, Origin India Restaurant, Agave Taco Truck, B Sweet Candy Boutique, Chocolate Candy for All Ages, Good Karma Pretzels, Essentia Water, Karma Tequila, Zing Vodka, Southern Wine & Spirits and Backbar USA.

For more information on Smiles for Survivors Foundation, please visit www.smilesforsurvivors.org.


About Smiles for Survivors
Smiles for Survivors™ is a registered 501(c) 3 foundation, whose mission is to support breast cancer patients and survivors. The organization works with dentists and dental specialists to provide preventative and restorative dental treatment, to educate cancer patients about potential oral side effects of chemotherapy and to raise awareness in the community about the importance of nutrition and maintaining good oral health before, during and after cancer treatments. Through a vetting process, Smiles for Survivors Foundation selects qualified breast cancer patients to receive dental procedures to improve oral health. Dr. Olya Banchik, a Las Vegas-based dentist whose life was personally touched by the disease, established the Smiles for Survivors Foundation in 2010. More information on Smiles for Survivors Foundation can be found at www.smilesforsurvivors.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.