Charleston Firefighters Local 3200 organized a golf outing earlier this year, raising $4,000 for the Sarah Bush Lincoln Children’s Dental Program. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the Charleston Fire Department has held such an event to support Sarah Bush Lincoln.
Lieutenant Kiel Schaljo, one of the event’s co-organizers along with Lieutenant Beau Goodwin, said, “The Sarah Bush Lincoln Children’s Dental Program provides such a great service to our community. The fact that they care for area kids who otherwise have no chance to go to the dentist, even when they have decaying teeth and are in pain, is a huge asset to this region. We’re happy to contribute to the good work that Dr. Gass and his team do.”
Funds raised from previous golf outings at Bent Tree Golf Course have also supported the Sarah Bush Lincoln Regional Cancer Center. Over time, Charleston Firefighters’ efforts—including other initiatives like t-shirt fundraisers during breast cancer awareness month—have generated $14,200 through golf events and a total of $27,200 in contributions.
Tracy Haddock, SBL Healthy Communities Director, expressed gratitude for the support: “We cannot thank the Charleston Firefighters enough for organizing this golf outing and donating proceeds to our dental program. This donation will help us care for dozens of children – some as old as high school age – who’ve never been to a dentist. We see kids daily with infection from decay, with extensive plaque build-up and multiple cavities. We have teenagers who’ve never owned a toothbrush. Generous donations like these certainly help us continue our mission to help area children.”
For more information about the Children’s Dental Program or how to donate, individuals can contact 217-235-0800 or reach out to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation at 217-258-2511.
