You Should Know:
Climb for a Cause
by Chelsea Knorr, Associate Editor,
Dentaltown Magazine
Danny Bobrow of Climb for a Cause shows
us how to mix business with pleasure by
actively (pun intended) taking part in a
unique fundraising effort.
Tell me about Climb for a Cause.
Bobrow: Climb for a Cause offers individuals and
organizations a unique opportunity to demonstrate their
commitment to "giving back," by sharing the fruits of their
successes with those less fortunate. Our tagline is: "Dentists
and their teams hiking miles for smiles." We fundraise and
then we hike.
What is its philosophy?
Bobrow: We are a nonprofit foundation that combines
the breathtaking beauty of the mountains with the
desire to make a positive difference in peoples' lives. Since
1998, we have been making positive and meaningful differences
in the lives of needy children and deserving adults
around the world.
At the same time, it presents a number of outstanding
ways to enhance a practice's image and brand. Current and
prospective patients want to support these types of efforts.
By involving others, practice owners and their teams are typically
and pleasantly quite surprised as the level of support
they generate is multiplied, while, in the process, the goodwill
they produce is equally remarkable.
One need not "climb" to Climb for a Cause. Any practice
can "branch out and leave a smile" as a Branch Office
of the SmileTree. Interested practices can learn more at
SmileTree.org.
What does it raise money for and what is it that
dentists take part in?
Bobrow: We are currently present in four countries
funding nine oral health education and treatment projects:
three in Guatemala, three in Nepal, two in India and one
in Vietnam. Planning is underway to expand to additional
countries.
Dentists, their teams and even patients can participate in
one of our overseas projects and join the annual Climb for a
Cause team hiking event. This year's event will be in Taos,
New Mexico, and will be our 16th annual event. Past
"climbs" have included the Zion Narrows, San Jacinto Peak,
Mt. Hood, Half Dome, Grand Canyon South Rim, Mt.
Rainer and Mt. Whitney, among many others. There are
options for everyone from the novice to the advanced.
What would you consider to be the "best kept
secret" about the charity?
Bobrow: The fact that participating practices actually
grow as a result of their involvement. Climb for a Cause and
SmileTree offer practices the opportunity to harness the power
and potential offered by the concept of cause marketing.
How can a dentist get involved?
Bobrow: Call 312-455-9488 or visit ClimbForACause.org and SmileTree.org. |