“A Day of Action, A Day of Smiles”

Originating in 2008, United Way’s “Day of Action” is about owning June 21st and devoting the longest day of the year to the United Way Worldwide mission of mobilizing millions to give, advocate and volunteer. Over 270 cities across the globe participated in “Day of Action” this year and United Ways all over the world answered calls to action in their communities. Arrowhead United Way partnered with Dr. Earl R. Crane Children’s Dental Health Center to honor “Day of Action” in San Bernardino. Dr. Earl R. Crane Children’s Dental Health Center is dedicated to providing low-cost general dentistry services to uninsured children from ages 5 to 18. The Children’s Dental Health Center was the focus of a three-day effort coordinated and sponsored by Arrowhead United Way that included food and beverage donations from Costco and Starbucks, and cleaning, painting and murals done by the following volunteer groups: Target, Kohl’s, CASA, Inland Empire Job Corps, Medline and Riverside Arts Council. Jon Roach Brosius of Brosius Design Group and Rachael Dzikonski, Program Director for the Riverside Arts Council, created the mural designs for the reception area and hallway depicting large trees, tire swings and animals, rendering the environment as both calm and playful, and also kid-friendly. Mary Masasso, Co-Chair of Dr. Earl R. Crane Children’s Dental Health Center noted that “The Dental Center is extremely grateful to all of the volunteers.” Margie Amett, the other Co-Chair added, “We have been in need of a facelift for the Dental Center for many years, and thanks to the caring power of communities and Arrowhead United Way, everything has come together to make it possible for us to make the clinic a welcoming place for our patients.” Arrowhead United Way’s “Day of Action” was a successful event, full of invested community supporters and committed volunteers who directed their contributions, time and talents to giving the children of the dental health center a completely new space and another reason to smile. The collaboration and teamwork between Arrowhead United Way, Dr. Earl R. Crane Children’s Dental Health Center, and the aforementioned non-profit organizations and companies in San Bernardino exemplified what “owning the day” truly means.