Twelve years ago Rowland S. Holsinger, D.D.S., and Patricia E. Higgins, D.D.S., approached Caroline County Habitat for Humanity about doing a fundraiser that connected their dental practice with the needs of the community. What resulted was the White-A-Thon, a dental whitening event that offers whitening services at less than half the normal cost with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Habitat. The event has become so successful that last year the total proceeds surpassed $50,000, which is enough to pay for an entire house
The 2012 event raised $3,340, bringing the total proceeds since the event’s inception to $54,886. This year’s funds are supporting construction at 502 High Street, Denton. This project is part of a larger initiative called “Together We Stand,” which will result in the construction of five homes in two years on High and Lincoln streets in Denton. The homes will be built through the traditional “sweat equity” of the future homeowners, along with work from volunteers and local contractors and suppliers.
“Together We Stand” is a way for us to literally build capacity for our projects by bringing together more partners,” says Bill Clemens, executive director, Caroline County Habitat for Humanity. “It is wonderful to have businesses likes Smiles By Holsinger & Higgins who help us on an ongoing basis,” he adds.
The practice incorporates giving as part of its business plan. “Being active in the community as individuals as well as a practice is important,” says Rowland S. Holsinger, D.D.S. “Whether you go to a community event like Caroline Summerfest or come to an event at our practice it should be clear that we care. After all, we are part of the community and have raised our family here,” says Patricia E. Higgins, D.D.S.
Smiles By Holsinger & Higgins opened in February 1986 and offers the convenience of comprehensive care for adult patients. They provide routine dental check-ups and cleanings as well as cosmetic enhancements to improve the appearance of crooked, chipped, unevenly spaced, or stained teeth. Since 2001 Smiles By Holsinger & Higgins has also provided sedation dentistry for the fearful patient or for those patients who wish to combine multiple procedures in fewer appointments.
Drs. Holsinger & Higgins built their practice on a commitment to make a difference in their patients’ lives and create a business that stayed in touch with their patients’ needs while making an impact in the community they served. The practice supports numerous community programs and events, including the White-A-Thon for the Caroline County Habitat for Humanity, a Halloween candy trade-in, the Donated Dental Services program, an after prom party and the Caroline Summerfest. To learn more about the 2013 White-A-Thon, please call (410) 479-3644 in Maryland or (800) 617-3644 in Delaware.
Caroline County Habitat for Humanity is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Caroline County Habitat has recently been approved by Habitat International and MD State agencies to conduct energy audits, energy upgrades and winterization for low and moderate income families who own their homes in Caroline County. The services are available at no cost to the homeowner. For more information, call (410) 479-9200 and the email address is cchfh@verizon.net.
In photo above: Bill Clemens, left, executive director, Caroline County Habitat for Humanity, shows the blueprints for the 502 High Street home to Patricia E. Higgins, D.D.S., and Rowland S. Holsinger, D.D.S.
In photo at left: Construction continues on the 502 High Street project, which was supported by this year’s White-A-Thon event, hosted by Smiles By Holsinger & Higgins. This year’s event raised $3,340, bringing the total proceeds since the event’s inception to $54,886. Here volunteers raise the first wall. Project completion is anticipated in 2013.