Fundraiser Supports Ben Massell Dental Clinic

It was smiling faces all around at the Bright Smiles, Brighter Futures fundraiser benefiting the Ben Massell Dental Clinic, the only free dental clinic of its kind in Atlanta.

Hosted by Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta at the 42West entertainment hall, the March 14 benefit raised more than $150,000 for the clinic and featured guest speakers, special presentations recognizing clinic administrators, and volunteer health professionals who have helped cement the clinic’s century-long legacy.

As guests filtered in, they mingled with former patients, volunteer dentists and oral hygienists, prominent donors, and longtime supporters of the clinic. Prior to the evening’s presentations, a sentimental slideshow was projected onto one of the event hall’s massive walls, displaying memories from the clinic’s storied past.

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JF&CS CEO Terri Bonoff and Jon Amsler, Board Chair // Photo Credit: Casey Nelson Photography

“The Ben Massell Dental Clinic (BMDC) has a long history, going back 100 years,” said Terri Bonoff, CEO of JF&CS. “It was a dream of community leaders to be able to offer free dental services to those in the community who need it most. JF&CS, guided by Jewish values, is proud to have built on this legacy that weathered COVID and has returned to pre-COVID patient demand, while not yet at full strength in terms of volunteer dentists.”

The Bright Smiles, Brighter Futures fundraiser helps raise awareness about the importance of expanding BMDC’s network of volunteer dentists as the clinic relies on these oral health experts to volunteer once per month, providing fillings, extractions, crowns, prosthetic services, and cleanings.

“The dentists volunteer their time, and all other staff, equipment, and office infrastructure is supported with generous philanthropy,” Bonoff said. “Thursday’s event is foundational to build that support!”

Dr. Lauren Abes, event co-chair, with her parents, Stephanie Abes and Dr. Marshall Abes // Photo Credit: Casey Nelson Photography

Event co-chair, Dr. Lauren Abes, also discussed the critical roles that recruiting, volunteering, and fundraising play in keeping the clinic’s charitable business model sustainable and successful.

“The clinic is such a crucial part of our Atlanta community. I love being a part of such a special place that helps adults regain their smiles but more importantly, their confidence,” Abes said, adding that she is proud to follow in the footsteps of her father, Dr. Marshall Abes, who also volunteered with BMDC for several years. “The clinic needs more and more financial support. We are grateful for those who came and donated.”

Several former patients were in attendance and shared their heartfelt stories, including Philip Malone III, who had been homeless and struggling with alcoholism and addiction before he found his way to the Ben Massell Dental Clinic. After six months of living on the street, Malone was eventually imprisoned after attempting to remove someone else’s luggage from the carousel bin at the airport. While behind bars, Malone was severely beaten by gang members and endured significant damage to his mouth.

“The dentist at the prison wanted to pull my teeth out,” Malone said, adding that he rejected that idea and told the dentist he needed to keep his teeth so he could gain employment. However, over time, Malone lost nearly all of the loose-fitting remains of his ivories.

The Bright Smiles, Brighter Futures benefit raised approximately $150,000 for the Ben Massell Dental Clinic Chair // Photo Credit: Casey Nelson Photography

When he arrived for his initial consultation, the clinicians noticed how Malone’s self-esteem had been warped due to the holes in his mouth.

“I never smiled. My personality was truly affected because I couldn’t smile,” he said.

In a tribute video, Malone, eyes brimming with tears, shared a touching thank you to those in attendance who performed his free, life-changing oral surgery and those who played even the smallest part in supporting the clinic’s mission to help those who are most in need.

“It changed my life,” he said, without hesitation.

In the five years since his oral intervention, Malone has remained sober while completing finance school and now works in the finance office at an Atlanta-area Mitsubishi dealership.

Barbara Jones, BMDC Director, and Dr. Michael Chalef, Honoree Chair // Photo Credit: Casey Nelson Photography

During her speech, Bonoff recognized the dental clinic’s board members and JF&CS representatives who were in attendance. She then acknowledged the family members of Ben Massell who help keep the charitable clinic operational and able to continue offering free dental services to those who qualify.

BMDC Director Barbara Jones received the Stacy G. Fialkow Staff Appreciation Award, as well as a rousing standing ovation, in acknowledgement of her nearly five decades of service with the clinic. Ever gracious, Jones was quick to thank her longtime colleagues for their hard work and dedication over the years.

While attendees dined on delectable dishes from DASH Hospitality Group amid a bevy of collective goodwill, they could also bid on various items in a silent auction with all proceeds benefiting the clinic.

Event honorees Dr. Richard Weinman, Dr. Joel Adler, Dr. Stephen Bankston, Dr. Jonathan Dubin, Dr. Michael Chalef, Dr. Mike McDaniel, event co-Chair Chair // Photo Credit: Casey Nelson Photography

The evening’s honorees included: Drs. Jonathan Dubin and Richard Weinman, Distinguished Liaisons to Dental College of Georgia; Dr. David Kurtzman, Distinguished Liaison to Dental Residency Program; Dr. Joel Adler, longest serving volunteer; Dr. Stephen Bankston, BMDC Chief of Staff; Dr. David Zelby, immediate past BMDC Chief of Staff; Dr. Michael Chalef and event co-chair Mike McDaniel, philanthropic champions; and Grady Health Systems as an outstanding community partner.

The Ben Massell Dental Clinic serves community members who earn an income within 125 percent of the federal poverty line, have no dental insurance, and reside within Metro Atlanta. The clinic is just one of several community-oriented programs offered through Jewish Family & Career Services. For more information about the clinic, please visit http://benmasselldentalclinic.org/