It was All Smiles at Massell Dental Clinic Benefit

This year’s Jewish Family & Career Services’ Bright Smiles, Brighter Futures fundraiser benefitting the Ben Massell Dental Clinic (BMDC) was another smashing success, garnering donations to support the free dental clinic’s operations.

The more than 250 philanthropic guests filled out the artfully decorated event hall at 42West, which blends elegant décor and lighting with a rustic industrial charm featuring brick walls and exposed ducts. An atmosphere of community spread throughout as guests schmoozed with volunteer dentists and oral hygienists, generous donors, and longtime clinic supporters, and sampled delectable dishes by Zest Catering and enjoyed a curated selection of spirits provided by The Wine Shop at Parkaire.

The far side of the event hall featured a slideshow of Ben Massell Dental Clinic programming, clients, and staff projected onto the outsized wall.

The annual 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.

New Image Dental Laboratory partners with the clinic and performs all of the restorative dental work. New Image was founded in 1984 by Jeff Paulen and his family has continued the legacy of charitable work, including his daughters, Samantha Paulen, a JF&CS Board Member, and Ilissa Feiler, Event Sponsorship Committee Member. Jeff Paulen shared about his family’s and New Image’s connection with the clinic.

“Knowing these patients are receiving locally fabricated, premium appliances like our dentures or crowns that will not only give them a lasting smile, but one that gives them the confidence to smile big, warms my heart,” he said. “We have been donating our prostheses for the lasts two years and have helped the clinic secure new technology, like intraoral scanning capabilities.”

For Dr. Jeff Paulen, partnering with the BMDC is deeply rewarding.

“I am proud to see our family involved both day-to-day with fabricating the clinic’s prostheses for patients, and my daughters participating in fundraising and vendor partnership efforts for the clinic. A smile is integral to a person’s life and being part of a clinic that gives so much back to our community is wonderful.”

Several volunteers and community members were recognized for their service and dedication to the clinic, including Dr. Jack Bickford (Volunteer of the Year); Dr. Jonathan Dubin (Ben Massell Legacy Award); Dr. Mollie Winston (Champion of Philanthropy); and BMDC Director Barbara Jones, who was honored for her 50 years of working with the clinic. State Rep. Deborah Silcox was also recognized for her community advocacy and support of BMDC’s mission.

One of the highlights of the evening was the live auction, hosted by Rocktioneer Seth Weiner. Auction items included exclusive vacation packages at Cape San Blas, Fla., and golfing at TPC Scottsdale, premier dining and sporting experiences, and luxury gifts.

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 https://benmasselldentalclinic.org/