By Sandy R. Kemper | Executive Director
Dear Friends, Donors, and Supporters,
For the Smiles Forever Foundation, one of the most important events of the year is here: our annual auction! Beyond being an evening of celebration, this gathering plays a vital role in sustaining our mission. The funds raised help cover a significant portion of the dental supplies needed to keep our clinic running and provide free, high-quality dental care to those who need it most.
Our annual auction is also a time to celebrate the achievements of the past year, reflect on the lessons we have learned, and renew our commitment to the work ahead. It gives us an opportunity to look honestly at where we are, refine our most effective approaches, embrace new ideas, and strengthen our determination to reach even more people in need.
This year, our auction celebrates one of Bolivia’s most vibrant and beloved traditions: Carnival! A beautiful expression of Bolivia’s rich cultural heritage, Carnival brings together Indigenous and religious traditions in a colorful celebration of life, faith, identity, and the triumph of good over evil. Through this theme, we pay tribute to the extraordinary country that has welcomed us and made our work possible—a land of remarkable beauty and resilience, where the need for accessible dental care remains urgent. The statistics are sobering: historical figures reported by Bolivia’s Ministry of Health indicate that approximately 84% of 12-year-old children have experienced untreated tooth decay. Behind every statistic is a child who deserves the chance to grow up healthy, free from dental pain, and able to smile with confidence.
We are especially delighted that our director in Bolivia, Alejandro Beckrich, will be joining us this year. After 26 years of dedicated service to Smiles Forever, Alejandro continues to be an invaluable part of our mission. Alejandro has a special surprise in store! He will be wearing traditional attire inspired by Bolivia’s Tinku dance, bringing a vibrant piece of Bolivian culture to our celebration.
Our journey is not an easy one. The challenges are great, and the road ahead is long, but our commitment remains unwavering. With every child we treat, every community we reach, and every smile we restore, we are reminded of why this work matters. And with your support, we will continue moving forward—one child, one family, and one smile at a time.
Even if you are unable to attend our annual auction, you can still be part of this mission. We warmly invite you to make a donation through this platform. Every contribution, large or small, helps us continue providing free, high-quality oral healthcare to underserved communities in Bolivia. Your generosity does more than support a dental clinic; it helps relieve pain, protect health, restore confidence, and create brighter futures for children and families.
Thank you for believing in our mission, standing beside us, and making this work possible. Together, we can bring more health, hope, and smiles to Bolivia.
With heartfelt gratitude and hope,
Sandy Kemper
Executive Director
Smiles Forever Foundation
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