MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence estimates that 1.5 million people experience intimate-partner violence each year. Students in the West Virginia University School of Dentistry are holding a 5K run/walk in hopes of raising $5,000 for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation’s Give Back a Smile Program (GBAS), which assists in rebuilding the lives and dignity of intimate-partner violence survivors through compassionate cosmetic dental services and support programs.
The GBAS program provides restorative and cosmetic dentistry in the “smile-zone” at no cost to qualified survivors through a nationwide network of volunteer cosmetic dentists and a support team of laboratories and dental manufacturers. Money that is donated to the GBAS program is used to pay for travel experiences, some lab fees, some clothing for the patients, as well as two scholarships for patients trying to return to school.
The School of Dentistry’s run/walk is scheduled for April 22 rain or shine. Registration and information packet pick-up will begin at 8 a.m. in the parking lot of the WVU College of Law. The race starts at 10 a.m.
Interested participants can register online in advance of the event or on the day of the event. Advance registration on or before March 31 is $25 and includes a T-shirt and grab bag. Online registration between April 1 and 21 is $30 and includes a grab bag, while supplies last. Race day registration is $35 and includes a grab bag, while supplies last.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers overall, the top two in each age group and the top three fundraisers.
For more information on the race, including registration, race route and fundraising information, visit www.givebackasmilerun.com.