GKAS Kess award: Candy B. Ross accepts the 2013 Steven W. Kess Give Kids A Smile Corporate Volunteer Award. Pictured with her are from left Dr. David Whiston, ADA Foundation president, and  Steven W. Kess, Henry Schein Inc.

The ADA Foundation paid tribute to ADA President Robert A. Faiella and the ADA Board of Trustees, along with two longtime Give Kids A Smile volunteers Friday with the 2013 Give Kids A Smile “Smile Champion” Awards.

Candy B. Ross and Kathy L. Woodard received the awards—introduced in 2012 to pay tribute annually to top volunteers—in acknowledgment of their hard work and dedication to the GKAS program.

Ms. Ross is director of industry and professional relations, NA Equipment, KaVo Kerr Group. She received the 2013 Steven W. Kess Give Kids A Smile Corporate Volunteer Award. She has been one of GKAS’ most powerful champions since the program’s inception 11 years ago, dedicating herself to expanding the program while helping DEXIS, and now KaVo Kerr Group, share their commitment to caring for underserved children in the U.S.

GKAS Dalin award: Kathy L. Woodard receives the 2013 Jeffrey Dalin, D.D.S. Give Kids A Smile Volunteer Award. Presenting the award to her are from left Dr. David Whiston, ADA Foundation president; Steven W. Kess, Henry Schein Inc.; John Stefanick, 3M ESPE.

Ms. Woodard is director of Public Service and the ODA Foundation, Ohio Dental Association. She received the 2013 Jeffrey Dalin, D.D.S. Give Kids A Smile Volunteer Award.  The honor acknowledges her 11 years of tireless work to provide the support services and resources that allow dentists and their staff to focus on what they do best during GKAS: bring healthy smiles to the faces of Ohio’s children.

The event also acknowledges the vision and commitment of ADA President Robert Faiella and the ADA Board of Trustees, who devote generous time and energy to the profession.

Along with the 2013 Smile Champions, attendees of last night’s ADA Foundation Give Kids A Smile Gala experienced camaraderie, fine dining and dancing to the beat of Lena Prima and her band (with special guest vocalist Art Vargas).

Contact the ADA Foundation for more information at 1-312-440-2547 or [email protected].