Springfield, Missouri (KY3) – Dozens of runners braved the heat this morning to run just over three miles on the Ava.
It wasn’t all fun. They did it to help children in several rural Ozark counties get much-needed dental care.
said Sybill Fortner, Ph.D., director of dentistry at Missouri Ozarks Community Health.
Health organizations use Dental Bath to provide free care to children in need in Ozark, Wright and Douglas counties, Texas.
“Maybe some of these kids don’t have the transportation to get to the brick-and-mortar clinic. Maybe they’re in the nurse’s office with a toothache and can’t be cared for. We can meet a lot of those needs,” explains Fortner.
Missouri Ozarks Community Health relies on the Children’s Health Fund to pay for its services.
Randall Gann, chief financial officer of the health agency, said: Realistically, we’re just trying to make a profit on the money we invest. And use it for the benefit of your community and your children. ”
A portion of that money will be raised through community events such as the Health Drive 5K Walk/Run on Saturday.
“We love supporting kids,” said runner Callie Davis.
Race participant Robin Wheeler said, “I have 17 grandchildren. It’s always nice to help the kids.”
“I’m 77 this year. It’s been a challenge for me, but I’ve been working on it all year to try and stay in shape,” said runner Carol Turner.
Shari Cook, a nurse practitioner, also participated in the race.
“It’s nice to give back to the community and be a part of it,” she said.
Fortner says this will enable doctors to provide much-needed care.
“All I do is show up and take care of my kids the way I want to. This is like a dream come true,” she said.
The race winner received a $100 Visa gift card. Some donated the winnings to the Missouri Ozarks Children’s Health Fund.
The organization raised over $1,000 on Saturday.
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