Delta Dental of Tennessee to present $300,000 in grants to Tennessee nonprofits
December 21, 2011

$50,000 grant presented to Remote Area Medical in Knoxville by Delta Dental of Tennessee

NASHVILLE -- In the spirit of giving during the holiday season, Delta Dental of Tennessee announced seven grants to area nonprofits totaling $300,000.

These grants are given to organizations that provide oral health care to children and those in need across the state. Throughout 2011, Delta Dental has awarded more than 20 percent of its net revenues to organizations, including both of the state's dental schools, The University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry.

"Working to improve oral health in Tennessee is an important piece of the Delta Dental mission," said Tom Perry, SVP and CFO for Delta Dental.

Seven grants totaling $300,000 will be given to a number of organizations across the state. Delta Dental reached out to a number of legislative officials to help identify worthy organizations in their respective districts. The first of these grants was presented Dec. 22 at Remote Area Medical in Knoxville, which was recommended by Representative John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-Tenn).

"Delta Dental is a great corporate citizen in our community and we were thrilled to help them in their efforts to help improve the oral health of all Tennesseans, especially those living in East Tennessee," said Representative Duncan. "We are very familiar with the great work RAM has done in our area and we know this grant will be put to good use in their 2012 missions."

"Due to the current economy, we have faced hardships with donations as well as the fact that it is creating more need for our services," said Stan Brock, founder of Remote Area Medical. "This gift from Delta Dental will help us be able to meet those increasing needs with next year's expeditions."

The $50,000 grant will be used by Remote Area Medical Foundation of Knoxville to provide dental care and supplies. RAM was founded by Stan Brock, a co-host of Wild Kingdom. The organization provides dental services to impoverished U.S. populations. The organization's first medical expedition for 2012 is scheduled for Feb. 4-5 in Knoxville, and more than 50 percent of all 2012 events scheduled to-date will take place in Tennessee.

"Giving back to our community is an essential component of what we do at Delta Dental, and it is especially important at this time. We are privileged to be able to support community programs that help improve the oral health of the areas we serve," Perry said.