Averaging 100 miles a day and taking approximately 5 weeks, orthodontist Don Montano, DDS, MSD, joins a group of cyclists to ride along historic U.S. Route 66 to the finish line in Virginia to raise funds and awareness for Smile for a Lifetime.
For orthodontist Don Montano, DDS, MSD (pictured second from right), and Robert Relle, DDS, FACS (pictured second from left), a maxillofacial surgeon, creating smiles is more than a career, it is their passion and calling. They know first-hand that crooked teeth are the number one target for bullies and can scar a child for life. They also realize that there are thousands of families who cannot afford orthodontic treatment and an equal number of dental and medical professionals who want to help.
Committed to supporting families across the country who want to give their children healthy smiles, these two friends and avid cyclists are biking across the United States to raise funds and awareness for Smile for a Lifetime, a nonprofit organization that connects kids in need with orthodontic specialists who donate treatment and other dental services.
Both residents of southern California, Montano and Relle will kick off their historic “Creating Smiles One Mile at A Time” fundraising ride at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, Calif. Averaging 100 miles a day and taking approximately 5 weeks, they will ride along historic U.S. Route 66 to the finish line in Virginia Beach, Va. They will be accompanied by two additional cyclists, Brian Dooley (far left) and Abel Rivera (far right), along with a support vehicle.
“We are committed to helping children in need get their best possible smile,” says Montano. “The joy of watching a child gain self-confidence and go from hiding their smile to grinning from ear to ear is the most gratifying thing in the world. Smile for a Lifetime makes it happen.”
Corporate sponsorships are available and donations for as little as $1 per mile are gratefully accepted. Smile for a Lifetime is also seeking dental and medical professionals who would like to be part of the network helping families in need. For more information, to learn more about the towns they’ll be passing through, and to schedule an interview, visit the website, or call (719) 535-2777.
Smile for a Lifetime is an international program that provides orthodontic care to children and young adults who normally would not be able to afford treatment. Smile for a Lifetime does not charge for the orthodontic treatment—participating orthodontists and orthodontic manufacturing companies provide free services, including the cost of one set of retainers. The only cost a family will incur is an initial $500 investment/application fee to help cover the cost of the program. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo, to-date the nonprofit has provided more than $44 million in services.
