Giving Back Any Way You Can

by WYNN OKUDA
Sun Columnist

It's amazing to learn about the good that people are doing in our community, which helps and inspires others. This month, which is Domestic Violence Awareness month, I wanted to highlight two organizations that show that a big heart and positive intentions can go a long way.

While looking for a venue for a fundraiser, I discovered the O Lounge, a dance club located where the old China House used to be. For fundraisers large and small, they waive the rental fee and allow all proceeds to go to a charity, baseball team, or needy family. The lounge has about two fundraisers a month. The owner, Elizabeth Hata-Watanabe, said in an interview in the Honolulu Advertiser, "I recognize that I've been given everything I have, so I feel that I should give. It's a good feeling to see how giving makes a difference to someone."

The second example is a foundation that started as a dream for increased literacy, language skills and self-esteem for kids. Margaret and Frank South created "Kids Talk Story," where children write and publish their own stories. The Souths' experiences in professional writing and producing come from award-winning theatre, television and film productions. Their motto for the program is, "If you can write your own story, you can write your own happy ending." The children experience story development, writing, public speaking, language mastery, and pride in a grand accomplishment. Kids Talk Story is now offered at 35 schools on Oahu and the Big Island, Palama Settlement, housing projects, and more. For more information visit www.kidstalkstory.com.

Similarly, what started as a conversation between my practice manager Julie Brum and me on how we could give back to the community by helping others, became the worldwide Give Back a Smile Program. For nearly a decade, this program has been a national charitable service project of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), to help survivors of domestic violence by restoring smiles.

Starting in 1999, participating member dentists, laboratories, celebrities, corporations and supporters helped provide cosmetic dental care to survivors of domestic violence who have sustained injuries of fractured, destroyed or missing front teeth due to a domestic violence attack. Since then, more than 900 volunteer dental participants have contributed to the completion of 682 domestic abuse cases for a total value of $6 million. There are currently 309 applicants that are being treated throughout the United States. The program continues to grow in various countries around the world, including Asia, Canada and Europe. It still amazes me what one idea can do. I wonder what ideas you have that will also make the world a better place.

I'd like to thank the many dentists in Hawaii who are big-hearted givers of their time and talents to the program: Dr. Gary Bilyk, Dr. Malcolm Choy, Dr. Alvin Chung, Dr. Keri Do, Dr. Elizabeth Hathcock, Dr. Garrett Hayashi, Dr. Stephen Ho, Dr. Marcia Loo, Dr. Raymond Loo, Dr. Wilfred Miyasaki, Dr. Leesa Miyasato, Dr. Michael Nishime, Dr. Kurt Nishiguchi, Dr. Jonathan Okabe, Dr. Rohinton Patel, Dr. Riichiro Sato, Dr. Kenneth Yasuhara, Dr. Carter Yokoyama, Dr. Randall Yoshida, Dr. Jon Yoshimura, and Dr. Donavan Young.

The work that these dentists provide through this program can very dramatically and drastically change the way survivors of domestic violence view themselves and their world. If you know of a survivor of domestic violence who could benefit from these services, please contact the Give Back A Smile Program at (800) 773 -GBAS (4227), or visit the AACD website at www.aacd.com.

In addition, I also wanted to recognize October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you know of someone who is a victim of domestic violence and needs assistance, there are many places to turn for help. Do what you can to help someone in need. Parents & Children Together (www.pacthawaii.org) runs the Puuhonua Program, which provides comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence - (808) 522-5535. Child and Family Services has a 24-hour information and referral hotline for Oahu that also provides referrals to shelter facilities - (808) 841-0822. The Domestic Violence Clearinghouse and Legal Hotline provides legal information and services - (808) 531-3771. Aloha United Way's information and referral line can be contacted at 211 for other service providers.

Although we may be experiencing challenging economic times, we need to stay strong and continue to help our community. The O Lounge and Kids Talk Story remind us that we can all give back to our community in different ways, based on our own talents and resources. No dream or intention is too small. You just never know what positive or life-changing impact your actions will have on others.

Dr. Wynn Okuda is Past National President and Board Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. In November 2007, he was awarded "Cosmetic Practice of the Year," a national honor chosen by Contemporary Esthetics publication. Dr. Okuda is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) and an international lecturer at universities and conferences in such countries as the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and Korea. Dr. Okuda is on Dentistry Today's "Top Clinicians in Continuing Education," "Best Dentists in America" and Honolulu Magazine's "Best Dentists in Hawaii" Lists. He was also voted by the readers as Honolulu Advertiser's top cosmetic dentist and general dentist in the "Best of the Best," and top cosmetic dentist in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin's "Hawaii's Best." Dr. Okuda has a private practice in cosmetic, implant and restorative dentistry in Kaimuki. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry, visit us at our website at www.cosmeticdentistryhawaii.com