Winter 2010

Summer 2009

Hello everyone -

Well, our first Corks and Forks fundraising event was HUGELY successful! Held on June 27 at our home, the event was both fun and extremely financially rewarding. Because there was no overhead and little expense due to the donations we received, this event was our most financially successful event to date! With close to 100 guests in attendance, the evening flew by quickly, with everyone fully participating in the event activities. Thanks to all who experienced the evening with us: tasting, visiting, donating and enjoying yourselves!

The reps from the vineyards: Tom Craven (St. Michelle Wine Estates www.ste-michelle.com ), Drew Pierce (Trinchero Family Wines www.tfewines.com), and David Wood (Multi-Carte) were not only incredibly knowledgeable about the selections they represented, they were also very entertaining! The event would not have been as successful - or fun - without their enthusiastic participation. What a fabulous group of guys! Thank you for not only donating the wine for the evening, but also for donating your time and energy on a Saturday night! For a list of the delicious varietals we experienced during the evening, please visit our "Past Events" page and click on the links.
Thank you to Compass Bank for generously underwriting our event again this year. Without their continued support our fundraising events truly would not be nearly as financially successful. Their ongoing financial support allows us to help so many kiddos in need! Our amazing auction not only raised much needed funds, it also added excitement to the evening! Thanks to ALL of our generous donors and sponsors:

	2009 Event Sponsors
Dr. A. Jay Burns		Dr. John Burns
Staff at Fogelson Plastic & Craniofacial Surgery Center for Infants and Children
vintageatheart.net GAILEY DESIGN Unique one of a kind vintage gift items

And last but definitely not least by any means…thanks to all of our loyal, hardworking volunteers. Each of you chose to spend your Saturday night tirelessly working for a good cause. We have said it many times before and will continue to say it: we have THE best volunteers any nonprofit foundation could ever ask for! We would not be here with out you….

….guests, donors, sponsors and volunteers: you ALL are truly making a difference in MANY children's lives!

April 2009

Happy Spring to everyone!
Overdue for a quick update on Share A Smile™ activities! There are several exciting things happening at the moment.

First, we have made the difficult decision not to hold our annual polo match fundraising event this year. Given the state of the economy, it seems appropriate that we scale down our fundraising event this year. In addition to the cost of holding the event itself, we must also pay the membership fee to become members of the polo club. These costs have always been covered by donations from our corporate sponsors. Though we are hoping those sponsors will come through for us again this year, we are not able to count on those donations as we have in the past. Additionally, attendance will most certainly be down as guests do not have the discretionary funds they once had.

As with every nonprofit, our donations are fewer, so should we be fortunate enough to receive donations from those corporate sponsors, it seems appropriate to use those funds strictly for treatment of our kiddos. Las Colinas Polo Club personnel are being extremely understanding - several companies and nonprofits are in the same position we are and have made the same difficult decision. We have been assured that we will continue our close relationship with the polo club and, when we are able, we will pick up right where we left off.

Thank you Compass Bank for renewing your corporate sponsorship with Share A Smile™! Compass Bank has truly stepped up for us over the years and we are so very grateful for their unwavering and ongoing support (Randy, you are fabulous!).

As an alternative to the polo match event, plans are underway for our first annual wine tasting FUNdraiser! Republic National Distributing Company (www.rndc-usa.com) has generously arranged for 3 of their wine vendors to donate several cases of wine, as well as have representatives from their companies on hand to conduct the tastings. Republic has been a long-time supporter of Share A Smile™, having donated wine and champagne for our polo matches as well as for numerous other fundraising events we have held. Representatives from Trinchero Family Estates (www.tfewines.com), Ste. Michelle Wine Estates (www.ste-michelle.com) and wine wholesalers Schmitt-Sohne (www.schmitt-soehne.com) and Multi-Carte (www.multicarte.com) will be on hand to share some delicious wines as well as their wine knowledge and expertise. Please visit our "Events" page for more information regarding the wine varietals each company will be presenting. Along with wine, we will provide food pairings at each station as well as conduct a silent auction and various other wine related activities.

The "Corks and Forks" Wine Tasting Fundraiser will be held at our home in the evening of June 27th. This scenario will allow us to experience the evening in a unique and intimate setting. If you would like to receive an invitation or know of a friend who would be interested in attending the wine tasting fundraiser, please email us @ blakestock100@hotmail.com or give us a call at 972.208.8813.

"Save the Date" cards will be sent out at the beginning of May. We hope you will plan on joining us June 27th for wine education, wine tasting and lots of FUNdraising!

More exciting news…….we were contacted at the end of November by a member of the Plano Rotary Club regarding a $100,000 grant the N. Texas chapters wanted to bestow upon a local charity. We did apply, were contacted, and were one of 34 finalists. The winner was announced at a rotary luncheon April 17th. Unfortunately, we were not awarded the grant, however Blake & I attended the luncheon at the request of our rotary sponsor, Octavio Ortiz, in order to meet other members of the club. His goal (as is ours) is that we will be able to form a partnership with the club in which we will benefit from their fundraising efforts throughout the coming years. It was wonderful to visit with Octavio and we are extremely appreciative of all the hard work he put forth on our behalf - thanks Octavio!

Obviously, winning the $100,000 grant would have been an unbelievable blessing but we are grateful for the opportunities certain to present themselves simply by continuing a relationship with the Rotary Club. We are hopeful we will have much positive news to report in this area in the future!

The other fun "happening" has to do with a high school Senior from Ohio. Abby contacted me several months ago asking if she could write her Senior thesis on Share A Smile™ Foundation as well as conduct a fundraising event to benefit SASF. I have been in contact with her and her advisor, sent her SASF info & pictures for her "Hoop-a-Thon" held April 11th. Again, we are very excited that, in addition to raising over $1000, we were introduced to an entirely new population through the efforts of this ambitious & hard working young girl! GREAT job Abby! Check back soon for pictures from Abby's Hoop-a-Thon.

One final fundraiser we are attempting to put together is in partnership with Starbuck's. If you'll remember, we have held several fundraisers at our local Starbuck's store, each netting us $1000 donation from Starbucks Corporation in addition to the funds we raised at the event. One such fundraiser was the "Share A Cup with a Soldier" in which over 1000 pounds of coffee and letters from school children were sent to Army Sgt. Frank Sarratt's unit in Iraq. Frank, back in Iraq for his 3rd tour, is commanding a group of very brave (very) young men. Frank's wife recently contacted me expressing her gratitude for those letters & asked if we may be able to conduct a similar fundraiser for Frank's new unit. We are hoping to hold this event at the beginning of summer. We'll keep you posted!

On a sad note, we need your prayers for Alex, Austin's dad and one of our greatest supporters. After surviving 2 previous battles with sarcoma of the heart, Alex announced a couple of months ago that he had learned the cancer has returned. The cancer has fused itself to the septum (main wall that separates the left and right chambers of the heart) making it inoperable.

Some of you have only met Alex briefly & some of you know him a little better. We know him as the loving dad of Austin, one of our first Share A Smile™ patients. He and his beautiful wife Danielle also have a little girl, Alexis. Alex and his family have attended several of our polo match fundraisers over the years and are an amazing, loving family. For our 2008 fundraiser, Alex worked hard to secure a donation for use in our silent auction. He was able to present us with a gorgeous platinum and diamond pave bracelet from his employer, David Yurman, which brought in a very large donation (and which our volunteer coordinator, Allison, proudly wears!).

If you were at our 5th Annual Share A Smile™ Foundation Polo Match fundraiser you will also remember the very touching speech Alex made to all in attendance about the impact Share A Smile™ has made in the family's life. Below are a couple of pictures of Alex & Austin. The first is Austin enjoying the stick horse races and the other is Alex addressing the crowd while holding Austin in his arms.

Our local FOX News station did a report on Alex and his family that aired this week. If you missed the story when it aired and would like to experience it, you can do so by visiting www.myfoxdfw.com and searching for "Alex Laynor"; his story is titled "Alex Laynor Fights Unique Cancer Battle".

Please keep Alex, Danielle, Austin & Alexis, as well as all of their friends and family, in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. Alex & Danielle are strong and courageous - and can use all of the prayers and good wishes we can send their way.
Thank you all for your continued support of the Share A Smile™ Foundation. Should you have any questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact either of us!

Sincerely,
Holly & Blake
blakestock100@hotmail.com

May 2008

What an incredibly busy & rewarding year this has been! Though extremely disappointed that we were not able to hold our polo fundraising event in 2007 due to the torrential rains, we managed to raise funds through our online auction as well as through generous donations from individuals who recognized our plight. We are continually amazed at the generosity each of you exhibits and recognize that Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} would not be successful in changing children's lives if it weren't for each & every one of you.

As I said, 2007 was a very eventful year! Here are just a few of the highlights:

- We are very please to announce that Dr. John Burns graciously agreed to join our Board of Directors - welcome aboard Dr. Burns!
- In addition to Dr. Jay Burns and Dr. John Burns, Dr. Steve Byrd, Dr. Richard Ha and Dr. Craig Hobar have all donated their surgical expertise to children sponsored by the Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®}. Thank you all!
- We were able to assist 2 kiddos from out of the area that need treatment for their vascular malformations: Axel, who was from the Philippines, and Logan, whose family is from Texas but currently resides in Guatemala as his parents are missionaries there. Unfortunately, though we were able to assist Axel in his journey to be evaluated by Dr. Jay Burns, he was unable to be treated here and was referred to a specialist in sclerotherapy. As for Logan, we are currently sponsoring him for treatment of a very widespread & severe port-wine stain (his family travels here from Guatemala every couple of months for his scheduled treatment). You can view pictures of Logan (and his beautiful smiling face!) with his mom, as well as read the very gracious than you note she wrote, on our "Testimonials" page. Also…..
- The Children's Miracle Network referred a family from South Dakota to us. Luke, the family's baby boy, was in severe need of a STAR Band/helmet. His parents paid for most of the cost in order to get their son the help he required, however, as with all of our parents, though they work very hard, the family was struggling to pay the balance they owed (dad is a farmer, mom works part-time and they have young daughter as well). They were exceptionally grateful & we are proud to have been able to help Luke & his family. We are excited that families, not only in Texas but in other areas of the world as well, are learning about Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®}!
- Last fall, we were able to sponsor our first child in need of cleft palate surgery. Little Brianna had her first surgery in September and is due for her second (and hopefully final) surgery this summer. Her parents are very young and though dad is employed, the family does not have health insurance.
- We entered into a contract with Orthomerica Products, Inc. and STAR Cranial Center of Excellence allowing us to: 1) provide STAR Band helmets to 10 children per year at a deeply discounted rate
2) provide head scans (at cost) for over 200 children per year whose parents cannot afford to pay for them.
- Blake & I were able to visit the Orthomerica plant in Orlando this year. We were treated to a very interesting & extremely informative tour, which left us in awe of the company's capability to provide services to both children & adults. We hope to continue our relationship with them for many years to come.
- Most importantly, in the 5 ½ years since Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} was founded, we have been able to change the lives of almost 100 children!!

As for other important Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} news, we are very, very busy planning for our 5th Annual Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} Polo Match! Please join us Saturday, June 14 along with our very special guest MC, WFAA Channel 8's news reporter, Steve Stoler and his family! Steve graciously agreed to lend his professional talents to our event this year and we couldn't be happier! In addition to the exciting polo match, there will be a delicious seafood feast provided by Two Rows Catering, ice cold refreshments, our fabulous silent auction, ½ time champagne divot stomp and numerous games and activities (including a bounce house!) for kiddos of all ages. We have a special treat planned for our live entertainment this year: "Shield's Steel", a steel drum ensemble comprised entirely of exceptionally talented students from Donald T. Shields Elementary School in Red Oak, has enthusiastically offered to provide us with some beautiful Caribbean steel drum music before & after the match! Please plan on arriving early (gates open at 5pm, the polo match begins at 6pm) or staying a bit afterwards (the match will end at approximately 8pm) to enjoy the music! This is a great way to celebrate Father's Day and support a worthwhile cause at the same time!

5th Annual Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} Polo Match
Saturday, June 14th
"Our Dad's - The Perfect Catch!"
Rain Date: Saturday, June 28th

Gates open at 5pm
(preview auction items, enjoy live music, hear the rules of polo)

Match begins at 6pm

Seafood feast served 5-7pm
(Adults: delicious fish tacos, black beans, cole slaw & all the fixin's; Children under 12: fish sticks and french fries)

Half-time champagne divot stomp 6:45-7pm
Live music after the match (approximately 7:45 - 9pm)

Tasty and unique alcoholic beverages will be available for you to experience throughout the evening
(Tony from Leblon will be on hand to create his VERY yummy caipirinhas!)

Non-alcoholic beverages (ice cold water and sodas) will also be available for purchase

Cost is: Adults: $35 w/seafood feast & $25 w/out seafood feast
Children under 12: $15 w/seafood feast & $10 w/o seafood feast

For more information or to purchase tickets, please give us call at 972.208.8813 or send us an email at blakestock100@hotmail.com with your address and we'll be happy to send you an invitation!

That's it for now…..check our "Upcoming Events" page for a list of a few of the exciting auction items we will feature at the polo match!

Holly

July 14, 2007
We are proud to announce that our 1st Ever Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} Online Auction was a huge success! The rain didn't hamper THIS fundraising effort: we raised over $3000 - and had fun doing it! A BIG thanks to all who participated - we hope you enjoy your prizes! Below is a list of the lucky (and very generous!) owners/winners.

Proud Owners/Winners and their FABULOUS Prizes!

Susan Blue: New Balance Men's Work Out & $100 G.C.

Tommy & Dianne Newman: Master's Memorabilia & Round of Golf at Oakmont Country Club

MaryLee Bergwall: Day & Night at the Shops at Legacy in Plano

Belinda Orland: Stephan Pyles (Lunch for 4)

Blake Stock: Coordinating Men's & Women's ADIDAS

Alan Hardin:Texas Sports Package

Doris Van Horn: Romantic Dinners Saturdays for a month

Carol Rennesund: Tiffany Cushion Necklace

Allison Santa Maria: Pink Turquoise & Silver Necklace

Edmund Dabrowski: James Avery Silver Fisher's of Men Bracelet

Alan Hardin: Romantic Getaway at Hotel Crescent Court

Blake Stock: 5 Course Gourmet Dinner for 8 Prepared by Chef Mark McDaniel

Tommy & Dianne Newman: SW Air TIX and 3 nights at Hilton Torrey Pines

Becky Cook: Handpainted Women's Sandals

Keely Joseph: Black Leather Fossil Hobo

Becky Cook: Brown Leather Fossil Hobo

Edmund Dabrowski: Silhouette Women's Amber/Brown Sunglasses

Alan Hardin: Silhouette Women's Black/Grey Sunglasses

Alan Hardin: Silhouette Men's Brown/Grey Sunglasses

July 13, 2007 Online Private Bidding Auction Items

Men's New Balance Work-out Apparel (5-pce/SZE Large) $100 Gift Certificate to any New Balance Store www.newbalance.com Value: $250 Minimum Starting Bid: $75 2007 Master's Memorabilia Round of Golf for 4 at Oakmont Country Club in Corinth www.oakmontclub.com Value: $300 Minimum Starting Bid: $50 Shops At Legacy in Plano: Solitaires Diamond Shop ($50) Blinc ($25) Angelika Movie Theatre (2 Tickets) Friday or Saturday Night Stay at Marriott Legacy Town Center www.marriott.com Value: $240 Minimum Starting Bid: $75 Stephan Pyles Restaurant Lunch for 4 www.stephanpyles.com Value: $100 Minimum Starting Bid: $25 Coordinating HIS (2-pce/SZE Large) & HERS (3-pce/SZE Med) ADIDAS Work-out Apparel www.adidas.com Value: $240 Minimum Starting Bid: $75 Lauren's Design's Beautifully Handcrafted Unique Sterling Silver & Pink Turquoise Necklace Value: $200 Minimum Starting Bid: $50 James Avery Silver Fisher's of Men Ichthus Bracelet www.jamesavery.com Value: $180 Minimum Starting Bid: $50 Romantic Getaway One Night Stay at the Luxurious Hotel Crescent Court in Dallas Including Breakfast www.crescentcourt.com Value: $625 Minimum Starting Bid: $200 Fabulous Gourmet 5 Course Dinner for 8 Prepared and Served in Your Home by Renowned Chef Mark McDaniel of ReMARKable Affairs www.remarkableaffairs.com Value: Priceless Minimum Starting Bid: $200 Exclusive Daniel Swarovski Crystal Women's Eyewear Melange Model S572 in Olivine Zero Occlusion Swarovski Crystals and 23 Carat Gold www.daniel-swarovski.com Value: $650 Minimum Starting Bid: $300 Escape the Texas Heat (or rain!) SW Airlines (2 Tickets to any SW Destination) www.southwest.com 3 Nights at Hilton La Jolla Resort at Torrey Pines www.hilton.com (Tickets & Hotel May be Used Separately) Value: over $1400 Minimum Starting Bid: $500

Romantic Dinner Every Saturday for a Month! Maguire's Regional Cuisine www.maguiresdallas.com Maggiano's www.maggianos.com Mi Cocina www.mcrowd.com Ruggeri's www.ruggerisrestaurant.net Value: $235 Minimum Starting Bid: $50 Beautiful Tiffany & Co. Silver Cushion Necklace www.tiffany.com Value: $175 Minimum Starting Bid: $50 Texas Sports Package Dallas Stars Eric Lindros Postcard & Autographed Puck www.dallasstars.com Dallas Mavericks Devin Harris Autographed 8x10 Photo www.nba.com/mavericks Texas Rangers Baseball Club (4 Tickets to any game) www.texas.rangers.mlb.com Cowboys Golf Club ($50 off round of golf for 4) www.cowboysgolfclub.com FC Dallas Soccer (4 Tickets to any game) www.fc.dallas.mlsnet.com Value: $475 Minimum Starting Bid: $100 Annette's Touch of Class Handpainted Women's Sandals SIZE 7 www.annettestouchofclass.com Value: $80 Minimum Starting Bid: $25 Black Fossil Brand Leather Hobo www.fossil.com Value: $150 Minimum Starting Bid: $30 Brown Fossil Brand Leather Hobo www.fossil.com Value: $150 Minimum Starting Bid: $30 Silhouette Brand Sunglasses (Bid separately) 1 Pair Women's Black/Grey 1 Pair Women's Amber/Brown 1 Pair Men's Brown/Grey www.silhouette.com Value: $300 each Minimum Starting Bid: $50 each Exquisite 8x10 Imperial Portrait Session From Gittings Studios Includes Gittings Design Consultation, Family Portrait Session (on Location or in Studio) and an 8x10 Imperial Portrait www.gittings.com Value: $640 Minimum Starting Bid: $300 Assumptions: Retail values listed for auction items are based on information provided by person or company making donation. These values are accepted in good faith by Share A Smile™ and Share A Smile™ in no way assumes responsibility for said values. These values are for purpose of bidding, not for resale or appraisal purposes.

July 1, 2007

The 4th Annual Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} Polo Match
has been cancelled……

Well, Mother Nature has not been cooperative at all this year! The polo club contacted us late in the day on June 28 to inform us they will be cancelling the remainder of the polo season. This decision was made due to the large amount of water damage and standing water on the polo grounds. Obviously this means we will be unable to proceed with our 4th Annual Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} Polo Match.

As you know, we have some fabulous auction and raffle items ready to be bid on. We are planning to hold an "Online Private Bidding Auction" in which you will have the opportunity to purchase some of these amazing prizes! Given our luck lately, we feel Friday, July 13th is an appropriate date to conduct this exciting event!

Below is a list of the items you will have the opportunity to bid on. If you are interested in any of these items, please call us or send us your email address as soon as possible. Prior to the 13th we will email those of you who have expressed an interest in any of these items. We will outline ALL of the details at that time.

Obviously, our inability to proceed with our major fundraiser will affect our ability to assist children in the coming year. This will not only impact the number of new applicant children we will be able to sponsor for treatment, but also those we are currently sponsoring and are in the process of treatment. Please consider making a donation and/or participating in our auction on Friday the 13th!

Thank you all for your support and understanding - we appreciate each and every one of you.

Sincerely,
Blake & Holly Stock
Founders
Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®}
4572 Turnberry Ct.
Plano, TX 75024
972.208.8813/972.567.8191
www.shareasmilefoundation.org
blakestock100@hotmail.com
The Share A Smile™ Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation
ID #02-0649608

May 20, 2007

Want to share a wonderful story with you all….in March we received an email from Jessica & Francesca - two 8th graders who live in Maryland. The girls explained that they were going to organize a community service project for one of their classes and asked if it would be possible for Share A Smile™ to be the beneficiary of the funds they raised. They told us "the reason why is because I find that what you guys are doing for the kids and the families...is completely wonderful...and very helpful." Needless to say, we were very moved by the gesture.

We spoke with both girls by phone at the beginning of April about the details of the fundraiser & sent them brochures to display. They were required to submit a written proposal to the principal for approval prior to organizing the fundraiser. Just this week we received an email from Jessica & Francesca announcing they had raised over $369 to benefit Share A Smile™! In addition to selling 500 homemade cupcakes decorated with "SMILES", they also baked and sold 360 cookies and 7 dozen Rice Krispies treats! They also baskets of goodies they raffled off and even persuaded the local Dairy Queen & Dominoes to donate coupons!

We are very proud of these two young ladies and their very hard work. Their initiative is inspiring. In a day when we hear many negative reports about the young people in our society, these types of stories should give us all hope about the future! The funds these girls were able to raise will make a difference in a child's life. Click on this link to see pictures of Jessica & Francesca's very successful fundraising efforts.

Thank you Jessica & Francesca!

January 8, 2007
As you all know, our goal is to help children whose parents are employed but do not have insurance coverage for the needed treatment nor are they eligible for Medicaid/CHIP. Last Spring we met with Dr. Burns and his staff at the Fogelson Plastic & Craniofacial Surgery Center for Children in order to assess the need for financial assistance for other medical disfigurements in addition to vascular malformations. One medical problem we found we could easily assist families with is plagiocephaly (head shape deformity). Because insurance companies and Medicaid often consider plagiocephaly a cosmetic issue, treatment is not covered until there are developmental, vision, hearing or other delays. Just last month we became aware of Dallas family with infant triplets in need of headbands to correct plagiocephaly.

When Valarie and Hilario's triplets were born in May of 2006, they quickly realized they had encountered a problem commonly associated with multiple births. Cramped quarters in the womb had caused all three babies to have unique forms of plagiocephaly, or head shape deformities. After the parents realized their babies' problems wouldn't disappear on their own, they decided to seek treatment at The Fogelson Plastic Surgery and Craniofacial Center for Children. Loa Borchert, a nurse at the Craniofacial Center for Children evaluated the babies, and then Dr. Hobar, Craniofacial Surgeon, referred the family to the STAR Cranial Center of Excellence in Dallas for headband treatment.

Although deformational plagiocephaly can affect developmental skills, vision, and alignment of jaws and facial features, the family's insurance company still considered the triplets' conditions a cosmetic issue and opted not to cover treatment. In desperate need to pay for treatment --- times three, they turned to the Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} . Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} approved the family's application and paid for 2 of the helmets; The STAR Cranial Center of Excellence & Orthomerica donated the third helmet. This is a great collaborative effort between a large corporation and a local nonprofit foundation that enabled treatment for a family who can't afford it. If the young family did not receive funding for the babies' headbands, it would cost them nearly $10,000 in out of pocket expenses.

"I don't know what we would have done without the Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} and Orthomerica," said Valarie, the triplet's mother. "The doctor was saying we had to treat them right away and we didn't even have enough money to pay for one baby."

Nancy Stinson, Clinical Services Manager at the STAR Cranial Center of Excellence, will used the Center's state-of-the-art STARscanner system to take a 1.5 second eye-safe scan of each baby's head shape. The scans were emailed to Orthomerica, where their STARbands were custom fabricated. The babies received their helmets in December, just before the holidays. Carol Martin (from Compass Bank) & I were fortunate enough to be able to be a part of this exciting day, meeting Valarie and Hilario and even getting to hold the babies. The family was gracious and very thankful for Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®}'s involvement.

A few facts about plagiocephaly:
Infant head shape deformities are a growing concern among parents today. An estimated 20 percent of babies are born with deformational plagiocephaly, and many newborns can develop flat spots during the first few months of life. There are a variety of different causes for deformational plagiocephaly, including cramped in utero conditions common in multiple-baby births, and increased time babies spend on their backs while sleeping and traveling in carriers. Fortunately, cranial remolding headband treatment is an effective, non-invasive solution for babies who start treatment between four and seven months of age. Headbands are worn for an average of three to four months. The triplets will need to visit the STAR Cranial Center of Excellence every few weeks for adjustments.

The triplets are the 4th, 5th and 6th children Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} has provided helmets for. We are so pleased to be able to help hard working families like Valarie and Hilario and we can only do it with your help. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in the Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} ! For more information about plagiocephaly and it's treatment, please visit www.starcranialcenter.com , www.starbandkids.com or www.orthomerica.com.

Up next: Mark your calendars!
The 4th Annual Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} Polo Match Fundraising Event will be held on Father's Day, June 17th, 2007 at the Las Colinas Polo Club. Check back for more details!

"I WOULD JUST LIKE TO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR DONATING THE HELMETS TO MY TRIPLETS...HOPEFULLY YOU GET THESE PICS...THANK YOU AGAIN.
VALARIE AND HILARIO
PICS ARE IN THIS ORDER TABITHA, OLIVIA, AND HILARIO IV "

July 25, 2006

Time for another much-needed update!

We have been very busy with fundraisers, applications for kiddos in need of treatment and the daily maintenance required to keep a growing non-profit foundation going. We held both our 2nd Annual Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} Hole-in-One Putting Contest/HUMMER Giveaway and our 3rd Annual Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} Polo Match fundraisers in June so July has been a bit of a "housekeeping" month - getting everything filed and put away in it's proper place. Both fundraising events were VERY successful - you can read all about them, as well as view some pictures from each, on our "Events" page.

A couple of extremely exciting happenings in the fundraising department in addition to the events mentioned above: a generous person in Chicago contacted us regarding sponsoring a child in a friends' name and a large family foundation, the Graziadio Family Foundation, contacted us requesting information about Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®}in order to determine whether to make a substantial donation to our foundation.

In both instances we were obviously very honored to be considered for these types of donations and thrilled that we are becoming known in other parts of the nation (we have previously been contacted by families in other states and countries regarding treatment options, but not for donation purposes).

We were happy to apply the donated funds from Chicago to our newest patient, Stephanie, who will require extensive surgery (including a tissue expander) to repair a congenital nevus on the left side of her face. This is the first time we have had funds earmarked for a specific child and sponsorship given as a gift to someone. We hope to see more of both!

Immediately following our polo match, we received a call from a gentleman representing the Graziadio Family Foundation (though at the time we did not realize this & thought he was simply someone interested in Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®}). He requested detailed information about Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} including how the money is disbursed, the application process, the origin of the foundation, etc. Last week, we received a very touching letter along with a check for a substantial donation from the Graziadio Family Foundation. The Graziadio Family Foundation was originated by George & Reva Graziadio many years ago, and over the years they have contributed to numerous organizations with an emphasis in education & medical research & support. George Graziadio passed away in 2002, however his wife, their children and grown grandchildren continue the tradition of giving to causes they deem worthy.

Needless to say, we have been extremely touched emotionally by the generosity exhibited in both of these instances and promise to continue to use these and all future donations with the utmost discretion: for the treatment of children who, without our help, would have to continue to live with their malformations.

In other news, a meeting with the staff of The Fogelson Center last Spring, concluded with all deciding that there are many children in need of treatment that do not necessarily have vascular malformations. Therefore, we have decided to consider applications for treatment for children not only with vascular malformations, but also with other malformations/conditions not covered by insurance and/or Medicaid/CHIPS. This has led to 4 new applications in the last 2 months. As with other Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} sponsored children, these children have hard working parents and no other options for funding for the needed treatment. To view pictures of all of the children we are currently sponsoring for treatment, please visit our "Before & After Pictures" page.

That's it for now! As always, we appreciate each and every one of you who supports Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} - whether you do it with kind and encouraging words, with your time or with monetary donations. Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} would not be successful in impacting children's lives without your help!

February 2006, "Share A Cup With A Soldier" update.....

We had a very exciting visitor this week!.....SSG Frank Sarratt is a local soldier stationed in Baghdad and one of the recipients of the coffee donated by Plano residents for the "Share A Cup With A Soldier" project we coordinated with Starbucks back in the Fall. SSG Sarratt was home on leave for 2 weeks and wanted to personally thank some of the children who wrote thank you letters to the troops, so he contacted Vi at the Starbucks store as well as staff at the local elementary school responsible for many of the notes. Before he left Baghdad, SSG Sarratt put together a slide show, accompanied by music, of some of the men and women he works with drinking the coffee and reading the notes. He came to the school this week to present the show, answer questions and let the kiddos know how much of an impact their notes had on him and his fellow soldiers. The presentation was very touching and the students were able to see first hand that they made a difference in the soldiers lives. We all enjoyed meeting SSG Sarratt and his wife, Dominica, and appreciate the time he took out of his precious two week leave to personally thank those involved with the project. SSG Sarratt has 6 more months to serve before he returns home.....we wish him and his troops the best and will keep them in our prayers each day.

If you would like to see pictures of his visit to the school, check out the link on our "Events and Media" page!
Linda Stewart Ball from the Dallas Morning News came out to cover the visit and plans to run the story with pictures in the weekend edition of the paper, so if you live in the DFW area look for the article!

January 7, 2006

Wow - time flies - Happy New Year!! So much has happened since our last update, I'm not sure where to begin, but I'll do my best!

One of the most exciting happenings is that the Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} is now in the process of putting together an official Marketing team!!! Our foundation goal is to grow so we can help even more children in need of our services, and in order to do this properly, we realized we needed to call in the experts! Blake & I, along with all of those involved closely with the Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®}, love the foundation and are very passionate about our mission, however we do not have the time or expertise to market the foundation effectively. In October, the Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} joined the Volunteer Center of North Texas in hopes of finding the assistance we so desperately need. The Volunteer Center placed ads for us in the local newspapers and almost immediately we began to receive responses. We are putting together a wonderful small group of volunteers willing to dedicate their time and expertise to help the Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} grow to it's potential. Each of the volunteers who will be working with the foundation has a unique set of experiences and ideas, all of which I am certain will benefit the foundation tremendously.

In other news…….Belinda Ruggeri is working on a fundraising event to be held at the of January at the Vineyards New and Antique Mall here in Plano, with the Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} as the beneficiary of the funds raised. Please visit the "Events" page on the website for more specific information. We are excited that Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} has been chosen as the mall's "charity of choice" for all fundraising activities held at their facility! The events page also has pictures from our most recent fundraising event in which we partnered with local Starbuck's stores to collect coffee and "thank you" letters for soldiers overseas. Check it out!

The Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} is also a finalist for the opportunity to partner with renowned advertising agency Leo Burnett. As the most awarded agency at the Effie awards for 4 straight years, Leo Burnett USA is the "Most Effective Agency in America". They have helped build many of the world's most valuable brands, including McDonald's, Disney, Proctor & Gamble, Altoids, Kellogg, Nintendo and the U.S. Army. Leo Burnett is seeking a nonprofit partner as a prospective client partner they can grow "into a powerful and recognized brand". It is a nationwide contest so there are many applications - keep your fingers crossed for us!

Most importantly, several of our patients have been in for treatments these past few months. Some have had as many as 3 treatments or surgeries. We are currently treating 6 patients - with 2 having completed their treatments. Let's keep up the momentum! Please help us spread the word that we have funds to begin treatment on several more children in need!

Thank you for your interest in the Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®}!

Holly & Blake Stock

March 8, 2005

Time for a much needed update on our kiddos!

Jacqueline - our very first patient - continues to progress well with her treatments. She is scheduled for her 4th procedure this month and there has been marked improvement in the appearance of her port-wine stain. Jacqueline, who will be 16 in June, continues to do well in school - her favorite classes are Art & Computer.

A little background on Jacqueline: while receiving her first treatment at the clinic last year, her blood pressure was found to be dangerously high. Immediately following the procedure, Jacqueline was admitted to Children's Medical Center, where she remained for 4 days before doctors there were able to lower her blood pressure & figure out what was causing it to be so high. They discovered that her blood pressure had been high for so long that it was causing Jacqueline's kidneys to fail - she was diagnosed with chronic renal insufficiency - and one of her kidneys had to be removed. Jacqueline currently takes 2 medications to lower her blood pressure as it is still very high and her doctors are trying to prevent any further damage to her remaining kidney. She sees her doctor regularly and her health is stable at this time.

We are all grateful that Jacqueline's condition was recognized when it was. Had she not been in for treatment of her port-wine stain, her health may have deteriorated to the point where both of her kidneys would have to be removed and she would have to rely on dialysis....or worse. We'll be sure to keep you updated on Jacqueline's health.

As for our other kiddos.....Mary-Allison required only the one treatment and, Austin, along with Jacqueline, is scheduled for treatment this month. We had a new patient, Lesly, who is a year & a half old, in for treatment in February, and we have one new patient scheduled this month: Delanie, who will be 4 in May. We also have applications pending for 2 more kiddos in need of treatment! As with Jacqueline, Austin & Mary-Allison, all have parents who are working hard but do not have insurance or Medicaid/CHIP coverage for their child's needed treatment.

We have been very busy planning our 2nd Annual Polo Match. It will be held on Mother's Day, May 8th, at the Las Colinas Polo Club. If you live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, we would love for you to join us! Check out the "Events" section of this site for more information, or feel free to give us a call.

One last, very important note: Dr. Jay Burns partner at the Fogelson Plastic & Craniofacial Clinic, Dr. John Burns (no relation) has generously volunteered to provide treatment for some of our kiddos! As with Dr. Jay, he will provide his services free of charge. We are eternally grateful to both of these caring & extremely generous doctors! Without them, the Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®} would not exist and the children you read about above would not have the options they have for treatment.

Thanks for taking the time to check out our website and read a little about us!

Holly & Blake

July 28, 2004

We have a couple of things to update you all on. Firstly, our 14 year-old patient, Jacqueline, has undergone her 2nd treatment for the port-wine stain that covers part of her face. We are happy to report that her treatment is going well and she continues to have a wonderful, positive attitude!

Secondly, we have been able to begin treatment on two other patients: a two year-old boy named Austin and a 17 year-old girl named Mary Allison. Both have port-wine stains that will require several treatments, but initial results are favorable. As with Jacqueline, they have parents who work hard but do not have insurance to cover their medical treatments, nor do they qualify for CHIPS.

We'll continue to keep you posted on Jacqueline, Austin and Mary Allison's progress. Again, we want to thank all of you who have contributed to the Share A Smile Foundation^{TM ®}. Without your generosity, Jacqueline, Austin and Mary Allison would not have the opportunity to have their malformations treated. You are making a difference in a childs life!

Blake & Holly

August 25, 2003

To Combined Group staff and contributors:
I wanted to bring you up to speed on current events of the SASF. We've had much behind the scenes activity, which was caused primarily by a newly elected director of Children's Medical Center. As you may recall Children's had agreed to provide their facilities for SASF at cost. The newly elected director insisted upon contracting our agreement. This has now been finalized.

We are happy to inform you that we can actually 'share a smile' with one of the candidate patients Dr. Burns talked about last December. Her name is Jacqueline. She is a 14-year-old straight-A student who has a port wine stain on the entire right side of her face. After her initial consultation with Dr. Burns in November, her family stayed behind until all other patients had left, to thank him once again for seeing their daughter. The father is a painter and earns too much money to qualify for CHIPS or Medicaid, but not enough money to afford insurance for his family.

This past week Dr. Burn's office telephoned Jacqueline's mother and informed her that treatment of her daughter's birthmark may be scheduled. She was extremely thankful that such a blessing was bestowed upon her. Jacqueline's first surgery (as it may require more than one) has been posted for December 10th. As Dr. Burn's office identifies other qualified candidates they also will be scheduled for treatment. I will keep you informed as things progress. Thank you once again for all of the hard work you have put into this. It has taken a long time to get this far, but the rewards are just beginning. Through your hard work, determination, and contributions we are actually able to make a real difference in this child's (and others) life.

God bless,

Blake.

August 4, 2003

I am happy to inform you that we were actually able to 'share a smile' today with one of our patients. Jacqueline is a 14-year-old straight-A student who has a port wine stain to her right temple. After her initial consultation with Dr. Burns in November, her family stayed behind until all the other patients had left, to thank him once again for seeing their daughter. The father is a painter and earns too much money to qualify for CHIPS or Medicaid, but not enough money to afford insurance for his family.

Through your hard work, determination, and contributions, we were able to telephone Jacqueline's mother today and inform her that we can now treat her daughter's birthmark. She was extremely thankful that such a blessing was bestowed upon her.

Jacqueline's first surgery has been posted for December 10th but hopefully we can operate sooner if Dr. Burns schedule opens up. I will keep you informed as things progress. Thank you once again for all of the hard work you have put into this. It has taken a long time to get this far, but the rewards are just beginning.

Julie Cadena, BS, RN
Childrens Medical Center of Dallas
Plastic Surgery & Vascular Anomalies