Dental student members of the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (UKCD) are ramping up for their largest annual fundraiser of the year—the Strut Your Smile Charity Fashion Show and Silent Auction. Proceeds from the event will benefit the women of GreenHouse17, an advocacy agency serving 17 counties in Kentucky, committed to ending intimate partner abuse in families. 

Marilyn Monroe underscored the importance of a smile when she said, “A smile is the best makeup any girl can wear.” Through the Strut Your Smile event, AAWD members are able to help return smiles, and confidence, to woman who have experienced harm by an intimate partner. 

“Last year, AAWD was able to raise $14,000 to support the care of 20 women. Funds were used to provide treatments such as complete dentures, fillings, crowns, and necessary surgical procedures,” shares Ashley Arnao, UKCD DMD Class of 2020 and AAWD UK chapter president. “This is the 13th year for our event, an unlucky number, but we’re feeling confident that we’ll raise the funding needed to be able to help woman who are waiting to have their dental care needs addressed.”  

Sponsored by First Merchants Bank, German American Bank, Roberts Insurance and Investments, and the UK College of Dentistry Alumni Association, this year’s Strut Your Smile event will be held at the Woodford Reserve Room at Kroger Field on Friday, September 20. Doors open at 7 pm, and tickets are available onsite, $25 per person or $40 for two. 

Attendees will hear from Arnoa and a representative of Greenhouse17 will speak on behalf of the woman who benefit from their services. The master of ceremonies will be the college’s own Dr. David Thornton, associate dean for clinical affairs, and UKCD alumni Dr. Josh Diamond of Diamond Dental will serve as DJ. UKCD students, faculty, staff, and younger family members will model the latest fashions on the runway, including pieces by KY for KY, Gap, Steel Mill & Co., Cotton Patch, Francesca’s, Pirie, and Simply Southern. 

While enjoying hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, attendees will also be able to bid on various silent auction items including eight all-inclusive vacation packages, private distillery tours, Kendra Scott Jewelry, Mammoth Cave tour tickets, and Keeneland prizes.