By: Juli Metzger—
Muncie, IN—Rosenthall Orthodontics in Muncie has found a unique way to support United Way of Delaware and Henry Counties during the month of September.
Dr. Mark Rosenthall came up with the idea before the start of this year’s United Way fundraising campaign.
“He really wanted to find a way to give back to an organization that gives so much to our community,” said Lisa Peters, outreach coordinator for the office.
This year, Rosenthall Orthodontics is donating 5 percent of treatment fees (up to $500) of all new patients during this month. That means new patients who schedule free consultations and then begin treatments – braces, for example – during September will have 5 percent of those fees donated to the United Way.
“Dr. Rosenthall gives back each year to organizations,” Peters said. “And this year, he decided to do something special for the United Way.”
Jenni Marsh, Chief Executive Officer for United Way of Delaware and Henry Counties, said its creative giving like this that is appealing to today’s small business owners.
“There are so many ways to make a difference,” Marsh said. “This is the kind of thing that encourages employee and customer involvement and helps meet community needs, too.”
Today, nearly half of Delaware County households live in poverty or are one crisis away from it. It’s often a vicious generational cycle. These working families face obstacles in reaching health, education, and financial stability.
To conquer generational poverty, UWDHC has adopted the bold goal that by 2024 all third graders will be reading at grade level—the single greatest indicator of a child’s success in school and life. Delaware County’s campaign contributions will be strategically invested in local programs to help put children on a pathway out of poverty through better educational outcomes.
“It blew my mind,” she said. “What they are doing for our community is powerful and heart- driven. They are truly dedicated to making our community and better place to live and work.”
It’s important for Rosenthall Orthodontics, she added, to make sure the United Way has the resources to keep that good work going.
“United Way’s focus on youth is one of the reasons why we love them so much,” Peters said. “The youth in our community, that’s our future. If we want a bright future, we all need to put our time and energy into helping them as much as we can.”
About United Way of Delaware and Henry CountiesUnited Way of Delaware and Henry Counties focusing resources on education, health, and financial stability. The non-profit fights to create lasting change in community conditions. With its bold goal to reach grade-level reading by 2024, United Way works to help children read at or above grade level by the end of their third-grade year. Learn more at invitedtoliveunited.org.
