Dr. Lorne Lavine Dental Technology Consultants Printer Friendly Version

Dentists Climb For A Cause

My good friend Danny Bobrow’s day job as president of American Dental Marketing is helping dentists grow their practices. Since 1994, he has also directed an intriguing and vital organization called Climb for a Cause whose purpose has been to raise funds and provide services for those in need of dental care. In founding and running Climb for a Cause, Danny has been able to simultaneously indulge his four passions of dentistry, the outdoors, fitness, and giving back. In the process, he has adapted Ben Franklin’s sage advice and made it his own: “Do well by doing good...and having fun.”

Each year, Climb for a Cause selects a special venue for an exhilarating Labor Day weekend series of events, culminating in a challenging hike. I’m proud to say I have supported and participated in nearly every event since CFAC was founded - my only challenge has been the fact my now three year old son’s birthday often falls on that weekend.  The destination and itinerary for 2010 are special indeed: the incomparably beautiful area in Oregon known as the Three Sisters Region.

The itinerary, subject to slight revision, includes:

• Tuesday, August 31st: participants arrive
• Wednesday - Saturday, September 1st-4th: Mountain Biking, Kayaking, Moonlight Canoeing, Rock Climbing (at world renown Smith Rock) and Caving
• Sunday, September 5th: Summit attempt of one of the Three Sisters, followed by gala post-hike celebration and awards ceremony
• Monday, September 6th(Labor Day)

To me, the beauty of this enterprise is how it offers dentists’ and their teams a way to give back, while growing the practice and having fun at the same time. 

For practices who are unable to physically attend the Annual Event, they can demonstrate their commitment to philanthropy by volunteering for one of the DCFAC-supported dental education and treatment projects (in 2010, trips are planned in Guatemala and Nepal) as well as become a “Branch Practice” of the newly rolled-out Smile Tree. To join the latter, practices need only donate a dollar per exam, in exchange for which they receive a plaque signifying their status as a Branch Practice of The Smile Tree, as well as lapel buttons, press releases, regular updates on how funds are being used, and a number of benefits.

Speaking of benefits, and in keeping with his ‘win win’ credo, Danny has arranged for all DCFAC Supporters to receive:

• Deeply discounted online C.E. courtesy of www.DentalEDU.tv  I particularly like this recent innovation as, in the past, C.E. was offered during the Annual Event which, while convenient, meant that much less time was left to enjoy the surroundings and partake in the available activities
• DCFAC Only Specials offered by Loyal Team Rewards and Loyal Patient Rewards
• Gifts and assistance, courtesy of a number of other dental organizations that are being added all the time.

Of course, I offer all “DCFACers” free telephone-based consulting.

Although no experience of any kind is required, those planning to participate in the events can expect to be challenged physically.  Speaking from my own experience, I will share that having a specific goal can be an excellent impetus to maintaining or improving one’s physical conditioning. The events themselves offer an unsurpassed blend of spectacular scenery, invigorating exercise and outstanding camaraderie. 

And don’t expect this to be a ‘boy’s club’ either. The split between male and female is usually near parity. So, boys and girls, I hope you’ll consider helping Danny Bobrow, president of American Dental Marketing and founder of Climb for a Cause. Remember, you don’t need to physically climb to climb for a cause.  You can join the Smile Tree, or be a “virtual climber” like Scott Emalfarb, D.D.S. did. His August, 2009 Party With A Purpose raised nearly $3,000 supporting Climb for a Cause.

Fund-raising parties can be a terrific way to strengthen relationships with current patients and generate valuable exposure to prospective patients. Studies show that consumers are more likely to support a company or organization that is associated with a worthy cause than one that is not.  Moreover, the mountains have a healthy, adventurous cachet that will likely enhance the image of any organization involved with these events.

Challenging economic times can exact a disproportionate toll on the underprivileged, as charitable donations are often the first expenditure targeted by cost-cutting businesses.   Fortunately, supporting Climb for a Cause allows a dental practice to grow its business while still giving something back to those who are so deeply in need. 

Lorne Lavine, DMD is the Founder and President of Dental Technology Consultants. Dr. Lavine holds two prestigious certifications, the A+ Certified Technician designation and the Network+ Certified Professional. These designations demonstrate proficiency in computer repair, operating systems, network design and installation. Dental Technology Consultants provides dentists a full range of services relating to the implementation of technology.

Interested in having Dr. Lavine speak to your dental society or study club? Click here. Dr. Lavine can be reached at drlavine@thedentistsnetwork.net.

Hear Dr. Lavine’s FREE podcasts at The Dentist’s Network - HERE

Forward this article to a friend.