Local companies champion children-centered causes

Business as usual? As you strolled down the aisle during your last trip to the supermarket, did you notice that some products have tweaked their packaging design to include the logo of a charity? Why? According to Cone Communications, a leader in marketing research, 79% of consumers said that they would switch from one brand to another if the latter was associated with a good cause. For example, the sales of Yoplait yogurt spiked during its ‘Save Lids To Save Lives’ campaign to benefit breast cancer research. When companies back a worthy cause, it’s a win-win-win! Cause marketing allows the company to communicate and connect with customers, consumers feel great by contributing to the mission and, of course, the social issue earns awareness and financial gain.

For some passionate executives, payroll now includes a pay it forward motto. Corporate support of charitable endeavors can be found everywhere ─ at the doctor’s office, on the playground, on television, and so on. Orlando Family Magazine salutes the many companies in Central Florida which are trading in a ‘strictly business’ policy for one inclusive of philanthropic promise, including these three local champions of children-centered causes.

Creating Smiles For A Lifetime

• Champion with a Cause: Dr. William Fravel, an Ocoee-based orthodontist, launched the West Orange chapter of Smile For A Lifetime ─ a non-profit organization that provides free pediatric orthodontic treatment, such as braces. Annually, a minimum of six treatment scholarships will be awarded to children who otherwise would not have access to orthodontic care due to financial hardship.

• Miracles of a Smile: “Braces can change the life of a child! I’ve encountered many young patients who profoundly wanted and needed braces; including those too embarrassed to smile or who smiled without showing their teeth and kids who were teased by others because of flawed dental appearances. It’s these desperate stories that inspired me to form this organization. It is extremely rewarding, of course, to see the joyful transformation of previously shy, embarrassed, or withdrawn children who can now proudly display their new, confident smiles following the treatment that we provided,” explains Dr. Fravel.

One required criterion set by the Board of Directors is that recipients must ‘pay it forward’ with an intention to help others through community service.  In fact, community outreach is a priority for Dr. Fravel’s practice with a specific goal to offer oral health education to children. By hosting office field trips and school lectures, Dr. Fravel shares proper brushing and flossing techniques and explains how the consumption of healthy foods benefits dental health, in addition to overall wellbeing. Do you know a child who deserves to Smile For A Lifetime? Help create smiles at DrFravel.com.

Proactively Fostering Play

• Champion with a Cause: Since 2006, Foresters, a life insurance provider, has invested over $7 million with KaBOOM! to build nearly 100 playgrounds across the U.S. and Canada. These playgrounds have provided more than 2.6 million children and their families with an opportunity to play.

• Why Foster Play?: “Foresters believes in providing opportunities for families to spend quality time together,” said Bruce Burak, National Sales Manager, US Branch, Foresters. “A playground can also be an important piece to revitalize a community. Not only does it provide a step toward keeping children healthy, but it’s a safe, central location for the entire neighborhood to gather.”

In November, dreams became reality for UCP of Central, a non-profit charter school and therapy center serving children with and without special needs. In less than eight hours, drawings designed by UCP’s children were transformed into a new, handicapped-accessible playground thanks to the craftsmanship of 200 volunteers from Foresters and KaBOOM!. The play space now serves 700 children and families at the UCP’s Winter Garden campus.

“Thanks to the collaboration of Foresters and KaBOOM!, UCP’s children are able to learn, grow, and play on the 2,500 square-foot playground with slides, swings, and accessible features for children of all abilities. It helps to provide therapeutic benefits for our children to reach their full potential,” said Dr. Ilene Wilkins, CEO/President of UCP of Central Florida. Keep up with Foresters community efforts surrounding KaBOOM!, Children’s Miracle Network, and Ronald McDonald House Charities at Foresters.com.

Backing Basic Needs

• Champion with a Cause: 9 Family Connection, WFTV Channel 9’s community outreach arm, now entering its 15^th year, partners with local non-profit organizations to champion basic needs and causes that impact area families including: hunger, homelessness, education, and the health of Central Florida’s children and families. Last year alone, through in-kind public service announcements, fundraising initiatives and events, 9 Family Connection donated more than $1 million in airtime to over 30 charities and helped to raise $10 million for the Heart of Florida United Way, Second Harvest Food Bank, Coalition for the Homeless, Special Olympics of Florida, Toys for Tots, American Cancer Society, and many more.

• Channeling TeleVISION: “Thanks to the leadership of 9 Family Connection’s partners — Central Florida Auto Dealers Association, Stanley Steemer, and Physicians United Plan — children are being fed, families are receiving aid in finding homes, and many community resources are available for those in need. WFTV is continually presenting non-profits, which are the lifeblood of our community, with much-needed exposure to increase awareness of various initiatives. WFTV is proud to directly support such efforts and equally grateful that our caring viewers offer their meaningful involvement when we ask,” said Shawn Bartelt, WFTV/WRDQ Vice President and General Manager. Get involved with fundraising challenges, events, or volunteer opportunities at 9Family.com.