ST. LOUIS, MO., November 9, 2011 … The Delta Dental Health Theatre’s second annual Great Candy Exchange event held Nov. 5 succeeded at its mission to encourage local children to exchange a portion of their overabundant stash of unopened candy for changes to win prizes during the free community event. A total of 1,104 pounds of candy were collected and will be sent to the troops, along with toothbrushes and toothpaste, through A Soldier’s Wish List. Ten-year-old twin sisters Lily and Meg Baylis of Ladue were awarded with the grand prize, an Xbox Kinect, which encourages healthy, active play.
Lily and Meg Baylis brought in a total of 72 pounds of candy, collected within three days with the help of their classmates atReedElementary Schoolin theLadueSchool District. The girls have decided to donate the gaming system to the Ronald McDonald House at3450 Park Avenue.
“Since it was not only their candy, but the whole school’s donation, the girls decided to donate the Xbox in the name ofReedSchool,” commented Laura Baylis, Lily and Meg’s mother. “After calling and researching many worthy causes, they have chosen the Ronald McDonald House, which primarily serves Cardinal Glennon Children’sMedicalCenter. Lily and Meg thought that the sick kids and their siblings could play with it on their long days away from home, especially with winter coming. Also, an east coast Ronald McDonald house helped our family when my cousin was a new baby. He is a very healthy two-year-old now, and we are all grateful to the Ronald McDonald House for helping the family.”
Over 250 local children attended the Great Candy Exchange event and enjoyed interactive games, face painting, balloon art, shows, a photo booth and hanging out with Delta Dental’s Tooth Wizard and PlaqueMan characters, as well as the Tooth Fairy, Buzz Lightyear, Dora the Explorer and Diego. All visiting children left with free toothbrushes, toothpaste, prizes and a better understanding of the importance of good dental health.
To learn more about the Delta Dental Health Theatre, its programming and community events, call
314-241-7391, visit www.ddhtstl.org or follow the theatre Twitter @YoucanToucan.
The Delta Dental Health Theatre was originally organized as a program under the Foundation of the Greater St. Louis Dental Society in 1977. In 2002, it was incorporated as an independent 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization. Six years ago, Delta Dental of Missouri became a major corporate sponsor supporting the theatre’s mission to improve the overall oral health and healthy habits of children and families. The theatre is located on Laclede’s Landing in the same building as the Old Spaghetti Factory.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Kelly Harris, The Hauser Group, (314) 436-9090
Shannon Woodcock , Delta Dental Health Theatre, (314) 241-7391