Groundbreaking Ceremony- Smiles for a Lifetime
A Gateway to Better Health and Brighter Futures for Hampton County Students.
On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Welvista’s Smile for a Lifetime celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Smiles for a Lifetime dental center, located at 713 Jackson Avenue West in Hampton, next to Hampton Elementary School. This new site will enhance the center’s visibility and accessibility, allowing us to serve additional students each day.
The afternoon was perfect for the groundbreaking ceremony, and we felt honored by the support from our community. Distinguished guests included: The Honorable Robert Brown – Mayor of Hampton. Dr. Roy Hollingsworth – Hampton County Council Chairman, Anthony Russell – Hampton County Sheriff, Dr. Ronald Wilcox – Superintendent of Hampton County Schools, representatives from the Hampton County School Board of Trustees, and local school principals.
The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from Smiles for a Lifetime COO, Georgia Famuliner, followed by an introduction from Welvista’s CEO, Juanita Wright. She expressed her privilege in witnessing the significant impact our dental centers have on students’ lives. She also highlighted the importance of addressing children’s oral health, which not only promotes a confident smile but also prevents chronic illnesses in adulthood.
Reverend Jack Hutto delivered an invocation, recalling the origins of the Smiles center in Hampton seven years prior. He emphasized the vital connection between good oral health and a student’s overall well-being. The school board ultimately approved the partnership, leading to the opening of the Hampton dental center at Varnville Elementary in 2017. Over the years, this center has diligently worked to alleviate dental pain and educate students about the significance of maintaining good oral health.
Dr. Ronald Wilcox shared a personal narrative about how dental health influenced his self-esteem during his youth, illustrating how poor dental conditions can affect a child’s confidence and learning capacity. He praised Georgia Famuliner and Welvista for their innovative leadership in establishing this much-needed facility, concluding with, “This is more than just a building – it is a gateway to better health and brighter futures for our students.”
The event concluded with a site dedication prayer led by Minister Charlie Grant, who also serves as the transportation coordinator for the Hampton dental center, followed by the ceremonial groundbreaking.
We are thrilled about the new dental center and the positive impact it will have on the students of Hampton County. Construction is set to start soon, with an estimated completion date in late summer 2025. Cook Design Studio, Inc. from Walterboro is the architect for the new center, and Priester Enterprises of the Lowcountry, Inc. will serve as the general contractor.
