Delta Dental of Tennessee has launched its sixth annual holiday card campaign, pledging a collective $140,000 in donations to children’s hospitals across the state. Each of Tennessee’s seven children’s hospitals will receive at least $10,000 from Delta Dental, and the remaining $70,000 will be awarded based on public input.
This year’s holiday card features art by Dravyn, a patient at Vanderbilt Eye Institute. Dravyn had a head trauma that resulted in vision impairment as a child. Today, she is a healthy 14-year-old and aspires to be a ballerina with the American Ballet Theater one day.
“Drawing my little gnome and the Christmas decorations gave me a sense of accomplishment and made me smile from ear to ear,” said Dravyn. “Seeing them come to life is amazing, and I hope that this holiday cared makes others smile and feel the holiday cheer.”
“Children’s hospitals provide life-changing care for children like Dravyn and their families across Tennessee every day,” said Dr. Phil Wenk, CEO and president of Delta Dental of Tennessee.
“We are proud to share Dravyn’s story and her artistic talents this holiday season to highlight the critical role children’s hospitals play in our communities and to spread joy at the end of a difficult year,” Wenk said.
Many children’s hospitals are preparing to care for adult overflow patients this winter, as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surge, Delta Dental said.
While severe COVID-19 cases in children have been rare, children’s hospitals have felt the impact of the pandemic in other ways, including cancelled fundraising events that typically contribute millions of dollars each year and lost revenue due to lower patient volumes.
The 2020 holiday card campaign continues Delta Dental’s longstanding support for Tennessee children’s hospitals, the company said. Through its charitable arm, the Smile180 Foundation, it has contributed $3 million to support these hospitals since 2014, including more than $500,000 in 2020.
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