Devin Booker of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns has partnered with team dentist Dr. John Badolato of Studio B Smiles to support Special Olympics Arizona and provide up to $250,000 in free dental care to local athletes in need for the next 10 years.
“Devin Booker has made so many Phoenix Suns fans smile this year,” said Badolato, who also is the team dentist for the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball. “Now you can help him make many more local athletes in need have happier and healthier smiles too.”
When new patients who say “Book it!” while scheduling an appointment at either of Studio B Smiles’ offices in Scottsdale or Phoenix, Badolato will donate needed dental care for local Special Olympics athletes, including exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, Invisalign, and teeth whitening.
The initiative is part of Booker’s Starting Five program, which includes a $2.5 million pledge to local charities. The first class of the program included Special Olympics Arizona as well as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, UMOM New Day Centers, and Ability 360. Each received $100,000.
Last month, the program added five more groups: Arizona Autism United, Central Arizona Shelter Services, YMCA of Southern Arizona, GAP Ministries, and Elevate Phoenix. They also will receive $100,000 each.
“From the beginning of my career, it has been important for me to be involved with the Suns organization and the community here in Phoenix. The state of Arizona, and our fans, have supported me on and off the court, and I wanted to return the love,” said Booker.
“All of these organizations better the lives of the youth by giving them opportunities they need to succeed. I want to thank these organizations for allowing me the opportunity to help advance all of the work they’re doing in our community,” he said.
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