SAN JOSE, CA, November 17, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Orthodontist Dr. Stephen Yao of San Jose, CA collected 485 pounds of candy this year from his Halloween candy buyback program. Patients in his orthodontic practice, kids from local schools, and patients from dental practices in the area cashed in their treats to participate in the Braces for Pretty Faces annual charity program.
For the past five years, Dr. Yao has sponsored a local candy buyback program in San Jose CA. The doctor awards kids from his orthodontic practice and anyone who wants to join in from the community $1 for every pound of candy donated. The office matches dollar for dollar the total cash awards distributed and donates that amount to a local charity in the area.
"Halloween is a time where breakage of orthodontic appliances is common when kids Trick or Treat for candy they shouldn't eat while wearing braces." commented Dr. Yao. "Our candy buyback program not only provides resources for our nonprofit organizations in the area, school programs, and our troops, it is teaching children the rewards of random acts of kindness and generosity."
All candy collected is donated to the US troops. Chocolate candy is donated locally and the hard candy is sent to the troops overseas.
"Our patients ROCK when it comes to our candy buyback program and helping others." said Toni, a member of Dr. Yao's staff. "2009 was our best year! This just goes to show that when everybody pitches in a little bit, great things can happen."
This year, Dr Yao will give matching charitable donations to the Nike Animal Rescue Program (NRAF). The children at St. Justin's Elementary School teamed up and donated all their candy to the program to raise money to buy much needed supplies for their new Kindergarten program. Local dental practices in San Jose also participated and donated their cash to NRAF.
"And yes... it dramatically reduces orthodontic emergency appointments that are very common this time of year. Not only does it keep us on schedule for patients by eliminating unnecessary emergency appointments, students don't miss school to repair their damaged braces, and parents don't have to take off work to bring them in. It's a win... win for all!" added Dr. Yao.
Candy was collected at both Braces For Pretty Faces office locations in San Jose, CA the first week after Halloween. The money donated this year to the Nike Animal Rescue Program will go towards operation costs and other expenses. For more information about the nonprofit organization, visit: www.narfrescue.org
About Dr. Stephen Yao
Dr. Yao received his dental training from the renowned University of Hong Kong. After three and a half years of providing all phases of dentistry including endodontics, veneers, surgery and implants, Dr. Yao relocated to the U.S.
Dr. Yao obtained his US Dental Degree from the University of the Pacific at San Francisco International Program and was one of only five residents accepted into the University of the Pacific Orthodontics Specialty Program. He was awarded the Top Alumni Outstanding Research Award in 1994. After completing his post graduate degree in orthodontics, Dr. Yao started an orthodontic practice in San Jose, CA with two locations.
Currently Dr. Yao is one of the Top Ten Invisalign Premier Elite Treatment Providers in the world and is well-known for his philanthropic contributions to the local community. He sponsors local charity drives and events, conducts contests such as "Do a Good Deed," speaks at local schools and encourages fieldtrips to his office so kids can learn more about dentistry.
Learn More
"Braces for Pretty Faces" provides the latest in state-of-the art orthodontic care and Invisalign for adults, teens, and children. Dr Stephen Yao is one of the Top 10 Invisalign Premier Elite Treatment Providers in the World. Invisalign is the braceless alternative to straightening teeth and very popular with teens and adults who are uncomfortable with traditional braces.
To discover more about the services provided by San Jose, CA orthodontist Dr. Stephen Yao visit: www.smilebysanjoseorthodontist.com or www.bracesbysanjoseorthodontist.com. To schedule a complimentary new patient evaluation with Dr. Stephen Yao call 1-408-997-7772 for the 4010 Moorpark Avenue location in San Jose, CA or 1-408-997-7772 for the 6489 Camden Avenue Location in San Jose, CA.
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