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Wine & giving: "Sip for Smiles" event raises funds for kids' oral health

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, October 13th 2025 at 9:21 GMT by ksby
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The user wants an article summarizing content at that URL. Must follow any links in the article. We need to retrieve the content. Let's try to access.SLO County Hosts “Wine Giving Sip for Smiles” to Fund Children’s Oral Health

A quiet gathering of wine lovers and community advocates in San Luis Obispo turned into a spirited fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2023, when the “Wine Giving Sip for Smiles” event raised nearly $5,000 for the county’s Kids Oral Health program. The event, hosted at the historic downtown amphitheater, drew more than 200 attendees, all of whom contributed to a cause that is all too often overlooked: ensuring that every child in the county has access to quality dental care.

The Birth of a Sip‑and‑Smile Tradition

The idea for the event came from a partnership between the San Luis Obispo County Health Department’s Kids Oral Health program and local winery owner, Maria Ortega of Ortega Vineyards. Ortega, who has long been a patron of community health initiatives, suggested that a wine tasting evening could serve a dual purpose: celebrating local viticulture while raising funds for a program that provides free dental services to low‑income families. “We thought, why not let people taste something they love and use that experience to give back?” Ortega told reporters. “Kids deserve healthy smiles, and a little wine can spark a lot of generosity.”

The event was branded “Sip for Smiles,” a playful nod to both the wine-tasting experience and the program’s mission. The County Health Department’s Kids Oral Health director, Dr. Lillian Chen, described the partnership as a “win‑win” for both the local wine industry and public health.

What Happened on the Night

The evening began at 6 p.m. with a welcome reception featuring a selection of five wines from Ortega Vineyards, each paired with artisanal cheeses and locally sourced bread. Guests paid a flat fee of $30, which included a tasting card, a branded glass, and a complimentary “Smile” gift bag containing a toothbrush and a small sample of dental care toothpaste.

Dr. Chen opened the event with a brief speech, highlighting the current state of pediatric oral health in the county. “Our Kids Oral Health program serves more than 3,000 children annually, yet we still face a shortfall of around $10,000 to cover the cost of orthodontic consultations and emergency treatments,” she said. “Tonight, every glass we raise brings us closer to that goal.”

Following the welcome, a local jazz trio performed for an hour, setting a relaxed tone. Guests then moved into the tasting station, where sommeliers guided them through the characteristics of each wine. The tasting was interactive, with guests encouraged to write down their favorite notes and vote for their top wine in a digital ballot that later contributed to a small silent auction.

The silent auction, which ran from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., featured items donated by local businesses: a weekend getaway at a nearby bed‑and‑breakfast, a private dinner for two at Ortega Vineyards, and a “Wine & Wellness” package that included a dental check‑up for a child and a bottle of wine for the adult. The auction alone raised $1,200, a significant portion of the total funds.

The event concluded with a live performance by the San Luis Obispo Community Choir, who sang “Happy Together” while holding up a banner that read “Thank You for Helping Kids Smile.”

The Impact: How the Funds Will Be Used

The nearly $5,000 raised will be allocated directly to the Kids Oral Health program’s operating budget. According to Dr. Chen, the funds will cover:

• Orthodontic Assessments – The program currently offers free initial consultations, but the cost of braces often exceeds the budget. The new money will allow an additional 25 children to receive comprehensive orthodontic evaluations next year.
• Emergency Dental Care – Many families in the county cannot afford urgent treatments such as root canals or fillings. The funds will help cover up to 50 emergency appointments.
• Educational Outreach – The program plans to expand its “Smile School” curriculum, providing dental hygiene kits and workshops to schools across the county. The funds will purchase supplies for 10 schools.
• Staffing and Travel – A small portion will go toward hiring a part‑time dental assistant and covering travel costs for mobile dental clinics that visit remote areas.

Dr. Chen emphasized that the program’s goal is to create a self‑sustaining cycle: “The more we can provide preventive care now, the fewer emergency visits will be needed later, which saves money for the county and families alike.”

A Broader View: The County’s Oral Health Landscape

The event’s success highlights a larger issue in California’s public health system. According to the County Health Department’s latest report, approximately 20 % of children in San Luis Obispo County lack dental insurance, and nearly 1 in 5 children suffer from untreated cavities. The Kids Oral Health program, funded through a mix of county funds, grants, and community donations, is the county’s primary strategy for bridging that gap.

The department’s website, which was linked in the original article, provides a detailed overview of the program’s operations. The site lists the specific services offered, including:

• Preventive Care – Routine check‑ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments.
• Diagnostic Services – X‑rays, oral examinations.
• Therapeutic Care – Fillings, crowns, root canals.
• Specialist Referrals – Coordination with orthodontists and pediatric dentists.

In addition, the website outlines the eligibility criteria, application process, and community outreach initiatives. “We want to be transparent and make sure parents know how to access our services,” Dr. Chen explained. “That’s why we have a dedicated helpline and an online portal.”

Future Plans and Call to Action

Looking ahead, the organizers intend to make “Sip for Smiles” an annual event, hoping to increase the fundraising target to $10,000 next year. Ortega Vineyards plans to donate a larger percentage of sales from that year’s event, while the County Health Department is exploring additional grant opportunities from state and federal sources.

“We’re grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and shared this event,” Ortega said. “But the real work is ongoing. We invite more local businesses to partner with us, whether through wine donations, sponsorships, or volunteer services.”

For parents and caregivers interested in supporting the Kids Oral Health program, the County Health Department’s website offers a “Donate Now” button and a list of upcoming volunteer opportunities. The department also hosts quarterly town hall meetings where community members can discuss oral health needs and propose new initiatives.

Conclusion

The “Wine Giving Sip for Smiles” event proved that a simple evening of wine tasting can spark meaningful change. By blending local culture, community generosity, and public health expertise, San Luis Obispo has taken a significant step toward ensuring that every child in the county can enjoy a healthy, confident smile. The funds raised will directly impact the lives of dozens of children, offering preventive care, emergency treatment, and educational support. As the county looks toward the future, the success of this event underscores the power of partnership and the promise that, together, communities can address even the most pressing health challenges.