This summer Wilson Orthodontics quite literally spent the summer break “going to the dogs” by partnering with the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia.
“With the release of the movie ‘Secret Life of Pets’ this July,” said Ron Wilson, owner and partner of Wilson Orthodontics, “we decided to have a little fun with our patients while also teaching them the importance of giving back and community service.”
In June, Wilson launched two social media campaigns encouraging patients and the community to participate and raise money for HSNEGA. As a result of this campaign, Wilson Orthodontics will donate $875 to HSNEGA.
“Developing relationships with supporters in our community, including corporate partners, is vital to our ability to fulfillour mission,” said Julie Edwards, executive director at HSNEGA. “As a nonprofit organization that receives no public funding or support from other animal welfare organizations, we rely on these relationships to continue our services and programs. The partnership with Wilson Orthodontics was great because it provided an avenue for the next generation to become involved and make an impact.”
In addition to financial support, Wilson Orthodontics also became an Adoption Angel for three rescued dogs awaiting adoption at HSNEGA over the course of the summer. An Adoption Angel is an opportunity the HSNEGA offers donors and friends to sponsor a portion of the adoption fee for an animal under its care in hopes of increasing their chances of being adopted.
“Not only did Wilson Orthodontics pay the entire $100 adoption fee, but they also donated $50 gift certificates for each sponsored dog to help their new family purchase needed supplies for their new pet in our store,” Edwards said. “In addition, they used their social media platforms and email distribution lists to publicize and promote those pets.”
While one of the dogs, Quincy, is still awaiting adoption, Miss Wilson (coincidently named prior to this partnership) was adopted in July by a Wilson Orthodontics family and Axe was adopted in August.
“Knowing we were able to connect these pets to a great family to be loved and cared for was such an exciting time in our team and for our patients,” Dr. Wilson said. “When we were notified that Miss Wilson was adopted, and then shared the adoption video, there were smiles all around.”
Finally, Wilson invited HSNEGA to join them at their patient appreciation event on July 9 at Regal Hollywood 15 Cinemas. More than 700 patients attended this private viewing party before the official release of “Secret Life of Pets,” providing HSNEG a platform to educate them about ways to become involved and opportunities to volunteer. Patients also were asked to bring items on the Humane Society’s Wish List.
“This summer Dr. Wilson created a voice and platform for our animals,” Edwards said. “They really embraced our cause and took time to find out how they could make the greatest impact with the resources as their disposal. From awareness campaigns and encouraging adoptions, to the Wish List drive and fundraising efforts, we find that when we bridge partnerships, great things happen for our organization and the animals in our care.”
“I believe while our patients get a smile through their treatment with us, they should at the same time learn how to give a smile to others,” Dr. Wilson concluded. “God has blessed me with the opportunity to be a positive influence on the next generation, a responsibility I take very seriously. I look forward to helping parents ingrain a love for community, the importance of giving back and the smiles that it creates.”
