Tom's of Maine Asks The Tooth Fairy And Families Across The Nation To Help Increase Access To Dental Care

Athlete, Mother and Philanthropist Kristi Yamaguchi to Kick Off "Be a Tooth Fairy Hero" Initiative to Help Smiles in Need

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Tom's of Maine

Jan 15, 2013, 01:03 ET

KENNEBUNK, Maine, Jan. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- That mythical, beloved figure known as the Tooth Fairy will be spreading goodness around the country with a little help from kids this winter. In support of its Dental Health for All™ initiative, Tom's of Maine is inviting children to break out their crayons and creativity to draw an artistic interpretation of the Tooth Fairy that could help smiles in need. The Tom's of Maine "Be a Tooth Fairy Hero" program will make a $10,000 donation on behalf of ten randomly selected winners to a dental clinic in their state, plus provide toothpaste for the winning child's school.*

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130115/NY42880)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110602/NY13344LOGO-b)

Kristi Yamaguchi, gold medalist, daughter of a dentist and founder of the Always Dream Foundation, is kicking off the program with the help of her two daughters, Keara and Emma, ages nine and seven. Kristi will share her daughters' artwork on her social channels to inspire others and show her support for oral care awareness.

"In celebration of 10 years of Dental Health for All and $1 million donated to community dental clinics, we're excited to offer parents and their children the chance to be a hero and help bring resources to their area," said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom's of Maine. "Children love to draw so we thought we'd put their imaginations to good use by encouraging families across the country to help us distribute funding. Our goal is to support dental clinics around the country so more families get the opportunity to have regular screenings and check-ups."

Parents of children ages 3 to 10 are invited to submit their child's Tooth Fairy artwork at www.TomsOfMaine.com/ToothFairy now through March 15. A downloadable coloring page is available for inspiration, if needed. To celebrate National Tooth Fairy Day on February 28, 2013, Tom's of Maine will showcase additional drawings on its social channels. The ten randomly selected winners will be notified on or about March 30, 2013.

The Tom's of Maine Dental Health for All program aims to create greater access to oral care. As part of its steadfast commitment to healthy and human goodness, the company's funding over the decade has helped make more than 200,000 additional patient visits possible.

*An original drawing created by your child ages 3-10 depicting what he/she imagines the Tooth Fairy looks like is optional and not required for entry. For complete rules, visit http://tomsofmaine.com/toothfairy.

About Tom's of Maine

Tom's of Maine is a leading natural products company focused on oral and personal care. TOMs sells high quality toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, deodorant and bar soap products. The company has a long-standing commitment to supporting people, communities and the living planet. For over 42 years, Tom's of Maine has sponsored hundreds of nonprofit efforts by giving 10% of its profits back to organizations that support human and environmental goodness and by encouraging employees to use 5% (12 days) of employee time to volunteer. Tom's of Maine employees regularly contribute suggestions for improving the company's high sustainability standards. And their ideas, from wind power to ways to improve recycled and recyclable packaging options, are critical to the company's sensitive way of doing business. Tom's of Maine products are vegan, Kosher, Halal-certified and all packaging is recyclable through a partnership with upcycling leader TerraCycle or participating municipalities. Tom's of Maine enjoys partnering with its consumers, vendors and community organizations to support lasting, positive change that is good for people and the planet. Visit us online at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ or at http://www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine.

SOURCE Tom's of Maine