The Sonja Lauren Foundation Inc. Story…
After many years of struggling and becoming an author who spent endless hours working within the states of VA and WV to help improve oral health, I have become known as the "covered smile lady".
I thought my mission in life was fulfilled until I crossed paths with Mr. John C. Randall, another author, a few years ago at a hospital community book signing event. John and I felt an immediate connection from the beginning, and over time became friends as authors often do. I mailed John a signed copy of s"The Covered Smile," and after reading it he became my mentor and gave me endless, priceless guidance, direction, support and ideas. It is because of John's selfless earth angel attitude that the Sonja Lauren Foundation Inc., is a dream come true not only for myself but for those who are in need of the services we will provide.
John was persistent and suggested that I consider creating a foundation more than once. I didn't take his suggestion too seriously at first because I truly believed that such an important project would be bigger than me, myself and I. However, last Christmas I received a phone call from the Shoe Carnival Corporation Office, saying that someone in the company had seen my web site and that they would like to donate to my foundation. Shocked and surprised while shaking my head, I told the caller "I don't have a foundation!" Of course after I hung up the phone, I immediately sent John an e-mail and told him what had happened: John wrote back - one last time "Foundation, Foundation, Foundation!"
The moment I received John's e-mail, I began to think seriously about building the Sonja Lauren Foundation Inc., not only because of John's kind suggestions and undying faith in me, but also because of the many who have heard my story and had written to me over the years begging for dental care assistance . Receiving letters from those who were suffering in pain as well as hiding in shame left me in tears because I understood what they were experiencing because of my personal experience.
The Sonja Lauren Foundation Inc., is not a dental clinic , but rather a foundation that will provide dental education based on my life story, as well as raise funds to provide dental exams, cleanings and dental treatment to children and young adults who are perhaps like I once was - not eligible for Medicaid or Dental Insurance and perhaps even written off as "situation-hopeless".
It is my goal and dream to prevent what happened to me from happening to others. With your kind support by sharing your time, talents, or donations to the Sonja Lauren Foundation Inc, I can realize this dream. As I write this message to you, I am painfully aware that there is a child suffering in pain and a parent who has a broken heart with no solutions; I now must work hard to make this foundation strong and available to as many children and young adults as possible.
Many kind ‘Earth Angel's have helped me find my way by sharing their time, gifts and talents, and when I realized this foundation would be a way for me to give back, I began taking responsibility and creating the Sonja Lauren Foundation Inc.
After accepting this extraordinary responsibility, I began to ask myself, "Whom can I depend on? Who is smart, well educated, beautiful, kind, caring, wise and strong? Whom should I ask to assist me with this most important mission? That person would be Mrs. Lisa Thweatt, VP of the Sonja Lauren Foundation Inc.
Mrs. Thweatt and I share a strong passion and deep dedication to “Offering Hope and A Healthy Smile” to as many children and young people as possible.
The Sonja Lauren Foundation Inc. has a strong and knowledgeable Board of Directors and Advisors, and together we are working hard to create a new sense of hope for those waiting for our services.
Currently we are planning our second fund raising Grand Gala to be held April 14, 2011. Anyone who desires to become a sponsor for this heavenly event may contact Sonja directly at ssonja@slfinc.org,
or call 804-305-3769 for further information.
Our goal is to change many lives by “Offering Hope and A Healthy Smile.” Please consider becoming an Earth Angel and assisting us with our mission by donating your time, talents or financial gifts.