Always on the prowl for spins on philanthropy, I was excited to sit in on a service pow-wow last week in the Alma Real Building. Palisades High School Junior, Jesse Zand, was snapped in the act of giving back when she met with the dentists of Pacific Palisades Dentistry and Pacific Palisades Pediatric Dentistry. Zand, a video producer, tennis player, journalist and a standout in the YMCA’s Youth and Government program will be making a video about the importance of dental hygiene, especially for kids.
The opportunity to be embedded with these practices is a win for the practices and a win for Zand. The 17-year-old has been dealing with dental issues since she was little and has always been curious about what happens on the other side of the chair. Last year, a car accident caused a jaw injury, and that fired her up to find dental mentors that would grant her behind-the-scenes access to a high-tech practice.
The practices opened their doors to her, and voila, she’s on location.
Dr. Kamins, head of Pacific Palisades Dentistry, said, “Access to care is the single biggest challenge families face.” Zand’s idea is that a YouTube video will provide a tutorial aimed at kids that will be accessible to anyone who can get online.
Dr. Trask, head of Pacific Palisades Dentistry, will be casting kids from his practice. Stay tuned for that. In the middle of the brain-storming session, there was mention of a brushing bee. Look how successful the local spelling bee has become, right?
Dr. Susan Cane, a new addition to the team and to the Palisades, said, “I’ve only been in town a short time, but I am so impressed by the spirit of giving back. I didn’t expect to find such big hearts in this village.”
Personally, I love to find a young philanthropist who gives time before money. Someday, Zand will be making bundles of money, and this short YouTube clip will launch a documentary about the need for global access to healthcare.
December is magical, and when a kid like Zand has two whole practices behind her, it could happen. Start local. Go global.
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