October 22, 2007 by Jay
Filed under News and Events
The strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” filled the air as I solemnly marched down the aisle. Sweat began to run under the heavy ceremonial robe.Did I have my regalia on frontwards or backwards? My “mortarboard” was slipping off my head. Which sidedoes the dad-burned tasselgo on anyway?!!
San Francisco, Oct.22, 2007. In an Award ceremony during a recent conclave of the Academy of Dentistry International,Dr.Phillip Plunk was named International Dentist of the year.
The Academy of Dentistry International is the international honor society for dentists dedicated to sharing knowledge in order to serve the dental and oral health needs and to improve the quality of life of the people throughout the world.
Dr. Plunk was honored for his work and dedication in founding and directing Project Salud y Paz. Project SYP was begun in 2001 as a small clinic project in Guatemala with a fledgling staff. Since that time it has grown into a project of multiple medical/dental clinics, community education and scholarship programs involving some 24 Guatemalan nationals and over 20 medical and construction volunteer teams/year.
Boy, did I feel out of place!
I sat there in that ceremony thinking “what is this little ole’ country boy doing here?” It was quite an honor for me. I have been a fellow of the Academy since 2002 when by invitation, I was inducted. The ADI has a special place in my heart because it is the only professional dental organization dedicated exclusively to service and
philanthropy. The ADI Foundation has also awarded several grants to Project SYP over the last several years.
So, why am I sharing this with you? To let you know what a great dentist I am? Absolutely not! I am sharing this with YOU because I want you to realize that:
1. I received the award because of the work of Project Salud y Paz.
2. Project Salud y Paz is recognized internationally as making a difference in the world.
3. It is only with YOU that Project SYP can continue to make that difference.
This is a “Thank You” piece, to you our donors and volunteers, who continue to allow us to serve the people in Guatemala.
Without you we are nothing, and we cannot, do not, ever thank you enough.
