11/3/2015
Delta Dental of New Mexico Recognized as “Outstanding Business in Philanthropy”
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Nov. 3, 2015 — Delta Dental of New Mexico (DDNM), the state’s leading dental benefits provider, has been recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, New Mexico Chapter as the “Outstanding Business in Philanthropy” for 2015. DDNM was nominated by Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless (AHCH). AHCH provides free, quality comprehensive care that works to improve overall quality of life while working with people to address the issues that created their homelessness. For 15 years, DDNM has been a strong supporter by providing annual sponsorship for AHCH’s Year-End First Day of Winter Campaign. Through those gifts, DDNM successfully sets the tone and leverages thousands of dollars by inspiring others to make significant contributions to AHCH’s fundraising campaign. DDNM executives and staff will receive the award at a National Philanthropy Day luncheon on Wednesday, November 4, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Albuquerque. Giving back to the community is a core aspect of DDNM’s mission to advance oral health in New Mexico.
“This award exemplifies the work we do in New Mexico to advance oral health care,” said Walt Bolic, President and Chief Executive Officer of DDNM. “Giving back to the community is key to what we do in the state. We offer dental benefit plans, but that’s not enough. The other half is giving back to and supporting the community, especially initiatives that improve or increase access to oral health care. The real stars are the organizations we support, who have made it their mission to provide needed health care, education, support or other services that improve the lives of people in our state.”
DDNM regularly provides funding and/or volunteer support to community organizations including AHCH, school-based dental clinics via UNM’s Division of Dental Hygiene, Blessings in a Backpack, Leadership New Mexico, the New Mexico Dental Foundation, New Mexico Mission of Mercy, Special Olympics of New Mexico, UNM United Way and Alta Mira.
“Delta Dental of New Mexico, through Walt Bolic’s leadership, generosity and engaging approach, has epitomized corporate philanthropy over the years,” said Jennifer L. Metzler, MPH, Executive Director of AHCH. “They have always led with a genuine interest in the people of NM – all people in our community. We have deeply felt and never questioned the sincerity of Walt and his team. It is through this kind of relationship-building and support that we, together, can change the world.”
From 2014-2015, DDNM staff contributed about 3,000 volunteer hours to community efforts. In addition, DDNM donated 2,500 mouth guards each year in 2014 and 2015 to the NM Young America Football League (NMYAFL) to help young athletes protect their teeth while playing.
DDNM employees are a critical piece in DDNM’s philanthropic efforts. For example, once a week during the school year, DDNM employees take time out of their workday to bag snacks for children at schools in Albuquerque for Blessings in a Backpack. Recently, employees volunteered for other organizations, including the Albuquerque BioPark and St. Martin’s Hospitality Center.
By continuing to support community organizations in New Mexico, DDNM aims to help improve oral health and the wellbeing of people throughout the state.
About Delta Dental of New Mexico
Delta Dental of New Mexico (DDNM) is a nonprofit dental benefits provider that aims to advance oral health for New Mexicans through dental benefits plans and community giving. The company has served New Mexicans for more than forty years and covers nearly 390,000 New Mexicans.
About Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless
Founded in 1985, Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless (AHCH) provides a continuum of integrated services including primary medical care, dental care, behavioral health, art therapy and social services. AHCH serves more than 7,000 men, women and children throughout the year. They conduct more than 70 hours per week of outreach and provide services at their clinic at 1st and Mountain and at other sites in the community.
www.abqhch.org