H.N. & Frances C. Berger Foundation surprises SAGE Initiative with $10,000

CBS Local 2 and the H.N. & Frances C. Berger Foundation packed the office at Shadow Hills Dental Care in Palm Desert to surprise the SAGE Initiative with a surprise $10,000 grant. SAGE Initiative provides free and low-cost dental services for those in need around the valley.

Representatives with SAGE say in the past few years, more than 10,000 people have been served by the organization. Many of those include disabled veterans like Jerry Scuddreth.

“It’s life-changing. It’s not like hip surgery or back surgery,” said Scuddreth. “It’s something that everybody sees.”

Thomas Franklin is another recipient of services from SAGE Initiative. He said getting his smile back meant he could take on more at work.

“I’m able to go out now and talk to people and do sales. Before my teeth were so bad, I’d keep my mouth shut,” said Franklin.

Sherri Miller had fallen on hard times, but her oral makeover has changed her whole lifestyle.

“I’m not afraid to speak to people or just smile. Healthwise, I’m learning to eat and chew again because I couldn’t. I had missing teeth,” said Miller.

“It has to do with someone’s self-esteem and confidence, but [also] their overall health,” said the president of SAGE Initiative, Dr. Javad Aghaloo. Funds from this surprise grant are expected to cover costs for dental supplies in the office.

If you are in need of services from SAGE Initiative, you can call (760) 343-7737 or visit the website.

If you know of an organization worthy of receiving a Spotlight grant from the H.N. & Frances C. Berger Foundation, applications are available now.