The Vikings are in the business of delivering smiles to the community.
They also know the importance of a healthy smile, which is why they recently teamed up with UnitedHealthcare and TeamSmile to host a "dental tailgate" at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Throughout the duration of the afternoon, Vikings staff, UnitedHealthcare staff, Colgate team members, dental assistants, dental school faculty and students, hygienists and dentists volunteered their time to provide free dental care to 200 Twin Cities youth in need.
TeamSmile Executive Director John McCarthy expressed gratitude to the Vikings and UnitedHealthcare for helping execute such a positive and impactful event.
"The intent is to … give them a special day that will create a memory for these children, but also to take the fear out of it. Make dentistry cool. Make it fun," McCarthy said.
Vikings Legends Ben Williams, Esera Tuaolo, Rickey Young, Leo Lewis and Stu Voigt, as well as Viktor the Viking and Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders, also were on-site to connect with young people.
"We understand as fathers and grandfathers that children's health is very important to all of us," Lewis said, "And it sets a legacy. It sets a legacy of self-reliance and healthy living."
Beyond on-site dental work, young people went through a variety of interactive stations to learn more about proper oral care and hygiene.
"What we're trying to do is create lasting relationships between these children and the dental professionals within the community," UnitedHealthcare CEO Mary Zarn said. "We all have one common goal: we want healthier kids."
Youth who attended this year's event attend the following schools:
Two Rivers High School Life Prep School
Minnetonka Public Schools
Garlough Environmental Magnet School
Friendly Hills Middle School
Heritage E-Stem Magnet School
Bloomington Public Schools
Lincoln International High School
View photos from the Vikings Crucial Catch Reception hosted in partnership with the American Cancer Society and Mystic Lake in support of the NFL's Crucial Catch initiative.
Vikings, American Cancer Society & Mystic Lake host Crucial Catch reception
Last month, the Vikings joined forces with the American Cancer Society and Mystic Lake to host a meaningful evening in support of the NFL's Crucial Catch initiative. The event offered attendees an opportunity to come together, raise awareness and support the mission of early cancer detection through education and action.
Vikings On-Air Talent/Associate Producer Tatum Everett emceed the program, which included an executive panel (Vikings Executive Vice President of Social Impact & Chief Legal Officer Karin Nelsen and American Cancer Society VP & Sr. Executive Director Anthony Bass) and discussion with Vikings running back Aaron Jones, Sr.
The reception followed Minnesota's Crucial Catch game against the Eagles on Oct. 19.
