CVHN Changing Childrens' Lives with a Smile

Almost eight years ago, the first annual Hurricane Party was held to kick start Children's Volunteer Health Network (CVHN). Founder Tricia Carlisle-Northcutt's intention was to provide a way for all children to be healthy and happy, but she knew she needed the help and commitment of our entire community.

Since then, CVHN has provided thousands of our children with medical, dental, vision and mental health care. Who could have imagined the enormity of the need right here in South Walton?

CVHN was created in 2005 with the mission to enhance the lives of uninsured and underinsured school-aged children by providing free and immediate access to medical, dental, vision, and mental care. Based in Santa Rosa Beach, CVHN serves children in Walton and Okaloosa Counties through a volunteer network of over 95 local physicians, dentists, and other healthcare providers throughout the community.

After several years in the making, CVHN programs are a tremendous success and now a vital part of the community it serves. Its growth and achievements are the result of 100% commitment on behalf of CVHN's director, board, office and clinic staff, volunteers, donors and network of medical providers. Through this commitment, CVHN has made possible more than 13,000 appointments for more than 4,000 local children since inception!

The Healthcare Referral Program makes it possible for children to receive the proper healthcare if their parents are unable to provide it. Find out more about the referral process at www.cvhnkids.org/programs.

Through concentrated effort and grants, the CVHN Dental Clinic opened its doors in April 2012. The state-of-the-art, three-chair dental clinic is where dreams become reality. Restorative dental care is provided by a full-time dentist and support staff at no cost to uninsured and underinsured children. The CVHN Dental Clinic now accepts Medicaid to continue working towards a solution to the overwhelming dental needs in the community.

“Just for Grins” is a mobile dental clinic traveling to schools to provide preventive dental care for young children grades 1-3. The Mobile dental clinic has been in operation since 2008 and is recognized as a leader in exceptional practices in Mobile Health.

The goal of CVHN is to provide a local solution to a local problem using local resources and commitment. While they have received some grant funding from private foundations, they uphold their mission with help from charitable people of the community and through fundraising events, donations and volunteers.

How Can You Change a Child's Life?
CVHN programs depend entirely on the support of community resources and commitment. Countless residents, visitors, friends and businesses get involved by volunteering time, donating dollars, sponsoring events, attending events, and so much more. Five signature events and several ongoing smaller ones take place during the year, offering everyone a chance to be part of the mission for healthy and happy kids.

Interested in volunteering?
Volunteers are essential! If you are interested in serving the community and local kids, contact the CVHN office to discuss opportunities such as transportation, coordinating local events, and a many other activities. Call 850-622-3200 or send an email to admin@cvhnkids.org for more information.

CVHN 2013 signature events include:

30A Wine Festival at Alys Beach
March 9 & 10
Tickets $300 per person, $600 per couple and include entrance to all festival activities including seminars, grand tasting, dance party featuring Knoxville’s favorite party band, the Chillbillies, and Sunday’s exclusive event, Rosé & Croquet. Call 850-622-3200 or check the website www.30aWineFestival.com for details about the event or if you are interested in becoming a sponsor.

Premiere Golf Tournament at Burnt Pine Golf Club
May 10
Four person teams will play a scramble format at Burnt Pine Golf Club in Sandestin Resort. Low country shrimp boil with live music following the tournament.

9th Annual Hurricane Party
Sep 27
Seaside's Bud & Alley's will set the stage for a fabulous evening of great food and entertainment, and live and silent auctions.  

Cottages for Kids at Rosemary Beach
November
With great imagination and craftsmanship, builders and architects create whimsical cottages that are on display for 3 weeks on the green in Rosemary Beach. Children and families come out to enjoy the cottages and participate in raffle/auction activities.

Annual Christmas Party
Black tie optional with food, live music and Christmas cheer during the first week in December.

Moveable Feasts - sponsored by area restaurants donating a portion of the evenings proceeds to CVHN. The next feast is Feb 7 at Borago in Grayton Beach. Please call for reservations 850.231.9167. 

Volunteers are needed for all events. Please contact Shaye Smith at Shaye@cvhnkids.org for information.

Donate!

Donations are accepted online or by mail.  Donate online: http://www.cvhnkids.org/main/donate/

Donate by mail:
Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Inc.
P O Box 2142
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Join the Circle of 100 by making a donation of $1,000 or more each year! See website for information.

Stay in touch with CVHN programs and events by signing up for the newsletter on the website and visiting facebook.

“Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) faith-based, nonprofit organization. We seek to enhance the lives of uninsured and underinsured school-aged children in Walton and Okaloosa Counties by facilitating free immediate access to medical, dental, vision and mental health care.”