By Andrew Luberda | Posted October 21st, 2014
Check out this little dragon, getting some cash for candy.
Southeast Valley Ledger
Affinity Dental, a newly opened family-owned dental practice in Queen Creek, is offering children and families $1 per pound for their excess Halloween candy. In addition to receiving cash and glowing electric toothbrushes in exchange for candy, children and families are supporting the U.S troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Affinity Dental, a newly opened family-owned dental practice in Queen Creek, is offering children and families $1 per pound for their excess Halloween candy. In addition to receiving cash and glowing electric toothbrushes in exchange for candy, children and families are supporting the U.S troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
All of the candy collected by Affinity Dental is donated to Operation Gratitude, a volunteer-based organization that sends over 150,000 care packages per year to U.S. Military. The candy is used in Christmas baskets that are sent overseas.
“I have a lot of respect for these men and women who put their lives on the line for our benefit,” said Dr. Kelly B. Wettstein, the owner of Affinity Dental. “It’s just a small way we can give back to them; some way we can show our appreciation.”
Dr. Kelly Wettstein with his Affinity Dental staff.
Luberda | Ledger
This is the seventh year the practice has held a Candy Buy Back event but the first in Queen Creek. The practice collected over 1400 pounds of candy last year alone. Some children have donated as much as 40-50 pounds of candy individually.
“That made a lot of Christmas baskets for our troops,” Dr. Wettstein said.
As could be expected, there are some emotions involved when the children relinquish their Halloween haul. However, they get over the initial disappointment rather quickly.
“Once they realize, and the kids get an idea of, what it’s for, it hasn’t been an issue,” Dr. Wettstein said. “It ends up being a lot of fun for them.”
Parents, on the other hand, view the event as a win-win situation, reducing the risk of poor dental exams while increasing the moral of the troops.
Dr. Kelly Wettstein with candy for the troops from his buy
back program.
“Affinity Dental’s Halloween Candy Buy Back has become a tradition that our children look forward to every year,” said Kara Matsuda, a mother of four and three-year participant in the candy buy back event. “Not only do they get excited about how much money they can make, but they love knowing that they are helping the troops who risk their lives to pay for our freedom. Dr. Wettstein’s candy buy back is an easy way to begin the holiday season with the spirit of giving, not just getting.”
Dr. Wettstein has been in practice for nine years – three in Colorado and the last six in Arizona. He and his wife, Lynnette, recently moved to Queen Creek with their three children – two daughters and a son. The Wettstein’s chose to reside in and operate their business in Queen Creek because they wanted to feel a part of the community.
“What drew (us) to this area were the small town feel and the sense of community that Queen Creek had to offer,” said Dr. Wettstein, who owned practices in Casa Grande and Chandler previously. “There is (no other community) that is as inclusive as Queen Creek.”
The Wettstein children are active in local athletic programs. Two daughters, ages 12 and 7, are competitive swimmers. Their 10-year old son plays football for the Forces, a team in the San Tan Youth Football League.
Considering the practice recently opened in July 2014, the Candy Buy Back event is an opportunity for Dr. Wettstein and Affinity Dental to be introduced to the Queen Creek community.
Candy will be collected after Halloween on Saturday, November 1, 2014, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The candy must be unopened. No bites, please!
Affinity Dental is located at 21321 E. Ocotillo Road, Suite 130, on the southeast corner of Ocotillo and Rittenhouse Road. For more information on the Candy Buy Back please call at 480-882-2300 or visit www.AffinityDentalAZ.com.
