Congratulations to The Stewart Family of McLean — winner of the 2017 Virginia Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Volunteer Family! Finding affordable dental care is a huge challenge and, too often, the result is that families with limited income suffer from poor dental health. The Stewart Family of McLean has made meeting this vital need a family mission — to help build and sustain a dental program that provides free services to adults and children who could not otherwise afford care. Through the Arlington Free Clinic, George and Connie Stewart — and their children Julie, Joy, Jenny, and George — have volunteered their time, contributed their funds, shared their expertise, and provided immeasurable in-kind support through their family business to support this cause. The Stewart Family’s contributions involved launching a “Crown Club” circle of supporters and enlisting their entire family — as well as friends, business associates and their church community — to support the new oral health program. Earlier this year, the Stewarts helped to organize the “Bites & Blues” event which raised more than $100,000 helping to restore the dental health and dignity of more than 300 patients. In addition to the dental program, the family operates Doorstep Ministries—a nonprofit with the mission to financially help people with one-time monetary assistance for emergency expenses. They also participate in building homes for the indigent in Central America and are active at McLean Bible Church. George and Connie and their wonderful family are remarkable role models in the community. For the families and individuals who suffered in the past with the pain and low self-esteem related to poor dental health, they are a saving grace and a blessing for a brighter future.
