Sept. 20 Race Benefits Craniofacial Patients

UNC-Chapel Hill School of Dentistry student group Miles for Smiles sponsored its second annual Cleft Palate Gallop 5K on Sept. 20, with proceeds benefiting the UNC Craniofacial Center.

Organizers said close to 250 people registered for the race and “fun walk,” which began and ended at the University’s Old Well. The event raised close to $4,000.

Last year’s inaugural 5K effort drew more than 200 participants and raised $2,500.

“Last year, we had an excellent response from the local running community and the dental school,” said Savannah Gelesko, a fourth-year dental student and race organizer. “This year, we added a fun walk in hopes of increasing participation by families and their children who receive treatment at the UNC Craniofacial Center.”

The center serves patients who have cleft lip, cleft palate and other craniofacial anomalies.