Submitted by Fish for Teeth
Fish for Teeth is continuing its tooth-fixing mission with a Fish Taco Fundraiser from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, at the San Juan Island Community Theatre. An $8 suggested donation lands you a full-on burrito-sized “taco,” filled with sustainably-harvested Washington Coastal Rockfish, fresh organic salsa, Tillamook cheese, zesty greens and a squeeze of lime. Absolutely delicious.
Even if COVID shuts everything down completely, people’s teeth still need fixing. Fish for Teeth is continuing its commitment to provide dental care for those who cannot otherwise afford it. The van came at the beginning of October on reduced capacity due to Covid concerns, and it will come again in January. Only “emergency” cases are being seen, as only one dental chair is allowed to be occupied during the pandemic.
But the Health Department says Fish Tacos get the all clear! An additional tent will be added to the prep station, so there’s more room between elbows of the volunteers. Of course, everyone will be wearing a mask, along with all the other standard health department precautions related to food service (like good hand-washing practices).
Fish for Teeth brought the Medical Teams International Mobile Dental Van to San Juan Island for three two-day clinics in 2020 (the May clinic was canceled due to COVID). Fish for Teeth has no restrictions on income parameters, so “in the middle” families or individuals who are living with dental pain and no disposable income to pay for dental care, have an opportunity to live without dental pain, and even simply get preventive care (teeth cleanings). Fish for Teeth receives no government funding whatsoever, nor does it accept funding from foundations that require income parameters for services provided.
Fish Tacos are Fish for Teeth’s only directed fundraiser; the rest of the funding is made up of individual contributions from caring people from our community. Even though our tooth-fixing dollar is not going as far because of COVID, we are still committed to helping people with dental pain who have no other option to get their teeth fixed.
If you value the efforts of Fish for Teeth and would like to lend financial support, please donate at fishforteeth.com, mail a check to PO Box 2084 Friday Harbor 98250, or drop off a check at the Family Resource Center or the San Juan County Health and Human Services office, behind the Post Office. You can also volunteer your time in the taco-making or the dental clinic departments. The easiest way to help is by simply enjoying a delicious Fish Taco this Friday!
