Just as no man is an island, Hu-Friedy does not stand alone in the corporate world. It is important that we stay involved in the community of our customers, our friends, and other organizations. Fostering lasting relationships and sharing of our gifts and talents is a large part of what defines Hu-Friedy as a company.
Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization™
Two generations of support: President and CEO of Hu-Friedy, Ron Saslow
with his three sons and brother Scott in Chicago's Grant Park on Y-ME Race Day.
(Pictured from Left: Charley, Scott, Joey, Ron and Danny)
An Interview with President and CEO of Hu-Friedy, Ron Saslow:
His thoughts on our relationship with Y-ME.
Q: Why did Hu-Friedy select Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization?
A: With an estimated 80% of personnel within dental offices represented women, Hu-Friedy felt a responsibility to support our customers’ health. A large number of our instruments are made especially for dental hygienists, so we have always had a strong allegiance to the women in the dental community. The Y-ME organization’s mission is to provide support for those faced with breast cancer in the here and now. This message places special importance on relationships and that mirrors what Hu-Friedy believes in as well. Plus, Chicago is the hometown to both
Hu-Friedy and Y-ME, so it’s nice to have a friend in the neighborhood.
Q: Why the new Y-ME curette?
A: During the fall of 2006, we launched the “Inspired by You” promotion that tied a donation to Y-ME to each promotion offer redeemed. The customer then received an SH6/7 scaler with pink grips and pink ribbon logo. There was an incredible response to the promotion, with over $18,000 raised for the Y-ME organization. Personal stories and responses to the promotion inspired us to make the Y-ME product a permanent offering; giving customers the opportunity to purchase the product at any time and tie the purchase to a donation to Y-ME; creating a sustained contribution to the organization. We wanted to create a totally new instrument design that embodied the spirit of dental hygiene, Hu-Friedy, and Y-ME. The design process was led by our 25 resident Hu-Friedy dental professionals whose insight and teamwork was crucial to the project. We hope that the Y-ME curette will help to communicate the message that no dental professional or their patients need to face breast cancer alone, and encourage communication on overall health.
Q: What’s the future look like for Hu-Friedy and Y-ME?
A: Hu-Friedy pledges its ongoing support to Y-ME through sustained contribution and participation in fund-raising events. Our employees have demonstrated a strong connection to the cause and are very involved in the Y-ME relationship. Our participation in the 2007 Y-ME Race to Empower is a great example. Over 100
Hu-Friedy employees, family, friends and Chicago dental professionals, including members of the American Association of Women Dentists and the American Dental Hygienists' Association banded together to walk/run to raise over $20,000 in donations. Two generations of the Saslow family were represented at the race, between me, my brother, and my children. We look forward to continuing the tradition of the Y-ME Race to Empower and plan to have Hu-Friedy teams participating nationwide in 2008. Professional resources for clinicians, dental hygiene faculty and students that link breast cancer patient’s needs to oral health are in development. Empowerment through education is a strong goal for the future of Hu-Friedy and Y-ME.