Former volunteer raises $27K for New Hanover Outreach Clinic

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A former volunteer is giving back to the New Hanover Outreach Clinic after organizing a fundraiser that raised more than $27,000 to support the clinic’s free dental care services.

The clinic received the grant Monday morning from local volunteer Griffin Zwack, who organized the “Hooked on Smiles Fishing Clinic” in July.

“I’d figured how can I connect two things that I really care about, dentistry and fishing,” said Zwack.

Zwack spent time volunteering at the outreach clinic while attending UNCW, where he developed a passion for dentistry and a deeper appreciation for the clinic’s work in the community.

He said he wanted to support clinic director Laura Vinson following the clinic’s relocation and help more people feel confident about their smiles.

“Over the years I continued to volunteer here, and I remember that she ended up getting evicted from her old place and she needed to find somewhere new, and I just didn’t understand why that was the case. I mean, she’s doing a great thing for the community,” said Vinson.

The “Hooked on Smiles Fishing Clinic” brought in local professional fishermen to teach participants how to surf fish from the shore.

The event raised more than $27,000 through corporate sponsorships and individual donations, with all proceeds going to the New Hanover Outreach Clinic.

Vinson said the money will help the clinic purchase supplies and continue providing free dental care to people in need across the community.

“They believe in what we do, and that’s what’s really made a difference for us, and what he’s given us, we’ll be able to buy supplies for an entire year to treat patients for a whole year; that’s an amazing gift,” said Vinson.

Zwack said he is grateful to the professional fishermen, sponsors, friends and others who helped make the fundraiser a success. He said being able to give back to an organization that has meant so much to him is an honor.