Got cash? This Halloween, one Grove City dentist is hoping that the jingling of coins will entice area kids from putting candy in their mouths.
Dr. Scott Schumann, of Grove City Dental Center for Cosmetic and Sedation Dentistry, will give trick-or-treaters $1 for each pound of unopened sweets they turn into his office.
The dentist, a Worthington native and graduate of Ohio State University, became a part of the community scene in 2004 after relocating his practice from German Village.
"I met with two different developers at two different times. They both said to me, ‘Scott, you have to go to Grove City.’"
Today, just four years later, the business is rapidly expanding.
That’s because Schumann has consistently reached out to residents, becoming an active participant in area causes and functions. His efforts include the upcoming, ever-popular, Boo on Broadway. It will be held this year from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31. Parents and children will have the opportunity to trick-or-treat at Town Center merchants and participate in fun-filled Halloween activities. Schumann, his staff, and his wife, Robin, regularly participate in the annual event.
"The first year we blew up balloons and gave them out to kids," he explained. "Now we handout bags containing toothbrushes and candy."
For Schumann, the campaign to reduce sugar consumption from its current global rate of 50 million tons per year is a heartfelt endeavor to save children from a variety of physical ailments. Obesity, hyperactivity and tooth decay are just a few of sugar’s negative side effects. Candy consumers also risk broken teeth or damaged braces.
"Visiting your dentist twice a year and brushing daily are great preventative measures," said Schumann. "But doing away with excess sweets altogether would really give your teeth a healthy boost."
However, reducing sweets need not eliminate Halloween fun. Schumann encourages youngsters to dress up in their favorite costumes and enjoy safe trick-or-treat activities.
Then, at the conclusion of the festivities, kids can even eat a few of their favorite types of candy but any remaining sweets can be turned in for cash on Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4079 Gantz Road. Only unopened candy will be accepted during this one day only offer.
All collected candy will be shipped overseas to men and women serving in the military.
"It’s very patriotic," Schumann emphasized. "We have patients who are currently there. I wanted to do something to support the troops."
For more information on this "cash for candy" event, call 801-1000. Individuals can also secure information on dental services by visiting the practice’s Web site at grovecitydentalreports.com.
