Big Hearts, Bigger Smiles: A Meijer Moment”

 

A few months ago, I was casually checking my email when I came across a message from someone named Robert Lajcaj. I didn’t recognize the name, but my curiosity was piqued—he was with Meijer and involved in launching a new store in Clarkston, Michigan: The Independence Market.

His email was thoughtful. He said he wanted to learn more about The Happy Teeth Project and that he and his team were considering us for a partnership. Now, I’ll be honest—my first reaction was that this had to be a scam (sadly, a sign of the times). But I replied anyway, and we ended up meeting for coffee later that week. Robert even introduced me to his team: Keri Tomac, Ashley Fries, and Tristen McGaha.

It turns out Tristen had come across our website, got curious about what we do, and brought that curiosity to his team. That first meeting was fantastic—energizing, exciting, and, to be honest, a little surreal. Here was a major corporation showing real interest in our little nonprofit. I sent thank-you notes after the meeting, still unsure where it might lead. Worst case? Robert bought my coffee, so I figured I was already ahead.

About a month later, I got a message from Keri. We met again—this time with Keri, Ashley, and Robert—and they shared some incredible news: they wanted to present The Happy Teeth Project with a $5,000 check. Just about to the penny, that’s what it costs us to fund an average project. Talk about good timing!

They invited us to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Independence Market, where Robert presented the check alongside Meijer Co-Chairman and CEO Hank Meijer, and President and CEO Rick Keyes.

I’m deeply thankful to Mr. Meijer and his leadership team for keeping philanthropy front and center as their company grows. The Happy Teeth Project is excited about this partnership and the opportunity to work alongside such good-hearted people.

As for the $5,000? It’s already at work—fully funding our very first project with a new (and our first!) school district: Lake Orion. That’s definitely something to smile about.