Tony Gonzalez surprised children at Fair Street Elementary on Friday to support them as they got oral health education and treatments at their Gainesville school.
Gonzalez and fellow tight ends Levine Toilolo, Chase Coffman and Mickey Shuler were there to provide support to more than 350 underserved children as they learned about oral health care and were provided free toothbrush kits, dental screenings and treatments.
"Some of these kids have never even seen a dentist," Gonzalez said. "It's a good chance for them to realize that oral health means overall health."
The event was part of CareCredit's partnership with the Falcons, the American Dental Association Foundation's "Give Kids A Smile" program and Team Smile, who had almost 70 volunteers on hand that included dentists, dental assistants and hygienists.
Gonzalez, Toilolo, Coffman and Shuler went around the school's gym high-fiving and encouraging the kids as they underwent the treatments. They also handed out Shadow Buddies, a foundation that Gonzalez has been involved with since joining the NFL that serves to provide children with stuffed dolls for support through any challenge they face.
"Giving back is something instilled to all the Falcons players from the top to the bottom," Gonzalez said. "And this is just another event of many where we get out into the community to get involved and give back. It was a good day. It was a good day for everybody involved and I think the kids had a really good time."
