Sponsor Spotlight: Delta Dental of Virginia Smile Ambassadors Build Hope
At just 2 years old, Isabella has already faced more than most. Diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a form of eye cancer, she is bravely undergoing treatment with the love and support of her parents and four older sisters. Amidst the hospital visits and uncertainty, a moment of pure joy broke through – a brand new playset built just for her, right in her own backyard.
In partnership with Roc Solid Foundation, Delta Dental of Virginia’s Smile Ambassadors arrived in Roanoke not just with eager attitudes, but with a deep commitment to making a difference. Together in just one morning, they built a brand new backyard playset for Isabella — a symbol of hope, healing, and the simple power of play.
A Mission That Moves People to Action
Delta Dental of Virginia first connected with Roc Solid Foundation in 2021, when one of their Smile Ambassadors participated in a playset build and felt the impact firsthand. “She was so moved by the experience that she couldn’t wait to share it with her colleagues,” the team shared. That initial connection sparked what has become a lasting and meaningful partnership. Since then, Delta Dental of Virginia has completed six playset builds with Roc Solid and already has another scheduled for Fall 2025.
As the nation’s largest dental benefits provider and oral health philanthropist, Delta Dental’s mission goes far beyond insurance. In 2024 alone, their team volunteered over 2,090 hours to causes that matter — driven by a people-first culture and a desire to build healthier smiles and stronger communities.
For Isabella, their impact came in the form of play. As she explored her new playset, surrounded by her family and a team of volunteers who built it with love, it was clear this day wasn’t just about wood and screws. It was about reminding one little girl—and her family—that play defeats cancer.
Building Hope in Roanoke
The build day energy was filled with purpose and emotion. Volunteers from across departments came together, many meeting for the first time. “Our team always shows up excited and ready to build,” the group shared. “When that child arrives and sees the playset, there’s not a dry eye in the house.”
Moments like the opening circle, where each volunteer shares their “why”, ground the experience in gratitude. And when Isabella arrived to see her playset for the first time, the emotional payoff was immediate. One volunteer recalled, “Seeing the smile on her face is something I will cherish forever.”
Creating Connection and Culture Through Service
These playset builds do more than create joy for families—they strengthen the teams that volunteer. “We want our team members to walk away from experiences like this feeling fulfilled, proud, and connected to one another and to the community,” a Delta Dental of Virginia team member explained. “Volunteering together deepens those bonds and reinforces that they’re part of something bigger than a job.”
Giving back to communities like Roanoke is core to Delta Dental of Virginia’s values. As a mission-driven company, they believe in supporting local families and organizations through meaningful, hands-on action. And that commitment pays dividends — not only for the communities they serve, but for the team culture they’re building every day.
A Call to Action for Companies Everywhere
Delta Dental of Virginia wants other organizations to know: this kind of volunteerism changes everything.
“Do it!” they urge other companies considering a Roc Solid Foundation playset build. “It’s the team-building experience of a lifetime. Yes, there will be sweat and tears (the good kind). But you’ll walk away knowing you made a meaningful difference in the life of a child and their family. It’s an experience your team will never forget.”
At Roc Solid Foundation, we believe in the power of play to bring comfort during the darkest times. Thanks to partners like Delta Dental of Virginia, we can continue providing these moments of normalcy and joy to families fighting pediatric cancer across the country.
We’re proud to spotlight Delta Dental of Virginia’s commitment to community and heart for service, and we’re grateful for the difference they made in Isabella’s life.
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Click here to learn more about sponsoring a play structure for a child fighting cancer.
If you are interested in making a donation to help Roc Solid provide backyard play structures to families like Isabella’s click here.
If you or a family you know is fighting pediatric cancer and interested in receiving a Roc Solid Ready Bag or play structure, let us know by clicking here.
