Tami Vandenbrink didn’t even know she was nominated for Sioux Center Dental’s Smile Makeover Giveaway until her friend told her to check her email.

“She had nominated me for the makeover smile, the new smile contest, and I was one of seven finalists,” Tami said.

A week later, Tami learned she was getting a new smile, for free.

“The procedure should be a piece of cake,” she said. “I’m really excited for what they’re gonna do for me and how they’re going to brighten my smile.”

Dr. Trevor Kuiper says Tami was selected because of her service to the community. She volunteers at her church and runs charity events.

“We really wanted to find an opportunity to use the talents and gifts God gave us to give back to people in the community,” Dr. Kuiper said. “Particularly to people in the community that have used their talents and gifts to serve those around them. And Tami exemplifies that to a T.”

Tami had her first appointment Thursday afternoon. She has two more to go to replace some of her missing teeth with new ones. Tami should get her new smile just in time for Christmas

“To give her the smile she deserves and have it done by Christmas,” Kuiper said. “How much better of a Christmas present could you get?”

“It’s been so long since I’ve had a real smile that, I don’t know, it’s just gonna be a dream come true. It’s just overwhelming. I’ve never won anything, it’s just a blessing,” Tami said.