Spreading Love, Smiles & Hope
Welcome to the Lauren Emily Foundation
Compassion and community are the driving forces behind The Lauren Emily Foundation. Our story began with a heart-wrenching loss when we lost our baby girl, Lauren Emily. It was the community’s response that inspired Dr. Shawn Knorr of Forever Smiles to give back, in the name of our daughter, and make an ongoing impact on the lives of everyone in our community. When we were on our knees, you lifted us up, and this foundation gives us the opportunity to help you when you’re in need. We are fully committed to supporting the local community and improving access to dental care for underserved individuals and families.
Honoring the Memory of Lauren Emily
In 2014, our founder Dr. Shawn Knorr and his family experienced both profound joy and then devastating sorrow in a short time when, following the birth of their baby girl Lauren Emily, she passed away all too soon. This left an irreplaceable void in their lives, but during the darkest of moments, the Glencoe community embraced the Knorr family and lifted them up with pure love and enduring support. This helped the Knorrs find the strength they needed to move forward and keep on.
Forever Smiles, the dental practice led by Dr. Knorr, was more than a place to provide essential dental care. Forever Smiles became a sanctuary where meaningful connections were forged, and relationships became just as important as the smiles they created. Inspired by the overwhelming support and compassion of the Glencoe community, Dr. Knorr and his team decided it was time to give back to the people who once gave them so much in their time of need.
The Lauren Emily Foundation Mission and Purpose
The Lauren Emily Foundation was born out of a desire to honor Lauren Emily’s memory and continue the spirit of love and support that defines our community. We are committed to supporting those in our community who give back, as well as enhancing access to dental care for those who do not have the resources at their fingertips, and offer a helping hand to those facing financial challenges.
Monthly Charitable Donation Program
Each month the Lauren Emily Foundation aims to amplify the impact of our efforts through our charitable donation program. Dr. Knorr pledges to donate $500 each month to a nominated cause or project that aligns with the mission of the Lauren Emily Foundation. We firmly believe that working together, we can all create positive change and improve the lives of everyone around us.
Because we know the power and breadth of our community’s generosity, in order to encourage or support even more meaningful projects, Forever Smiles and the Lauren Emily Foundation have initiated a matching contribution program. For every dollar donated by patients towards approved projects, our foundation will match the contributions up to $500, effectively doubling the impact of every donation.
How You Can Apply for Support
Local patients and organizations can submit their requests for financial support.
Whether it’s addressing dental needs, supporting educational initiatives, facilitating mission trips, or aiding community development projects, we are here to help. Applicants can share the purpose and impact of their proposed endeavors with us via the application below. Together, we can make a difference!
Join Us
We invite you to be part of our mission and make a positive change in the lives of those in need.
We thank everyone for honoring the memory of our Lauren Emily, and we extend the same love and support that we once received from our amazing community.