Fundraiser aims to bring smiles to human trafficking victims

Women rescued from the horror of human trafficking face many roadblocks in getting their lives on track in mainstream society.

Among those obstacles are the lack of proper dental care as well as the effects on their oral health from physical abuse and beatings.

Dr. Elona Gaball and Olga Finch

(Courtesy)

Two Russian immigrants have joined forces to aid victims by sponsoring dental care and surgery.

Dr. Elona Gaball, who has a dental practice called Inspire Smiles in Solana Beach, created the nonprofit Inspired Changes.

Through the nonprofit, Gaball supplies dental care free of charge to women referred to her by other agencies helping them.

After Gaball met fellow countrywoman Olga Finch in a yoga class, the latter, a Carmel Valley real estate broker and realtor, chose Gaball as her dentist.

Learning of Gaball’s commitment to the cause of dental health for trafficking victims, Finch enthusiastically agreed to support the cause and Inspired Changes.

With Gaball’s support, Finch has organized a fundraiser for Inspire Changes that is scheduled to be held May 11.

“I couldn’t believe how beautiful San Diego had situations with so many young women (who) live in these circumstances,” Finch said of human trafficking victims in a recent interview. “Some of them who were able to get out of it didn’t even have teeth.

“For them to find a job, they need to be confident. A smile is one of those gifts Elona is giving to these women. Elona is very caring.”

The gala-style event is set to take place at 4 p.m. at Maker’s Studio, 3200 Paseo Village Way, by the One Paseo shopping village, in Carmel Valley.

The entrance cost is $45, including live music, appetizers, drinks, a slide show and silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit.

Tax deductible sponsorships are at the $5,000, $3,000 and $1,000 levels and each comes with a panoply of perks. Information on the event can be obtained by calling Finch at Finch Realty, 619-212-1489.

“This is a cause that is close to my heart, and I believe that with much support, we can make a real difference in the lives of these young ladies,” Finch said.

Gaball’s commitment came through a spiritual revelation in Dec. 2017. Then, she said, she was going through a crisis brought on by worries about the future of her career and direction in life.

“I wasn’t doing well and was losing money,” she said of her dental practice, which she had started with the support of her husband. “Around that time, we were like, ‘What should we do? Should we sell the practice?’ Literally, it was the lowest time in my whole life. ...

“That evening, I was on my knees saying, God, what would you like me to do with my life. ... Then suddenly, there was a vision: You need to do what you’re called to do, which in your heart is giving back and making things better for people. So you need to just be generous and take a step and help someone who is really in need.

“It was very specific that it was a woman who has been through hardships (and) I should take her on, love her, take care of her health, make her feel valuable and valued, and restore her dignity through smile rehabilitation.

“It was just confirmed like this is what I have to do. I have to do really well in my business and basically make things work because the purpose of my life is to transform lives for women who have basically been through modern slavery.”

Gaball said she reached out to the Alabaster Jar Project, a rehabilitation center for trafficking victims and received a referral who became the beneficiary of her newfound charitable commitment.

Gaball founded the nonprofit in 2021 and began by devoting two Fridays a month dedicated to victims in need of dental care. In addition to Alabaster Jar, referrals came through the national groups Refuge for Women and GenerateHope, among others.

She estimates she has helped more than 20 women with various procedures, including orthodonic surgery. In the first year, she said she did about $30,000 worth of work for the victims, a figure that rose to over $150,000 in 2023.

“(The victims) get abused and hit in the face a lot. Some people are missing teeth due to trauma,” Gaball said. “There’s a lot of drug use and forced drugs done to the victims. Their teeth are falling out because of the drugs and neglect.

“They’re not in safe places where they have basic health care. Neglect, abuse and trauma plus drugs literally ruin people’s mouths. And then, there’s like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) — mental health issues. I had one lady who was beaten so much with beer bottles (to) the face that she was missing a tooth and her teeth were messed up. In addition, she was blinded in one eye and had a dent (in her head).”

While Gaball’s specialty is dental care, she hopes her work with the victims helps them to grapple with the other issues they are facing.

Through the fundraiser, Gaball wishes to garner as much as $100,000 to help her continue bringing bright smiles to women who have suffered at the hands of traffickers.

“Ultimately, the main reason why I want to do so well and be the best dentist I can be ... is so I can give back more.”

Learn more about the nonprofit at inspiresmilessd.com/changes