LEWISBURG — Lawrence J. Winans, DMD and The Eye Center of Central PA, have announced the winners of the makeover contest “A Brighter Smile, A Clearer Vision. Recognizing Generosity.” The contest was established as a way to honor and recognize individuals in the community who generously give of themselves and their time to help others.

The winners were chosen by public vote online at www.WQKX.com or www.BrighterSmileClearerVision.com where visitors were encouraged to read their stories, and then vote for their favorites.

Winners are Gayle Tobin and Adam Tarin, two people who have made a difference in their community. Both had impressive and moving nomination stories.

Gayle Tobin

Though Tobin has had numerous positive effects on her community with her joyful and giving spirit, the most impressive way is in her volunteer work at the Sunbury YMCA where she works as a personal trainer to many demographics including special needs individuals. Tobin’s daughter nominated her and the school where she works as a teacher heard about the nomination. The entire school rallied to support her. Votes poured in and a Face Book page was even set up by her colleagues to help her story get out.

Tobin was thrilled when she heard she was a winner. “I had seen smile makeovers on TV, but I never thought it could happen for me,” she said. “I just wanted my daughters to have great smiles and that is where our budget went.

“My teeth weren’t great and sometimes I caught myself covering my mouth when I smiled. I didn’t like that at all,” she said.

Dr. Winans was also pleased by the number of votes Tobin received. “ I really liked Gayle. Her story touched me and when I saw her, I knew we could make a huge impact in the appearance of her smile – she has such a vibrant personality and I’m looking forward to helping her find a brighter, more confident smile.

“Our plan will be to place 10 porcelain veneers on her upper teeth and perform Zoom!® whitening on the lower. The entire smile makeover will probably take a total of three or four visits.”

Adam Tarin

Tarin’s works as a pharmaceutical reimbursement coordinator at Geisinger. In addition to choosing a vocation that helps the community, he spends time volunteering at pet shelters, political events and, as a musician, has performed at no cost for fund-raising events. He frequently volunteers his time to help friends and neighbors.

Tarin was also surprised and honored by the nomination and thrilled to be chosen as a winner. “I am extremely grateful. All the candidates were just as – if not more – deserving of this recognition. But I am certainly grateful that I won’t need to wear glasses anymore. I’ll even be able to see at night!”

The surgeons at the EYE Center of Central PA will perform lasik surgery for Tarin, a laser assisted surgical procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea.