Dentistry senior serves from the heart

Rondre Baluyot, D.M.D.Rondre Baluyot, D.M.D. Class of 2012, was honored with the Health/Social Services award during the 40th Annual Work of Heart Volunteer Awards on April 24, 2012, for his record of community service including with the ACORN Dental Clinic.

Baluyot, who graduates with his dental degree in May, began volunteering with the Alachua County Organization for Rural Needs (ACORN) Dental Clinic as a volunteer dental assistant in 2004, before he started dental school and continued his volunteer work while pursuing his degree.

“I volunteer because I feel its important for my children to see that we have the ability to make an impact in our community.  We need to strive to be productive members of our community and, at the same time, we need to take the time to serve others,” he said.

Balancing being a husband and father of three, Baluyot has also been active in other dental community service work, his church, city commissions, and the Chamber of Commerce.

The Baluyot family, including the children, have been active volunteers in Alachua County for 14 years, and plan to stay involved in years to come.

The Work of Heart Volunteer Awards honor volunteers who exemplify impressive volunteerism in Alachua County.  This annual event was held in conjunction with National Volunteer Month.