Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida has much to be thankful for, not only during the Thanksgiving season, but year-round.  Our community is full of generous people who give freely to our Littles and their families. This November, we would like to focus our spotlight on one story in particular.

When one of our Bigs told dental assistant Jessica Davis that his Little’s teeth needed some attention, she went straight to Dr. Daniel Walkup. Dr. Walkup and his staff – Jessica, Karen, Sandy, Michelle and Erika – gladly agreed to perform a number of extractions and cavity fillings at no charge to the Little’s family.
Dr. Walkup expressed only kind words in regards to the Little, stating that he was a “nice, well-mannered young man and it was a privilege to meet him.”  The dentist called BBBS a blessing to children and the community. While Dr. Walkup was blessed with guidance from both his parents growing up, he expressed his concern for children who do not have that same advantage. He said that “Big Brothers and Big Sisters does a tremendous job and deserve all the credit.”

Dr. Walkup’s practice is in Ocala, but he resides in McIntosh with his wife Renée and children Matthew, 12, and Sam, 7. The 46-year-old dentist attended  Stetson University and then graduated from the College of Dentistry at the University of Florida in 1990.  We at BBBS of Mid-Florida give a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Walkup and his staff, for their generous contribution and making it easy for  our Little to have a big smile this year.