Who will be the next Dream Team success? Now's your chance to win free makeover

By Marci Laehr-Tenuta

Monday, February 27, 2006 2:08 AM CST

RACINE COUNTY - Have you ever wished for a team of health and beauty experts to swoop into your life and help you transform yourself from the inside out?

Here's your chance.

The Racine Dream Team is now accepting applications for their 2006 makeover.

Made up of dentists, fitness and nutrition experts, a plastic surgeon, and an ophthalmologist, this local team of professionals is all geared up to make a difference in one Racine County person's life.

"We would like to help the residents of Racine County understand the importance of health, wellness, and improved self-image," said Dr. Kim Kind-Bauer, the founding member of the Racine Dream Team. "We also want the community to know that high quality services are available right here in the city of Racine. They do not have to travel to Chicago, Milwaukee, or Hollywood to receive excellent image enhancing and wellness services."

Last year the team transformed the life and look of Vickie Kuiper, a 50-year-old wife and mother of four, through 12 weeks of nutrition guidance, fitness training, a new skin care regiment, cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic work.

"Last year at this time, I was at a turning point in my life," Kuiper said. "I was approaching 50 and I was not in the shape I wanted to be in and there were other things about my appearance that I wanted to change. I was so glad I took the time to fill out the (makeover) application and make a short video. I would recommend that anyone do the same. The makeover was a life-changing

experience."

The Dream Team hopes to repeat their success with someone new this year.

Dr. Kanwar Singh and the Eye

Centers of Racine will offer cosmetic eye surgery or surgical vision correction, depending on the needs of the new candidate.

Dr. Michael Sweet, a local plastic surgeon, will provide skin care treatments, and offer new IPL and laser technology services, including permanent hair reduction, photofacials and treatment for leg veins.

Sweet said he and his staff enjoyed providing the services to Kuiper last year and making a positive impact on her life.

"By partnering with the others on the Dream Team, we were able to compliment and enhance the patient's final result," he said. "We had a great experience and look forward to being a part of the team again this year."

Dr. Mark Lenz, a local orthodontist also said he enjoyed working with Kuiper and her family very much. He wants to educate the community about the benefits of a beautiful, healthy smile: improved oral health, improved systemic health and enhanced confidence and

self-esteem.

Kind-Bauer wants to help the makeover recipient put their best smile forward.

"First impressions are extremely important," she said. "And, like it or not, people will make an immediate judgment based on the moment they are first introduced. People will form an opinion about you based on what they see. Why not project the best image possible by flashing them a gorgeous smile?" Last year, Montel Melcher and Terri Bannon of Enhanced Nutrition and Fitness and Razor Sharp Fitness helped Kuiper go from 140 to 115 pounds. Keeping up with their advice and exercise routine also took 6 inches off her waist.

They are committed to teaching someone new how to change their life for the better with regular exercise and nutritional

fitness.

If you are interested in becoming the next recipient of the Racine Dream Team makeover, applications are available online at: http://www.racinedreamteam.com The application deadline is March 8. Forms can be turned in to any of the Dream Team provider locations listed on the application.

From the applications, the Dream Team will chose 10 finalists. A panel of six judges will meet in late March to decide on who will receive the makeover. Beginning in April, the makeover recipient will begin the 12-week process.

Applicants must be age 21 or older, and a resident of Racine County.

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