Slate Dental Inc. has grown its operations from a South Hill garage just two years ago to launching its mini dental flosser product in 844 Target Corp. stores nationwide, marking a significant retail milestone for the Spokane-based dental-technology company.

Over the last month, four men who made lasting impacts on Spokane’s culture, business landscape, and community have died: Gordon Budke, Larry Brown, Frank Bouten, and Steve Strom.

Last April, Maddie’s Place President and CEO Shaun Cross was worried the Spokane-based neonatal transitional care facility might not secure $2 million from the Washington State Legislature to continue operating. To help prevent a potential closure, the organization launched a social media campaign. The campaign not only helped raise additional funds but sparked national interest, with groups in more than 30 states now exploring how to bring a Maddie’s Place-style facility to their communities.