Dr. John Vona “Smile” Fund accepting applications

Our newest fund to support people with disabling conditions is now accepting applications for those needing dental care.

The Dr. John Vona “Smile” Fund was established this year to help close the gap in oral health services for people with disabilities. The fund is named in memory of Dr. John Vona, who worked in our Dunkirk Dental Office for 20 years before retiring in 2022. He passed away in 2024.

Dr. Vona’s children contacted TRC with the idea of creating the Smile Fund to carry on their father’s legacy of providing compassionate dental care to people with disabilities. The children (Linda Hart, Dr. David Vona, Sandy Stewart, and Daniel Vona) seeded the fund with a $15,000 gift.

“My dad always believed in treating everyone with dignity and kindness, and his dental practice truly reflected that,” said Linda. “He had such a deep love for this community and was always looking for ways to give back. This fund is a way to carry on his spirit of compassion and make sure his legacy of helping others continues, especially for those who need it most.”

To obtain a form to request support from the Smile Fund, contact Cindy Hitchcock, Chief Executive Officer of Filling the Gap, at 716-661-1519 or at cindy.hitchcock@fillingthegap.net. The form seeks information about the type of dental service being sought; the ways in which the service will improve the person’s life; the consequences of not receiving the service; and whether any portion of the procedure is covered by insurance. A committee will review the requests for assistance and decide which ones to fund.

The Smile Fund is one of seven TRC funds that are managed by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. To make a donation to the Smile Fund in Dr. Vona’s memory, visit https://fillingthegap.net/donate.