The Rotary Club of The Villages – Evening Foundation launched a fundraising appeal to support the Smiles for Veterans dental program.
The Rotary Club of The Villages – Evening Foundation has announced an urgent fundraising appeal to support Smiles for Veterans.
The community-backed program provides dental services to low-income U.S. military veterans for just $5 out of pocket per visit. Since its launch, it has delivered high-quality dental services to more than 1,500 low-income veterans through donations managed by the club.
Most Americans are surprised to learn that U.S. military veterans do not receive dental benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs unless they are completely disabled or former prisoners of war. For thousands of veterans living on limited incomes, this gap in care means untreated dental disease, pain and difficulty accessing basic services.
To address this unmet need, Rotarians collaborated with a major donor, Sunshine State Veterans Fund, and Langley Health Services, a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center, to create an affordable pathway for veterans to receive general dental care, cleanings, emergency services and more. Other supporting organizations include the Summer Glen Veterans Club, the Military Officers Association of America, the Morning Rotary Club of The Villages, Rotary friend and veteran advocate Fred Robey, among many other individuals and organizations.
Every quarter, Langley submits documentation of dental services provided, and the foundation issues grants, averaging $5,000 per quarter, to cover the reduced-cost care. The foundation maintains a dedicated Smiles for Veterans Dental Account, and all contributions go directly toward lowering the cost of dental care for veterans.
The Smiles for Veterans Dental Account held $9,610.50 which supported program grants through the end of 2025. However, the program’s future is uncertain.
To contribute to the program, tax-deductible donations may be mailed to: Rotary Club of The Villages – Evening Foundation PO Box 465 Lady Lake, FL 32158. Include the memo: “Smiles for Veterans Dental Account.”
“Our veterans deserve more than gratitude: They deserve access to the basic healthcare services so many take for granted,” said Jim Bodenner, member of the Rotary Club of The Villages – Evening and board member of Langley Health Services. “This program has changed lives, restored dignity and relieved suffering for more than 1,500 veterans. With the community’s help, we can ensure it continues.”
“We are proud to be a part of this amazing community effort to support our veteran hero’s who lack access to affordable dental care” said Meaghan Lutes, chief dental officer at Langley Health Services. (SOURCE)
