The Resource Center Establishes Dr. John Vona “Smile” Fund to Support Oral Health Care for Individuals with Disabilities

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation is honored to announce the creation of The Resource Center Dr. John Vona "Smile" Fund, an agency endowment fund, established in loving memory of Dr. John Vona by his children Linda Hart, Dr. David Vona, Sandy Stewart, and Daniel Vona. The “Smile” Fund will make an annual grant to Filling the Gap, Inc. to offset the cost of excellent oral health care for individuals with disabilities.  

Dr. Vona, fondly called “Doc” within the community, completed school at the University of Buffalo’s Dental School in 1961 and immediately entered the U.S. Army Reserve Dental division at Ft Riley, KS. After an honorable discharge, he set down roots in Silver Creek, NY. He had a thriving dental practice for over 45 years and continued to work well into his mid-80s for The Resource Center at TRC Community Health Center in Dunkirk, NY, where he retired after working 61 years as an area dentist. 

He prided himself on building relationships and patient care with a splash of humor. Dr. Vona was a compassionate and highly respected local dentist whose career was defined by kindness, dedication, and a heartfelt commitment to serving others—especially individuals with special needs. The “Smile” Fund pays tribute to both his professional legacy and the joy he brought to his patients, coworkers, and community.  

“My dad always believed in treating everyone with dignity and kindness, and his dental practice truly reflected that,” said Linda Hart. “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.”  

Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based not-for-profit organization that works with The Resource Center, will use the “Smile” Fund to help close the gap in oral health services for individuals with disabilities, a population that often struggles to find accessible and affordable care.  

“We are incredibly grateful for this new fund and the opportunity it presents to expand vital services to those who need them most,” said Greg Krauza, Board President for Filling the Gap, Inc. “Dr. Vona made an impact on countless lives, and this fund ensures that his smile, and his care, live on in the work we continue to do.” 

“We were so fortunate to work with Dr. Vona at our dental office in Dunkirk for so many years. He was a bright spot in everyone’s day and treated each patient with genuine kindness,” said Heather Brown, Vice President for Clinical Operations at The Resource Center and Community Inclusion, Inc., which operates TRC Community Health Center. “It is an honor that his family has selected to continue his legacy and support of individuals in need of dental care in our community.” 

“For those who had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Vona, his unwavering passion for serving people with disabilities left a permanent mark on us all. His kind and compassionate nature sets the standard for our continued mission to provide the best healthcare for our community,” said Lindsay VandeVelde, Community Inclusion’s Executive Director. “Our gratitude goes out to the Vona family for their generosity in creating the “Smile” Fund.” 

The Resource Center and the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation share a longstanding relationship, with multiple endowment funds in place to support and sustain a variety of programs for individuals with disabilities. These funds are enhanced annually by generous community contributions, often raised through signature events like the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk and TRC Golf Classic, which raise awareness and support for services benefiting people with disabilities across Chautauqua County. 

“This Fund is a beautiful tribute,” said Tory Irgang, Executive Director. “We are proud to continue our partnership with The Resource Center and are grateful to Linda, David, Sandy, and Daniel for choosing the Foundation as a steward of their father’s legacy.”  

Fittingly, the Vona family intends to raise money for the Smile Fund through the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk. The 29th annual event takes place July 19 in Silver Creek. Dr. Vona was a passionate supporter of the event, which was created by Silver Creek residents, Wayne and Elaine Hotelling, in honor of their daughter Laurel, who had Down syndrome. The fact that Dr. Vona was Laurel’s dentist serves to enhance the connection between the Vona and Hotelling families.