The Cameron Foundation has pledged $12,500 to support the efforts of the Virginia Dental Association Foundation’s (VDAF) Donated Dental Services program in the Tri-Cities area.

“Some dental services, especially those requiring specialty care, can be cost-prohibitive for many senior citizens and adults with disabilities. The Cameron grant supports the efforts of the Virginia Dental Association Foundation to reach more of these individuals in our service area and fits with our priorities for a healthier community,” said J. Todd Graham, President of The Cameron Foundation.

The VDAF provides care through various direct service programs, including the Mission of Mercy (MOM) mobile dental projects, Donated Dental Services (DDS), and Give Kids a Smile!. Funding from The Cameron Foundation will support the DDS program in the Tri-Cities. DDS restores eligible older adults and adults with disabilities to good oral health by matching them with volunteer dentists, specialists and dental laboratories that provide comprehensive treatment free of charge in their private offices and clinics.  This unique approach to offering dental care in private practices makes the DDS program more convenient for volunteers and allows patients to have the same dignified experience as the dentists’ other clients.

“We are truly grateful to The Cameron Foundation for this extraordinarily generous donation to our mission.  Thousands of Virginians across the Commonwealth suffer from the pain of untreated tooth decay with little or no access to dental care.  Along with the Virginia Dental Association, our outstanding volunteers, and the generosity of donors such as Cameron, we are able to care for this population. Cameron’s contribution is a reflection of a true community spirit that will enable us to provide critically needed dental services to underserved persons living in the Tri-Cities.” said Patrick Finnerty, President of the VDAF Board of Directors.

ABOUT THE VDAF
Founded in 1996 as the charitable and outreach arm of the Virginia Dental Association, the VDAF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide access to dental care for underserved and underinsured Virginians. For more information about the Virginia Dental Association Foundation and its programs, visit www.vdaf.org.

ABOUT THE CAMERON FOUNDATION
Founded in 2003, The Cameron Foundation is a private foundation that was formed from the proceeds of the sale of Southside Regional Medical Center by the Hospital Authority of the City of Petersburg. Its service area includes the region historically served by the hospital and includes the cities of Petersburg, Colonial Heights and Hopewell; the counties of Dinwiddie, Prince George and Sussex; and the portion of Chesterfield County lying south of Route 10. Since it began grantmaking in 2004, it has awarded over $72 million to organizations serving residents of this area. Through its work, the Foundation strives to transform the Tri-Cities and surrounding counties into a healthy, vibrant and economically vital region by strategically leveraging resources for community impact.