And it’s changing a 101-year-old WWII veteran’s life.
Philip Morris International (PMI) U.S.[1] has donated $100,000 to the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund for its Critical Dental Assistance Program, which provides vital dental services for disabled veterans across Florida.
PMI U.S. presented the check this week to the organization, and as part of the celebration met with 101-year-old World War II veteran Richard Rossi.
Rossi has been fighting for more than a decade to receive the dental care he needs through Veterans Affairs with no success. The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund’s efforts on dental care have allowed Rossi to finally receive treatment — a full mouth restoration — from Dr. Randall Rodriguez-Torres of USA Dental, giving the ability to be proud of his smile for the first time in 10 years.
The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund[2] works with more than 300 dental partners statewide to transform Florida veterans’ lives through quality dental care. Last year, the organization and its partners delivered critical dental care to 234 veterans, with 273 treated so far this year. Currently, 100 veterans are in active treatment.
The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund is a veteran-led nonprofit providing financial assistance, dental care and access to professional services for eligible wounded veterans in Florida. Founded in 2009 by Army veteran Michael Durkee, the organization is headquartered in North Palm Beach, with team members located additionally in the Pensacola, Tampa and Orlando areas.
PMI U.S., in addition to its business work, has established a mission to improve public health in the U.S. by providing approximately 30 million legal age smokers with smoke-free alternatives, considered less harmful than traditional cigarettes. The company employs more than 2,500 people across the U.S., with manufacturing facilities in Kentucky and North Carolina.
Philanthropically, PMI U.S. has contributed about $35 million to charitable causes to amplify work already active within various communities.
References
- ^ Philip Morris International (PMI) U.S. (www.pmi.com)
- ^ Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (support.woundedwarriorproject.org)