During the month of June the SmileFaith Foundation was the featured charitable organization at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office. Due to the hard work of staff and the generosity of a giving community, Tax Collector Mike Fasano was able to present $8,433.42 to the leaders of the SmileFaith Foundation. The Foundation is working on opening a Veterans Community Dental Clinic later this year. Proceeds from the charitable promotion will be used primarily to help open and operate the clinic, which will serve Pasco County and the Greater Tampa Bay area.
“SmileFaith’s Smile Makeover Program helps under-served individuals in the Tampa Bay area achieve complete, new smiles, better health and renewed hope for living,” states Dr. Mike “Dr. Mike” O’ Carroll, Executive Director of SmileFaith Foundation. “The Veterans Community Dental Clinic will be open in late 2017 and will help veterans who do not have access to VA dental benefits, which is approximately 95% of all veterans. The charitable clinic will also serve to relieve suffering and inspire hope for disadvantaged residents.”
The goal of the new SmileFaith dental clinic will be to “bridge the gap,” renewing hope and providing oral health services to thousands of under-served veterans. The Clinic will also provide life coach counseling to veterans in transition. The clinic will be located at 5400 School Road in New Port Richey. Although a firm opening date has not been announced, it is hoped that the clinic will be fully operational sometime during the middle and the end of fall.
“It was a joy working with Dr. “Mike” and his team, “states Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “I remember when the grand opening of SmileFaith took place in its old location on U.S. Highway 19. They have come a long way in the intervening years. The building, which once housed doctor’s offices, is being renovated to provide a host of dental services, counseling and other programs to help veterans and those in need to get back on their feet. Because the clinic operates primarily on donations I encourage anyone who is interested in helping our veterans and others in need to consider donating.”
The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office supports local charitable organizations that assist residents of Pasco County. For more information about the charitable giving programs and other services at the Pasco Tax Collector’s Office please visit www.pascotaxes.com or call Greg Giordano, Assistant Tax Collector at 727-847-8179. For more information regarding SmileFaith Foundation in particular please visit the website www.smilefaith.org or contact Dr. Michael O’ Carroll at 727-807-7958.
PHOTO ATTACHED
[FROM LEFT – New Port Richey City Councilmember Jeff Starkey; Sherri Paules, CEO of the SmileFaith Foundation; Mr. Tom Lane, Founder of SmileFaith Foundation; Michelle VanCuren, Director of Branch Services – Pasco Tax Collector’s Office; Tax Collector Mike Fasano; Alicia Albanese, Customer Service Supervisor – Tax Collector Land O’ Lakes Office; Tammy Dziedzic, Office Manager – Tax Collector Land O’ Lakes Office; Dr. Mike O’ Carroll, Executive Director of the SmileFaith Foundation and Rocky, a patient, veteran and volunteer]