Blue Grass Farms Charities (BGFC) is proud to announce the Dr. Herb Riddle Dental Fund, beginning in 2024. This fund will ensure that horsemen and women who do not have dental insurance, or additional income for such need, can request assistance for examinations, and routine/emergency procedures.
Dr. Tom Riddle has heard many stories of farm workers dealing with oral health issues. He also knows that the cost involved for dental care continues to be overwhelmingly expensive for them. In 2019, Dr. Riddle's brother, Dr. Herb Riddle, DMD, passed away. Dr. Riddle and his wife, Margaret, wanted to honor Herb by establishing a dental fund.
“Margaret and I both want to do something to honor my older brother who passed away too young. We thought of honoring him by establishing a fund through the Blue Grass Farms Charities in which we would pay for dental care for horse farm workers in Kentucky. Blue Grass Farms Charities does a great job providing for the horse community in our area and thus, we can support a charity which we strongly believe in and honor my brother with a dental fund,” stated Dr. Riddle. “Many horse farm workers view dental care as optional. They do not realize the importance of taking care of their teeth to their overall health. It is Margaret's and my hope that the establishment of the Dr. Herb Riddle Dental Fund with Blue Grass Farms Charities will be an encouragement to visit their dentist regularly.”
For the past four years, the charity has received the Delta Dental of Kentucky grant, which provides emergency and routine procedures designated for the horsemen. This grant has become an essential part of the charity's healthcare assistance since emergency extractions were the only procedures covered. Currently, farm employees may apply for dental care by meeting the criteria of employment with a farm or track facility. This grant has 'opened the flood gates' for so many in need of dental care and has been the charity's number one requested assistance. The Delta Dental grant money regularly runs out before year-end because of this great need.
Therefore, the Dr. Herb Riddle Dental Fund will be vital for the increased asks for dental assistance.
“When Dr. Riddle called to say that he and Margaret wanted to establish a dental care fund for the workers, the Board of Directors and I were overjoyed. In our discussions, we agreed that Bluegrass Community Foundation would be the ideal platform to manage the Fund,” stated Julie Kwasniewski, Executive Director at Blue Grass Farms Charities. “Our partnership with Delta Dental and now the Dr. Herb Riddle Dental Fund, allows the charity to continue making healthier smiles for the Central Kentucky horsemen. We are grateful for the Riddles and their support.”
If you would like to contribute to the Dr. Herb Riddle Dental Fund/Blue Grass Farms Charities, you may do so directly to Bluegrass Community Foundation, 499 E High St STE 112, Lexington, KY 40507. 499 E High St STE 112, Lexington, KY 40507.
Blue Grass Farms Charities' mission is to provide health and human services to those who work in Central Kentucky's Thoroughbred Industry. Visit www.bgfcky.org; email info@bgfcky.org or call 859.219.0910 for more information, or check out on www.facebook.com/bgfcky or X at https://twitter.com/BGFCharities
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