The Med Center Health Foundation has received a $4.2 million gift from the Robert and Mary Tincher Charitable Foundation, money that will pay for children's medical, dental and orthodontic care in Bowling Green and Warren County, WBKO reported on Oct. 17.
The Details
- What it funds: According to Med Center Health's announcement, the gift supports the Robert and Mary Tincher Guardian Angel Children's Services Endowment, which pays for pediatric medical, dental and orthodontic care.
- Who it serves: Children in Bowling Green and Warren County who need free or reduced-cost care, per Med Center Health.
- Where care is delivered: Through Med Center Health's Community Clinic and Dental Clinic, according to WBKO.
- Reach so far: More than 400 children used funds from the Guardian Angel program in 2025, Med Center Health says.
- Cost to families: The program provides free or reduced-cost care. The announcement does not describe eligibility rules or how to apply.
Why It Matters Here
Med Center Health says this is the largest gift in the history of its foundation. The Tinchers and their foundation have supported it since it began in 2000, giving $1.6 million before this gift, according to the announcement. Counting the new money, their total support is nearly $6 million. A $1 million gift in 2024 led to the program being renamed in the couple's honor, per WBKO.
For local families, the practical effect is a funded, named source of pediatric dental, medical and orthodontic help at two existing Med Center Health clinics. Orthodontic care in particular is often out of reach for families on tight budgets.
The Bowling Green Daily News reported that the gift came as the Tincher Foundation prepared to shut down. WBKO reported in September that the foundation was closing, with dissolution expected Sept. 30, after distributing nearly $19 million in final gifts to local organizations. The two outlets give slightly different totals for the overall distribution (the Daily News says more than $18 million).
What People Are Saying
- Connie Smith, president and CEO of Med Center Health, said, "This is the largest gift our Foundation has ever received," according to Med Center Health's announcement.
- Michele Lawless, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Med Center Health, said, "We are honored they have entrusted us to carry on their legacy," per the same announcement.
- Joe Bill Campbell, secretary and legal counsel of the Tincher Foundation's board, said Robert Tincher "wanted to make sure that the assets were used to change lives," the Daily News reported, noting the remark was made earlier.
Before You Go
If you think your child may qualify for the Guardian Angel program, call Med Center Health's main line at (270) 745-1000 and ask about it. That number is listed on the health system's website but is not tied to this program in the announcement, so check ahead on eligibility and availability.
Sources
- WBKO, Oct. 17, 2026 — gift details, clinics, 400 children
- Med Center Health announcement — endowment, giving history, quotes
- Bowling Green Daily News, Oct. 16, 2026 — foundation wind-down, Campbell comment