Thankful Thursday Testimonials

I looked up the five characteristics of generous people: Altruism, optimism, trust, energy, ability to lead. It should have said equals Ron and Diane Aughtmon. They would give you the shirt off of their back. They expect nothing in return for all that they do. No matter how bad the world can be they see how good it can be, and strive to achieve that. They trust that their causes are worthy ones and in return, makes me trust that I am giving to a worthwhile cause. They are the cheerleaders for anyone in need and that energy spills out to all of us wanting to back any cause they suggest. Ron and Diane make me want to be a better person so I give when I can because I believe in them.
Candice Rohde Begley

We never knew John Fiore personally but he must have been an exceptional person to have inspired Dana, Diane and Ron to set up a remarkable Foundation which does SO much for the community! The support of the Ronald McDonald House alone is phenomenal but it doesn’t stop there. They give so much, the community food pantry, WNY Heroes, Diamonds in the Ruff Animal Rescue and raffles benefiting individuals that are struggling within the community, to name just a few. Their enthusiasm and desire to make a difference in this world is contagious and they are always very open and trustworthy to explain where every penny is going. They have our complete support and we are grateful to be a small part of such a truly wonderful organization. Thank you Dana, Diane, Ron and everyone at the John Fiore Foundation for all you do to help those in the community. You’re all rock stars!!
Tammy and Randy Gorzka
May 25, 2023
To be honest, the first year I did the golf tournament was because it was an excuse to get drunk and play golf. What I honestly took away from it was so much more. Once I saw that the main donation was to the RMH, it really sunk in. I lost my sister to leukemia in 2001 and she spent a lot of time at Roswell. My parents were touched by how the RMH not only offered them help but so many of the less fortunate families got so much more. It breaks my heart that Flight 3407 ever happened. I didn’t personally know John however he has to be so proud of Dana, Diane and Ron. I’m so happy to be a small part of all the wonderful people from all different backgrounds and life styles that come together as one.
Dennis Bisig
April 27, 2023
Back in the mid 90s, I knew John Fiore from being in the same union and John was a great guy. At the time of the plane crash, I worked with Ron and saw the grief this caused the family. When Ron and his family started the John Fiore memorial golf tournament I got involved. I saw that all the proceeds went to the Ronald McDonald House, which I was a fan of already since they helped out a close friend. I saw the passion Ron and the family had to make John proud and I knew I had to be a part of this to keep this going. Through the years this foundation has been getting stronger and stronger and it’s helping so many other people in need. I am proud to be a big supporter and will continue.
Ron Licht Jr
April 27, 2023


Lori Kovaleski December 29, 2022
Andy and Kathy Newman
December 29, 2022
The John Fiore Foundation inspires us to be better people. Their love and kindness reaches so many people with different needs, the care they have for others is so genuine that we can’t help but want to support them however we can! We love them! ❤️
Chris and Linda Alexander
December 29, 2022
When Chris and I met Ron and Diane in 2018 and became familiar with the John Fiore Foundation it changed our lives. We met two people that instantly felt like family and got to help a foundation that brings help directly to individual people that really need it. In 2021 when Chris passed away so suddenly and I was experiencing the worst time of my life, Ron, Diane and Dana chose me to be the recipient of the shot station proceeds from the golf tournament, it was a true blessing. The money sustained me and helped me and my boys live and pay the bills for several months. It was a bridge that helped me get through until I could get my finances sorted out. I love supporting a charity that helps local people and organizations in need, and I will forever be grateful to be a part of something so special.
Jackie DeMarco and
Nick Smith
December 29, 2022
Although we never knew John, his spirit lives on with the work that Dana, Diane and Ron do. It is inspiring to see the work and selflessness that goes into the assistance they are able to provide to the community. We always know exactly where our donations go, and you bring us together with that community so that we can know exactly who we are helping. Your enthusiasm is contagious, and you make us want to be better and do more to help in whatever small way we can.
