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Home > Events > Event NewsEvent NewsOperation Smile Washington’s “An Evening of Smiles” Brings Smiles to HundredsOn November 18, 2006, Operation Smile's Washington Leadership Circle held its annual dinner cruise event, "An Evening of Smiles," onboard the Royal Argosy, raising more than $105,000. Approximately 150 guests enjoyed cruising Puget Sound as they enjoyed an exquisite meal. The bidding was brisk on the amazing items for the live and silent auctions such as a seven night stay anywhere in the world on Armed Forces Vacation Club network (RCI), a signature wine collection from world renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, a Windjammer cruise and a Mexican vacation and fishing adventure. Seattle's Phil Smart Sr. was honored for the work he has done to support children in the Northwest for more than 40 years. John Curley, host of KING 5-TV's Evening Magazine, was the emcee and primary auctioneer. A special thanks to the owners of Argosy Cruises Mr. and Mrs. John Blackman and Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Clark. )
(from left) Dr. William Nichols, Washington Leadership Circle Medical Chair; honoree Phil Smart Sr.; Bill Cox, Washington Leadership Circle Board Chairman Courtesy of Lauri Catena Operation Smile Louisiana Hosts 13th Annual Golf TournamentOn August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast area, including New Orleans, when the levies broke. As a result, the Louisiana Leadership Circle was unable to hold what should have been its 13th annual golf tournament. )
On October 23, 2006 the group held its postponed 13th annual golf tournament at Chateau Country Club in New Orleans. The day began with a breakfast featuring made-to-order omelets and Belgian waffles. The breakfast was accompanied by four violinists, to include Operation Smile patient Jose Bravo. The weather was perfect for the 140 golfers who teed off and enjoyed the festivities. Players competed for the “longest drive” and “closest to the hole” awards, and attempted to get a hole in one for a chance to win a car.
Following the tournament, players enjoyed a cocktail reception and awards ceremony and were greeted with music by Richard Crosby and the Jazz-Beaux’s. Awards were given to the winning foursome Randy Schmidt, Lionel Langios, Mike Giambelluca and Craig Gambino. Jim Besselman, the chairman of the tournament, recognized volunteers Dr. Herbert Marks and Dr. George Ellis for their continued support and participation with Operation Smile Louisiana. Dr. Herbert Marks was presented the 2005 Volunteer of the Year Award and Dr. George Ellis received the 2006 Volunteer of the Year Award.
Special recognition was given to Michael Cassio, owner of Engineering-Environment Management Corp., the tournament sponsor. John McMahon won the raffle prize – a New Orleans Saints football autographed by players Joe Horn, Deuce McAllister, and Reggie Bush. Special recognition was also given to several members of the Louisiana National Guard, who played in the tournament. Most of them were stationed in Iraq when Hurricane Katrina struck and most of them lost everything they owned. Six weeks after Katrina, they were sent home to deal with the destruction of their homes and their city. Most are now living in Alexandria, La., about 250 miles from New Orleans. These dedicated Louisiana National Guardsmen drove from Alexandria to New Orleans to participate in the golf tournament.
Thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, more than $80,000 was raised for Operation Smile. Special thanks to Southwest Airlines; Coca Cola; Budweiser; Kentwood Water; Coleman Adler Jewelers; M. Rodrigue & Son, Inc.; BellSouth; Louisiana’s 1st Choice Auto Auction; Fleming Construction; Ace License & Title; Artech Construction and Design; Torry Telecommunications & Cable; Stewart Enterprises; Massachusetts Financial Services; John & Janet Young; Doug Allen; Colonel Lester Schmidt; Energy Partners, Ltd.; John McMahon, CPA; and Scioneaux, Inc.
Operation Smile North Carolina’s Reach for the Stars GalaOperation Smile North Carolina’s Smiles Galore Gala Reach for the Stars on Saturday, November 18, 2006, was a huge success, raising more than $200,000. Nearly 200 guests attended the 17th annual fundraiser, held at the elegant Empire Room in downtown Greensboro. Attendees enjoyed a festive cocktail party, delicious dinner, and danced to the sounds of local band Wishful Thinking. Emcees for the evening WGHP FOX 8 sports director Rich Brenner and WGHP FOX 8 news anchor Cindy Farmer, also served as auctioneers for the live auction and they motivated guests to open their hearts and wallets.
During the evening, two local volunteers were honored for their contributions to Operation Smile. Rich Brenner presented Operation Smile’s Universal Smile Award to Sharron Frahm, a longtime volunteer who has demonstrated courage, vision, determination, resourcefulness and integrity in her pursuit to help children and people in need. In 1994, Sharron became active as a member of the Board of Governors for Operation Smile North Carolina. She served as Board Chair from 2002-2005. In 1998, Sharron joined an Operation Smile medical mission team to Machala, Ecuador, where she was a Medical Records volunteer. Also, Beth Marshall, Operation Smile North Carolina Director and Senior Advisor for Latin America, presented Beth Harrington with the Universal Smile Award for her dedication to improving the lives of others through her exceptional leadership. Beth Harrington has volunteered with Operation Smile since 1995 and became a member of the North Carolina Board of Governors in 1999, serving as Secretary. During her tenure as an Operation Smile volunteer and a member of the Board, Beth had the privilege of witnessing first-hand the miracles of Operation Smile, when she participated as a Medical Records volunteer on seven missions throughout Latin America. Beth’s first three missions were to Machala, Ecuador, followed by trips in 2000 to Cuenca, Ecuador, 2002 to Manta, Ecuador, and Tegucigalpa, Honduras, where she also returned in 2003. The money raised at the gala will help fund a medical mission in 2007 in honor of Sharron Frahm and Beth Harrrington.
The gala was co-chaired by Karen Jacobs and David Sar. Karen, who co-chaired the 2005 gala and recently joined Operation Smile North Carolina’s Board of Directors, became involved with Operation Smile after her husband, Dr. Gary Jacobs, an orthodontist and active Operation Smile volunteer, passed away in a plane crash in 2003. David, a local attorney, was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate. He felt a personal connection with Operation Smile and wanted to donate his time to help an organization that helps children worldwide born with these deformities. The venue looked spectacular thanks to the magical designs of Joel Schoor and Beth Penley. Operation Smile North Carolina thanks sponsors American Airlines; the Landing family; Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard, LLP; Steve and Kathy Conowall; Guilford County Dental Society; Dr. Carswell Jackson and friends; Darryl and Miriam Kerr; Landmark Builders; Lindbrook Development Services; Ling and Kerr Pediatric Therapy Services; Shelco, Inc.; Carl and Lina Treleaven; UBS; Advanced Visual Enviroments-A Division of R.L. Vanstory Company, L.L.C.; Kavanagh Homes; and Murphy/Wainer Orthopedic Specialists. Thanks to amazing volunteers and donors the evening was truly spectacular and hundreds of children will receive new smiles. 5th Annual Share a Smile Gala in New Jersey)
More than 400 guests enjoyed the 5th annual Share a Smile Gala held on October 20 at the Hilton at Short Hills in New Jersey. The event was hosted by Operation Smile’s New Jersey Leadership Circle and co-chaired by Ellie Colucci and Mary McIntyre.Operation Smile medical volunteer Norrie Oelkers, who has served on 20 missions, was presented with the Humanitarian Award and the Financial Times was presented with the Corporate Humanitarian Award for its generous donation of advertising space to the organization. Stephen B. Howe, Financial Times Vice President of Advertising for the Americas, accepted the award on behalf of the newspaper. The live auction conducted by comedian Vinnie Brand of "The Stress Factory" in New Brunswick, NJ, generated enormous excitement with fast-paced bidding. Two opportunities to join Operation Smile mission teams on upcoming missions raised $20,000. Other exciting live auction packages included limousine service for 10 to the offices of Medicus NY for a champagne brunch overlooking the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade; a trip to the Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico; and a dinner party for 10 prepared by Chef Bob Guido of the River's Edge Cafe in Redbank, NJ, and served by the Gala committee. The bidding on this dinner party package was so hotly contested that three dinners were awarded to bidders who each paid $9,000 for the prize. Members of Operation Smile Student Associations from Seton Hall Prep, Delbarton School, Oak Knoll, Westfield High School, Villa Walsh and Montclair High School, volunteered at the event. Guests each received a goody bag that included copies of the Financial Times, M&Ms printed with the Operation Smile logo donated by the Mars Company, Starbuck's coffee and lip balm donated by Whole Foods Market Montclair. Thanks to the committee members, sponsors, and attendees who came together to make this event a success and help children around the world.
5th Annual Los Angeles Gala Raises More Than $1.2 MillionOperation Smile held its 5th Annual Los Angeles Gala on September 21, at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel, raising more than $1.2 million to help children around the world suffering with facial deformities. More than 500 guests attended the gala which was emceed by “Access Hollywood” host Billy Bush. The event was Co-Chaired by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett and Honorary Chairs were Senator John McCain and his wife Cindy. Entertainment was provided by multi-Grammy Award Winner Christopher Cross and Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy.
A poignant highlight of the evening included a surprise visit from Madelein Córdova Dubón, a 2-year-old girl from Honduras born with a cleft lip and cleft palate. In February of 2006, Roma Downey and Mark Burnett participated in an Operation Smile medical mission in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. They met and bonded with Madelein who received reconstructive surgery by the Operation Smile medical team to repair her cleft lip. Madelein and her mother Fatima made the long journey from Honduras to surprise Roma and Mark this evening. ) A special donation of $150,000 was presented to Operation Smile by Ángeles Lladró, a member of the Lladró family of Spain and a unique contributor and invaluable asset to the Lladró company founded by her father and uncles 53 years ago. Lladró joined forces with Operation Smile last spring, pledging to raise $150,000 for the charity in an eight-month program featuring the introduction of an enchanting porcelain sculpture “Let Me Help You.” As part of the program Ms. Lladró will be participating in an Operation Smile mission to Kenya in October.
) Long-time supporters of children’s healthcare issues, Vanessa & Donald Trump Jr. and family were honored with the Wallis Annenberg Public Service Award. Currently, he serves as Executive Vice President of Development & Acquisitions for The Trump Organization and is a regular on his father’s hit show The Apprentice. Trump Jr. was a founding member of the Operation Smile Executive Committee in Manhattan. Vanessa Trump is an actress and model with Wilhelmina Artist Management and currently attends Marymount College in Manhattan. Vanessa first became involved with Operation Smile in 2003 at the final episode of the first season of The Apprentice. Both Mr. & Mrs. Trump Jr. accepted this award on behalf of the entire Trump family and plan to attend their first medical mission during Operation Smile’s 25th Anniversary year.
) Abbott, a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics was honored with the Corporate Humanitarian Award. Abbott has been supporting Operation Smile for more than 13 years through product donations and by sponsoring Pediatric and Advanced Cardiac Life Support Training programs for healthcare workers in seven developing nations.
LA Clippers star Elton Brand was presented the Universal Smile Award by boxing great Sugar Ray Leonard. Off the court, Brand is a tireless activist, donating his time and energy to a number of philanthropic efforts to benefit underprivileged youth. In 2000, he established the Elton Brand Foundation to support after school education programs, children's participation in sports, and single parent families in Los Angeles and other cities where he has lived and played basketball.
Norm Nixon was presented with The Wilt Chamberlain Award by CBS 2 Sports Anchor Jim Hill. Nixon played ten seasons with the LA Lakers and the San Diego/LA Clippers, helping to win two world championships in 1980 and 1982. Off the court, Nixon is a student of life and an enthusiastic philanthropist, supporting wife Debbie Allen’s Dance Organization - whose program aims to make dance a meaningful part of the lives of the individuals it serves - and Healthy Body Products, dedicated to helping communities eat better and exercise more for a healthier lifestyle. “Celebration of Smiles” Brings New Smiles to Hundreds of ChildrenMore than 300 people attended the second annual “Celebration of Smiles” event on October 13 at Kiln Creek Golf Club & Resort in Newport News, Va. Golfers enjoyed the day on the 320-acre golf course, while a group of tennis players hit the courts for an instructional clinic, round robin doubles matches and a pro exhibition. The silent auction included sports memorabilia presented by Sports and More. Everyone enjoyed dinner and danced to live music by Bill Deal’s Original Rhondels. “Celebration of Smiles” was co-chaired by Jerry and Joann Hill and Dick and Terri Ashe and 13NEWS Anchor Regina Mobley was the honorary chairperson. Operation Smile Co-founders Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee were among those who enjoyed the event. “Celebration of Smiles” sponsors included Riverside Paper Company, Coca-Cola, Premier Events, SYSCO Hampton Roads and Kiln Creek Golf Club & Resort. Thanks to the hard work by the committee members and the support of the sponsors and those in attendance, more than $147,000 was raised, allowing Operation Smile to help more children.
Seventh Annual Sailing for Smiles Raises Nearly $150,000) On August 11, Operation Smile’s Leadership Circle in Grand Rapids, Michigan, hosted the Seventh Annual Sailing for Smiles, a benefit evening for 200 guests at the Eldean Shipyard in Macatawa, Michigan. The event, chaired by Dr. Steven and Andrea Ringler, and Connie Engel, paid tribute to Operation Smile’s missions to India and raised nearly $150,000 through the event and membership drive.
) The evening began with sunset boat rides on Lake Michigan. Guests were then greeted by the Jimmy Buffet tribute band, The Landsharks, from Orlando, Florida, as they browsed through silent auction items. After dinner, guests listened to a short program by Dr. Steven Ringler about his Operation Smile experiences, followed by a short video about a mission in India, which included local plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Naum. A live auction conducted by enthusiastic auctioneer Kristy Buck included a three night stay at Adare Manor and Golf Resort in Ireland complete with airline tickets from Activa travel, a signed Steve Yzerman jersey with box seats to a Detroit Red Wings hockey game courtesy of Fifth Third Bank, and an opportunity to join the Operation Smile mission team in Paraguay. After the auction, guests danced the night away to beach music by The Landsharks.
Sponsors included: Alticor Enterprises, Rich and Helen DeVos, Doug and Maria DeVos, Bob and Cheri Vanderweide, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Kane and Adare Manor and Golf Resort, BISSELL, Inc, Buzz and Norma VanKuiken, Mimi and Attalah Amash, Fifth Third Bank, Frey Foundation, Rehman Group, Vanderweide Foundation, Wolverine Worldwide, Eldean Shipyard, Barb and Ted Etheridge & The Printery, Wynott Advertising, WOOD TV-8, Martha's Vineyard, Steelcase, Sweet Temptations, Dave and Karen Custer & Custer Workplace Interiors, Activa Travel, Jane and Chris Weatherford, Eldean Shipyard, and Neiman Marcus. Denver Leadership Circle Hosts Smiles Around the WorldOn September 14, nearly 200 guests gathered at the home of Judi Kent Gervasini in Denver, CO, to attend Smiles Around the World to benefit Operation Smile. The event was co-chaired by Operation Smile medical volunteers Dr. Chris Weatherley-White and Kristin Neumann.
The crowd enjoyed an evening of international cuisine donated by six of Denver’s top restaurants including Casablanca, Little India, Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse, Parallel 17, Red Square Euro Bistro, and Tula. Musical and dance performances by local groups included asian fan dancers, a belly dancer, and local community choir Kantorei.
Channel 9 KUSA-TV personality Mark McIntosh emceed the event and served as auctioneer with help from guest auctioneer, Valeria DeVine, who brought excitement to the evening. Live auction items included a pug puppy and an Operation Smile medical mission trip. The event was a huge success, raising more than $90,000!
ECI Builders “Golfing for Smiles” Benefit for Operation SmileSunshine and warm weather greeted golfers on September 14, 2006 for the first annual “Golfing for Smiles” benefit for Operation Smile hosted by ECI Builders, a leading contractor in South-Eastern Michigan, specializing in insurance repairs, barrier free construction and remodeling. More then 70 golfers came out to enjoy the great weather and a day filled with golf held at The Majestic at Lake Walden golf course in Hartland, Mich. ECI Builders was honored to present a check for $7,100 to Operation Smile’s Detroit Leadership Circle. Brian Ellis, President of ECI Builders, and his wife Jennifer Ellis, a school teacher, wanted to give back to Operation Smile, a charity that is close to the family’s heart. Callum Ellis, their two-year-old son, was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate. When he was 3 months and 6 months of age, Callum received reconstructive surgery to repair his deformities. The Ellises feel very privileged to have had the resources necessary to help their son and wanted to help others born with the same conditions as Callum who are not as fortunate.
“We had a great turn out for our first year,” said Brian Ellis, President of ECI Builders. “We certainly owe a great amount of our success to our employees, volunteers, sponsors and our golfers who donated their time, money and products to support Operation Smile. We are enthusiastic to start planning for next year’s event.”
Sponsors included: Armstrong Design Group, Vanwinkle Mattress Company, Sagemark Consulting, Postma Plumbing, Maid Brigade, Main Floor Covering, Tom’s Clean Sweep, Skyline Diamond Setters Inc., Jtots Inc., Accessible Environments, New Image Home Services, Charles Sinelli & Sons, McDonald & Sons, Metrobank, Harvey’s Quality Flooring, Classic Cleaners, Cadillac Window Corp, and Shower Door Design. Starbucks Hosts Latin American Coffee Tasting to Promote NJ Share a Smile Gala and Spread Awareness for Operation SmileOn Sunday, September 17, the Starbucks store at The Mall at Short Hills New Jersey hosted a complimentary Latin American coffee tasting to promote the Operation Smile Share a Smile Gala and to spread awareness of Operation Smile in New Jersey. Starbucks store manager Andrea Block and her wonderful team served tasty coffee samples and cake near the store entrance while the Operation Smile New Jersey team greeted customers and shared information about Operation Smile.
The Share a Smile Gala co-chairs Ellie Colucci and Mary McIntyre were joined by committee member Tracey O'Brien, Allison Sargent and Eve Balick of Allison Sargent Events, Delbarton School students Alex and John Colucci and two students spearheading the launch of the Montclair High School Operation Smile Student Association this fall, Tucker Sargent and Loren Hoyt. The Operation Smile team looked vibrant, each in a colorful tee shirt from missions in recent years. They handed out flyers, brochures and Operation Smile buttons. Thanks to Starbucks, Andrea Block and her fabulous team of baristas and everyone who helped! The Share a Smile Gala will be held on October 20th at the Hilton at Short Hills. For information, contact Ellie Colucci at (908) 654-5896 or Mary McIntyre at (973) 701-1689 or click here. The Smile Collection Couture Event Raises $2.2 million for Operation SmileOn May 19, nearly 1,000 Operation Smile supporters gathered at Skylight Studios in New York City for The Smile Collection and raised $2.2 million to help children around the world. The evening included dinner, a live auction, and a couture fashion show by J. Mendel. Model and actress Molly Sims and Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush served as co-hosts. )
Operation Smile Benefactor and Executive Committee Co-chairs Charlotte Moss, William Finneran, Alex Hurst and Vanessa Trump welcomed guests such as Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, Lorraine Bracco, Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr. Smile Committee members included Ferebee Bishop, Alexis Bryan, Martin Dawson, Dabney Mercer, Minnie Mortimer, Ali Wise and Eleanor Ylvisaker. During dinner, the crowd enjoyed a fashion show which included 10 looks from designer J. Mendel’s spring 2006 line. Expert makeup artist Vincent Logo and celebrity hair stylist Ken Pavés made the IMG models who donated their time look amazing.
The live auction included two tables for four to dine at New York City hotspot Rao’s, with each going for $60,000. Another auction item was a day with The O.C.’s star Mischa Barton. The auction alone raised nearly half a million dollars with generous donations from Donald Trump, Tommy Tisch, Stewart Rahr, Stephen Sander and others. Thanks to all the attendees, the Trump Family, Tisch Family, Stewart Rahr, Touradji Capital Management, Emigrant Savings Bank, Cotto & Padovani, ING Clarion, and Pfizer who made the evening such a tremendous success. Second Annual Journey of Smiles Raises More Than $370,000On April 29, the Michigan Friends of Operation Smile hosted the Second Annual Journey of Smiles, a benefit evening for 400 guests at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dearborn. The evening was emceed by FOX 2 News Anchor Monica Gayle and former NBA Champion John Salley. The event, chaired by Operation Smile medical volunteer Terri Klimek, rallied supporters and sponsors who came together to pay tribute to Operation Smile mission countries in Southeast Asia and raise money for the organization. Guests enjoyed dinner, silent and live auctions and dancing to the music of the Jerry Ross Band. The crowd heard the personal story of former Operation Smile patient Jose Villegas, who is now Operation Smile’s Speakers Bureau Coordinator. ) Operation Smile presented WJBK FOX 2 News Anchor Monica Gayle with the Metro Detroit Humanitarian Award. In February 2005, Monica and cameraman Bob Schedlbower joined the Operation Smile medical mission in Honduras. FOX 2 created and aired a special program about the mission and Monica also incorporated the story of Mercy Jerotich Lamii, an Operation Smile World Care Patient from Kenya, who stayed and received care in Detroit. Last year, Monica served as emcee at the Safari of Smiles gala and this year has worked side-by-side as an active committee member with The Michigan Friends of Operation Smile. Barbara O. Chamberlain-Lewis presented former Detroit Pistons player and Coach Ray Scott with the Wilt Chamberlain Award. This award, in memory of the NBA Hall of Famer and Operation Smile benefactor, recognized Mr. Scott who aspires to make a difference in the world through his commitment to youth. Mr. Scott was a friend of Wilt Chamberlain and is close with the Chamberlain family. Operation Smile presented its Corporate Humanitarian Award to Cardinal Health for its tremendous support of Operation Smile. Debra Hadley, Executive Director for the Cardinal Health Foundation, accepted this award from Operation Smile Board of Directors Chairman Howard Unger.
Special guests that night included four-year-old Mercy Lamii, an Operation Smile World Care patient from Kenya, accompanied by her father Paul. A silent auction offered prizes, while auctioneer Jim Miller conducted the spirited live auction. Generous sponsors for the evening included: Infinity Sound Systems, Pulte Homes, Rock Financial, Justin P. Schaller & Family, Cardinal Health, Dr. Kevin and Terri Klimek, LaSalle Bank, Park West Gallery, Toyota, the Fisher-Cummings Family Fund, McKinsey & Company, The National Basketball Association, PVS Chemicals, Inc., 100.3 WNIC, The Observer & Eccentric Newspapers, STYLE Magazine and WJBK FOX 2 News. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of the chair, committee members and generous sponsors, the evening raised more than $370,000 for Operation Smile. Sequins and Smiles Gala Raises More than $180,000 for Operation SmileTropical sounds and bright colors highlighted the evening of Saturday, April 29 as guests partied to benefit Operation Smile at Richmond’s fourth annual Sequins and Smiles Gala, held at the Richmond Marriott Hotel. The event, attended by 500 guests, raised more than $180,000 to help Operation Smile treat more children around the world suffering with facial deformities.
As guests were greeted by the steel drum Caribbean beat of the trio Bon Caribe, they sipped bikini martinis, sampled Caribbean seafood appetizers and browsed through hundreds of silent auction items. After a luscious dinner inspired by the head chef at the Marriott Hotel in Aruba, guests listened to a heartwarming program led by gala co-chairs Dr. Joe Niamtu, III and Dr. W. Baxter Perkinson, Jr. Former First Lady of Virginia Susan Allen spoke of her recent trip to Washington, D.C. where she met Operation Smile International Youth Ambassador Jessica Simpson, who was also on Capitol Hill to show support for Operation Smile. Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ) spoke of his personal experience being born with a cleft lip and cleft palate. He shared stories from his recent Operation Smile mission trip to Jordan, where he witnessed Operation Smile medical volunteers caring for hundreds of patients from Jordan and Iraq. ) After the program, guests danced to the swinging beach music of Ron Moody and the Centaurs and bid on live auction items which included a Caribbean cruise, a signed electric guitar by rocker Sammy Hagar, a personalized evening gown hand designed by Richmond’s own famous couture designer Michael Taylor and a mink coat donated by Alan Furs. Guests were also given note cards and a print designed by Dr. W. Baxter Perkinson, Jr. He also created individual sculptures with hand painted watercolors for each table, which were bid on by those seated at each table.Fairy Garden Gala in Florida benefits Operation SmileOne hundred little girls had the chance to be fairies for a day at the Fairy Garden Gala benefit for Operation Smile. The magical event was held on April 30 at the home of fine art photographer Karen Hillman in Plantation, Fla. The sold out event raised more than $21,000 for Operation Smile, including a donation from St. Mark’s Catholic School of Cooper City, Fla. The gala featured a tea luncheon, face painters and fairy crafts. All of the girls also received a visit to the enchanted forest to feed the live white tail deer. Special guests included Candace Cameron Bure, the actress who played "D.J." on the ABC-TV series Full House, as well as Ashlie Brillault, "Kate" from The Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire. Each girl who attended the gala received signed photos from both Candace and Ashlie. Eight-year-old Tristen Bookmyer, this year’s "Fairy Poster Child," spoke at the gala to share what she has learned about Operation Smile and why the charity is so important to her. Attendees enjoyed a singing performance by Samantha Cohen, a FOX-TV American Idol finalist, and a beautiful dance performance from Clarissa Pasqual who was accepted into the American Ballet Theater at the age of 11. The girls took part in the grand finale — a butterfly release in the garden. The afternoon concluded with the fairies dancing with the "Ren Fairies" and Ashlie Brillault. Parents who accompanied their daughters enjoyed gourmet appetizers, silent auctions and music as their little fairies waited for their special photo shoot with Karen Hillman.
Hostess Karen Hillman said, “The list of people to thank is endless. There were more then 60 vendors who provided something for this day. I want to thank each and every person who played any part of this day. Most of all, I want to thank the fairies who gathered in my garden for Operation Smile! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!” All of the food, crafts and entertainment were donated for this event. The caterers, Craves and Raves and Miss Pauline's Catering, created a beautiful buffet display that included orchids with fairy statues and whimsical figurines. A Piece of Cake donated an amazing fairy cake that guests enjoyed looking at as much as they did eating. Operation Smile Holds Volunteer Awards CeremonyOperation Smile is proud to have one of the world’s largest volunteer networks — more than 5,000 medical and non-medical volunteers ready to share their time and talent to help children. In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 23-29), Operation Smile will hold a Volunteer Awards Ceremony and cocktail reception on May 1 to honor three exceptional volunteers with the following awards: Volunteer of the Quarter, Volunteer of the Year, and Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award. Operation Smile Award Recipients:Lifetime Volunteer Award: Beth Marshall – Greensboro, North Carolina  Beth Marshall has dedicated her life to making the world better for children in need of hope and a chance at a normal life. Beth has been a volunteer on behalf of Operation Smile for more than 15 years. In that time, she has been the Director of the Operation Smile North Carolina Chapter and also the Regional Director of the Latin American Region, starting many Operation Smile Foundations in countries throughout the region. Beth currently serves as the Senior Executive Advisor for Latin America, in addition to working on global initiatives with Operation Smile’s Co-Founders.2005 Volunteer of the Year: Charlyne Carruth – Miami Lakes, Florida  As President of the Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs, Charlyne transformed an annual donation of $3,000 into an unbelievable $115,000 during the first year of her tenure. Her inspiration for supporting Operation Smile was her mother’s skin cancer, which led to many plastic surgeries. Charlyne’s commitment and dedication to Operation Smile fund raising is unprecedented among Women’s Club leaders. Her enthusiasm and ability to rally forces behind a cause she believes in is inspiring.Volunteer of the Quarter, Spring 2005: Patrick Holleran – Norfolk, Virginia Patrick Holleran has been a volunteer in Operation Smile’s warehouse for many years. He works with a team to receive, sort and pack supplies that become “smile bags.” These bags are given to every Operation Smile patient after surgery. Patrick’s reliability and integrity are unmatched and he always has a pleasant remark and a smile to pass on.  Sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation, National Volunteer Week is about thanking one of America's most valuable assets – our volunteers – and calling the public's attention to all that they do to improve our communities. The 2006 theme is "Inspire By Example" because it truly reflects the power volunteers have to inspire the people they help, as well as, to inspire others to serve!National Volunteer Week began in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Since then, every U.S. President has signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week. Additionally, governors, mayors and other elected officials make public statements and sign proclamations in support of National Volunteer Week. For additional information about National Volunteer Week, please contact Jan Rosser, Operation Smile National Volunteer Coordinator at (757) 321-7658 or at
14th Annual Carnivale of Smiles Gala Raises Money to Help Children Around the WorldMore than 300 guests enjoyed a night of exotic dining and exuberant dancing on January 28 at Operation Smile’s 14th Annual Carnivale of Smiles Gala. Held at the Omni Newport News Hotel, the evening included dinner, gaming and live and silent auctions featuring items from around the world. Guests dined to music by The Tidewater Guitar Orchestra and later danced to the sounds of Slapwater.
For their longtime support of Operation Smile, Dick and Terri Ashe were presented with Operation Smile’s Corporate Humanitarian Award. The Ashes own Kiln Creek Golf Club & Resort in Newport News, which hosted Operation Smile’s Celebration of Smiles fund-raising event in October 2005. Dedicated Operation Smile supporters Jerry and Joann Hill were honored with the Operation Smile Universal Smiles Award, which recognizes couples who, together, have dedicated their energy to improving the lives of others and have set an example of exceptional leadership. Newport News City Manager Ed Maroney presented his friends the Hills with this award. The Ashes and the Hills have co-chaired previous Operation Smile events.
Operation Smile Co-founders Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee were in attendance. The 14th Annual Carnivale of Smiles Gala was co-chaired by David and Sherron Ware. Thanks to those in attendance and sponsors including Jerry and Joann Hill, Jim and Linda Haas-The Academy of Dance and Gymnastics, Gary and Susan Tarpley-Cable Associates, Robert Kirk and Bill and Kathy Magee, hundreds of children will receive the gift of a smile.
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