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Home > How to Help > Events NewsEvents NewsSmiles Galore Gala in North Carolina Celebrates Operation Smile’s 25th AnniversaryOn the evening of November 17, 2007, nearly 175 people gathered in Greensboro, North Carolina, to celebrate Operation Smile’s 25th Anniversary and the World Journey of Smiles’ (WJOS) great success. Held at The Empire Room, the Smiles Galore Gala, which raised more than $228,000, included a cocktail hour, dinner, a silent and live auctions and an innovative twist on the traditional raffle. Operation Smile student volunteers canvassed the crowd with 25 boxes of beautiful earrings. Twenty-four of these boxes held cubic zirconium gems and 1 box held a set of 1 carat t.w. diamond earrings. For a donation, the guests could have their pick of boxes. Entertainment was provided by The Pink Flamingos, a local metal drum trio, followed by dinner complimented by a superb collection of wine. A live auction, hosted by Fox 8 anchors Rich Brenner and Julie Luck was a great success. The item receiving the highest bid was a week for six at Ski Slopes in Utah. The night ended with jazz music by the UNCG Jazz Trio. The program included several noted speakers who honored Beth Marshall, the Senior Executive Advisor for Latin America, who had just returned from visiting five countries during WJOS. Beth shared a video on the effect the recent WJOS had on so many children. Also honored were Wendy Rothstein, the former North Carolina Chapter Manager, and former North Carolina Chapter board members Richard Van Story, Barb Tye, Sharron Frahm, Vic Cochran, Beth Harrington, Mike Pendergraft, Lisa Rose, Dick Maxwell, Ellen Murphy, Greg Johns, Tom Hurst, Debbie Kerns, and James Folds who have given so much of their time and support. The evening was sponsored by Lindbrook Development Services. Other sponsors included Carl and Lina Treleaven; BB&T; Stanley and Doris Tangers; Silicones, Inc.; Kathy and Joe Landing; and the Carson Family Foundation. Special thanks to gala co-chairs Kathleen Kelly, Sue Maxwell and David Sar. It was their hard work that made this magnificent night possible and in turn made it possible to provide new smiles to many children around the world. Gala Dinner In Singapore Raises $124,685(USD) For Operation SmileTo Help Children With Facial Deformities A charity gala dinner in support of Operation Smile was organised by Singapore-based Friven & Co. Ltd, a retailer of lifestyle home furnishings and supplier to the hospitality industry, on 14 November 2007.
Held at the Novotel Clarke Quay Singapore, a member of the Accor group, which co-organised and subsidised the event, the dinner was attended by close to 250 guests. The guest of honour for the event was Dr Sheryn Mah, President of Mainly I Love Kids. Mr Howard Unger, Chairman of Operation Smile’s Board of Directors and Ms Julie Robbins, South East Asia Regional Development Director of Operation Smile also graced the occasion. Other guests included Professor Ivy Ng, Chief Executive Officer; Professor Tay Eng Hseon, Chairman of the Medical Board and Dr Vincent Yeow, Head of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the Singapore KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
The charity gala dinner coincided with the closing of World Journey of Smiles – the week-long initiative by Operation Smile to commemorate its 25th anniversary, where 40 medical missions by 1,500 volunteers were carried out simultaneously in 25 countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East to treat an estimated 5,000 children. The theme for the black-tie affair was “Great Chefs ∙ Great Smiles” and six of Singapore’s finest culinary chefs – Derrick Ang, Head Chef of Novotel Clarke Quay; Edward Woon, Executive Chef of The Cannery and Aurum; Robin Ho, Group Executive Chef of The Marmalade Group; Christophe Megel, CEO of At-Sunrice; William Tan, Chef de Cuisine of Amara Sanctuary Resort and Amy Ng, Pastry Chef of Grand Copthorne Hotel, generously volunteered their time for the event.
Together, the chefs whipped up a six-course dégustation menu which comprised food and wine pairings such as “sous vide” Scottish salmon with 2005 Californian delicato merlot, cardamom infused braised veal cheek with 2005 Chilean anakena premium ona and baked banana and jackfruit in phillo tart with 2006 Chilean anakena single vineyard late harvest. The dining experience was especially unique as guests could visually appreciate the preparation through a live video feed of the kitchen while savouring the delicious courses of modern fusion cuisine. The emcee for the evening was Joe Augustine, veteran radio show host at Singapore’s radio 91.3FM and the programme saw speeches by Mr Tony Chisholm, Resident Manager of Novotel Clarke Quay Singapore, Mr Gary Loh, Chairman of Friven & Co., Mr Howard Unger of Operation Smile and Dr Vincent Yeow of KK Hospital. These were interspersed with video presentations on Operation Smile and the World Journey of Smiles initiative. In addition, Mr Howard Unger represented Operation Smile to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Professor Ivy Ng of KK Hospital to seal an agreement on the development of a cooperation framework. This allows the two organisations to leverage on each other’s expertise and resources to help more children throughout the world with correctable facial deformities. To close the evening, jazz band Duo Connections performed its rendition of Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why” and other bossa nova favourites. On the whole, it was a night filled with charming conversations, good food and fine entertainment. Altogether, the charity gala dinner raised a total of approximately $124,685(USD) for Operation Smile. $83,123(USD) came from the sale of the tables, while $3,463(USD) was collected from table donations. A charity auction of an Accor Asia hotel package worth $4,848(USD) at the event also garnered $34,634(USD). The amount collected would go towards the setting up of Operation Smile Singapore Ltd, a regional office for Operation Smile in Asia, which will support and oversee the development and operations locally as well as in other Asia countries such as Cambodia, China, India, Thailand, The Philippines and Vietnam. Operation Smile New Jersey Gala Celebrates Silver AnniversaryThe New Jersey Chapter hosted its 6th Annual Gala and celebrated Operation Smile’s silver anniversary on October 19 at Baltusrol in Springfield, New Jersey. The event was co-chaired by medical volunteer Norrie Oelkers and Tracey O’Brien. The evening was made successful by the generous donations from friends and corporate sponsors who have consistently been loyal supporters of Operation Smile. Special recognition went to Delbarton School when Rev. Elias Lorenzo presented Operation Smile Co-founders Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee with a check for $72,000 raised by the students of Delbarton. This was by far the largest donation to the New Jersey Chapter. Delbarton received special recognition by being awarded “Student Club of the Year” by Operation Smile.
Another highlight of the evening was when Christopher Pyo, a nine year old student at the Normandy Parkway School in Morristown presented a check for $3,900. Christopher explained to the audience that he had attended a mission in China the year prior with his father, Dr. Daniel Pyo of Morristown and was so moved by the children, he returned home and made a commitment to forgo gifts for his ninth birthday and instead have friends and family donate to Operation Smile. The evening was a huge success with the help of student volunteers from the Operation Smile Student Associations of Delbarton, Seton Hall Prep, Oak Knoll and Summit High School. Guest auctioneer Ron Guido, New Jersey Committee Member did a wonderful job hosting the live auction. Thanks to the Gala committee, sponsors and attendees, the evening raised $288,000 for Operation Smile. Operation Smile 25th Anniversary Gala in Hampton Roads Celebrates Where it All BeganOperation Smile held its 25th Anniversary Celebration Gala on October 12 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The event included a cocktail party, dinner, and entertainment by The Beach Boys. This event raised nearly $1 million and celebrated a quarter century of volunteers helping children around the world.
Nearly 1,000 guests from the Hampton Roads area joined forces to help children worldwide. 13 News anchor Regina Mobley emceed the event and the Honorary Committee members include Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera Oberndorf and Roger Oberndorf and Senator John and Cindy McCain. The Co-Chair Committee included Dick and Terri Ashe, the Birdsong Corporation, Dr. Richard and Nancy Cheng, Eddie and Sandy Garcia, Jerry and Joann Hill, Aubrey and Peggy Layne, Michael and Winnie Marquart, Vincent and Suzanne Mastracco, Dwight and Jane Schaubach, Bruce and Carmen Smith, and the Honorable Paul and Rosemary Trible.
Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee thanked the local community for their support over the last 25 years and many in attendance were instrumental in the founding and success of Operation Smile. David Arias of SwimWays, a leading manufacturer of outdoor recreational products located in Virginia Beach, presented Operation Smile with a $170,000 check, money raised during a 2007 cause related marketing campaign.Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera Oberndorf and Virginia Beach Councilman Ron Villanueva announced that Operation Smile will be building its new World Headquarters in Virginia Beach. The crowd heard from Operation Smile supporters Congressman Bobby Scott and Congresswoman Thelma Drake. Former Operation Smile patient Jose Villegas shared his personal story and played his guitar while he sang. Local attorney Peter Decker conducted a live auction of “smiles.” Nearly six hundred “smiles” were sold for $240 each, raising more than $140,000 in only 15 minutes! And a surfboard autographed by The Beach Boys was auctioned, bringing in $ 6,000. New artist Lauren Ianuzzi performed a song she wrote for Operation Smile and then the crowd got on their feet and danced to the sounds of The Beach Boys.
Operation Smile 25th Anniversary Gala in Los Angeles Raises $2.5 Million to Help Children Around the WorldOperation Smile honored Victoria Jackson and Bill Guthy, Molly Sims, Sy Goldberg and LA Clippers’ Corey Maggette at its 25th Anniversary Gala, on Friday, October 5, 2007 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. “Access Hollywood” host Billy Bush emceed the evening. Billy was also the winner of a raffle for a $35,000 necklace donated by Steven Zale of Zalemark Jewelry. The night’s entertainment was provided by Tony Award winning actress and recording artist Jennifer Holliday, and the 2006 winner of “America’s Got Talent,” 13-year-old Bianca Ryan. After singing a duet, “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going,” they earned a standing ovation from the audience. Operation Smile International Youth Ambassador Jessica Simpson performed a beautiful impromptu A Cappella version of “Amazing Grace” for the more than 500 guests.
The Wallis Annenberg Public Service Award was given to husband and wife Bill Guthy and Victoria Jackson. Victoria Jackson has achieved success as a Hollywood makeup artist, cosmetics entrepreneur and TV infomercial pioneer. Her personal philosophy has always been, “When you look better, you feel better…and when you feel better, you can change your life.” Jackson is a member of World Presidents’ Organization as well as a longtime member of Who’s Who in Entrepreneurial Women and Women in Philanthropy, an exclusive group assembled by Wallis Annenberg to tackle issues from poverty to education to global warming. A founding principal of Guthy-Renker, an infomercial studio that has since evolved into all forms of electronic retailing, Bill Guthy manages one of the world’s largest television response-driven marketing companies with sales of more than $1.3 billion per year and an average annual growth rate of 25% over the last 10 years. Wallis Annenberg presented the award to the couple.
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The John Connor Humanitarian Service Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated their concern and love for their fellow man through their actions and deeds. Operation Smile Co-founders Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee presented this year’s award to attorney Seymour “Sy” Goldberg. Goldberg was manager and friend to Wilt Chamberlain for over 40 years and became involved with Operation Smile by facilitating a donation from Wilt Chamberlain’s estate. He has traveled with Operation Smile to Asia and participated in a mission in the Philippines.
The Universal Smile Award was presented to actress and model Molly Sims. Molly serves as a Smile Ambassador for the organization and in May 2007, joined an Operation Smile medical mission in Peru. She currently co-stars on the hit NBC drama “Las Vegas.” Los Angeles Clippers’ Corey Maggette, recipient of The Wilt Chamberlain Award, has established himself as a solid forward and developed into a perennial 20+ per game scorer. Off the court, he works with children as a member of the Clippers Reading All-Star Team. His “Uh Oh Maggette-O Kids” program brings hundreds of children to Clippers games for free each year. In June 2006, Maggette established the “Corey Cares Foundation” to serve, mentor and inspire the less fortunate in the community. Corey Maggette was unable to attend the event, so former NBA Star John Salley accepted The Wilt Chamberlain Award on his behalf. )
A special presentation was made to Lladró, the renowned Spanish house of porcelain, and accepted by family member, Angeles Lladró. Lladró will sponsor an Operation Smile 25th Anniversary medical mission and opening of Operation Smile in Spain. Lladró’s 2006 pledge to Operation Smile came true when Angeles Lladró presented a check for their first pledge of $150,000. They continued their support in 2007 by pledging $200,000. Proceeds from the auction of the Queen of the Nile, a spectacular creation from Lladró’s High Porcelain collection and 10% of the sales of every sculpture sold in the Pulse of Africa collection has been earmarked to support the work of Operation Smile.
The event was Co-Chaired by Kelly and Ron Meyer, Monica and Philip Rosenthal and Leslie and Robert Zemeckis. Honorary Chairs were Senator and Mrs. John McCain. Cindy McCain, a member of Operation Smile’s Board of Directors, has participated in several Operation Smile medical missions and continues to lend her support to the organization. By the end of the evening, $2.5 million had been raised to help support Operation Smile’s 2007 World Journey of Smiles, taking place from November 7-16. Several guests including “Access Hollywood’s” Billy Bush, Operation Smile Co-founder and CEO Dr. Bill Magee, USC Dean Elizabeth Daley, and other sponsors and medical volunteers departed from the Beverly Hilton to the Los Angeles airport where two airplanes generously donated by Former Chief of the Air Force Reserve, William Lyon and Operation Smile Board of Governors member Jerry Moyes flew them to Guadalajara, Mexico, for a 3-day medical mission. Click to see videos of Jessica Simpson and a duet performed by Jennifer Holliday and Bianca Ryan. 2nd Annual Styles for Smiles Benefit WeekendOn July 21 & 22, 2007, Susan Thai, owner of Main Attraction Nail Spa in Santa Monica, Calif., hosted the 2nd Annual Styles for Smiles benefit weekend and donated 100% of salon sales and services to Operation Smile. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres courtesy of La Vecchia Cucina, refreshments, raffle prizes and more. La Vecchia Cucina, Cal-Italian food next door to the Spa catered and donated all the food and drinks. It was a weekend full of fun and pampering that raised more than $15,000 to help children around the world born with facial deformities.
“Fore the Kids Golf Tournament” Provides More than 100 SmilesThe North Carolina Chapter of Operation Smile hosted the inaugural “Fore the Kids Golf Tournament” on Friday, June 22, 2007 at beautiful Bryan Park Golf Course in Greensboro, North Carolina. One hundred golfers paired up to form foursomes to play on the championship course. Crystal golf bowl trophies were awarded to the top three teams. The event raised more than $25,000 for Operation Smile, a worldwide children’s medical charity that provides free surgery to children around the world born with facial deformities.
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Upon completing their 18 holes of golf, the tournament participants as well as volunteers, enjoyed a great dinner in the clubhouse. A short program featuring an Operation Smile video was introduced by Beth Marshall, Operation Smile Senior Executive Advisor for Latin America. Dr. Tony Nottage, event chair, assisted Wendy Rothstein, Operation Smile North Carolina Administrator, in the drawing of raffle prizes and the trophy presentation.
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The title sponsor for the tournament was FNB Southeast Bank who is merging with Lexington State Bank later this year to become NewBridge Bank. Other sponsors included: Pepsi Bottling Ventures, Land Rover of Greensboro, Kathy and Joe Landing, Dr. Anthony Nottage, LindBrook Development Services, Murphy Wainer Orthopedics, and Triad Design Group. Raffle prizes were donated by many area local merchants.
Fourth Annual “Arte a Dos Manos” held in EcuadorOn June 27, 2007, Operation Smile Ecuador held its fourth annual art auction, "Arte a Dos Manos" or "Art of Two Hands." Artists worked side-by-side with Operation Smile Ecuador volunteers and donors to create more than 40 paintings, sculptures or other works of art which were auctioned off, raising more than $100,000 to Operation Smile Ecuador. Beatriz Isaza collaborated with artist Cristóbal Gonzáles Guzmán to create this painting "Niña Vitonga," one of the paintings sold.
Journey of Smiles Gala in Michigan Helps Children Around the WorldThe third annual Journey of Smiles fundraiser hosted by Operation Smile Southeast Michigan was held June 9, 2007 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan. More than 300 guests enjoyed a reception, dinner, silent and live auctions and dancing.
The crowd heard from Wayne Zinn, Operation Smile Chief Operating Officer and Chief Information Officer, and keynote speakers, Brian and Jennifer Ellis, whose son was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate. The Ellises, of Farmington Hills, discussed how fortunate they feel to live in a country where medical care like this is readily available and accessible. )
The Corporate Humanitarian Award was presented to WJBK-TV FOX 2 News. FOX 2 sent a news crew to Honduras and filmed a medical mission. The station also covered "Mercy’s Story," which featured an Operation Smile World Care patient from Kenya, both the year she was here for medical treatments, a subsequent visit by a physician to her village and, in 2006, when she was brought back to Detroit for a holiday. In 2006, FOX 2 won an Emmy for its "Mercy’s Story" specials. It also served as a media partner for the organization's Southeast Michigan Chapter.
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Terri Klimek, the Southeast Michigan Chapter chair and medical volunteer, said, "This year, the Southeast Michigan Chapter is honored to be able to recognize and celebrate the organization's achievements over its 25 years and the selfless work and commitment of all of the organization's volunteers." Klimek, an anesthetist for the Department of Anesthesiology at The University of Michigan Health System, has volunteered on 13 Operation Smile medical missions since 2000.
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Cristine Lulgjuraj of Rochester Hills served as the auction chair. Items included a full-length fur coat, two tickets for a Celine Dion performance in Las Vegas, University of Michigan football game tickets, a 50" plasma television and trips to Manhattan, Monte Carlo and San Francisco. The event was made possible through the generous contributions of the “Journey of Smiles” corporate sponsors: the Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce; the Council of Asian Pacific Americans; ECI Builders; the Hispanic Business Alliance; The Home Accessory Warehouse; Neiman Marcus; Quicken Loans/Rock Financial; Toyota Motor Company. Event media sponsors include, Ambassador magazine, FOX 2 WJBK Detroit, Observer and Eccentric Newspapers/ www.hometownlife.com and WUDT-TV 23 Univision.
Operation Smile 25th Anniversary Gala in Richmond Raises $175,000 to Help Children Around the World Suffering with Facial DeformitiesOn Saturday, April 21, nearly 400 Operation Smile supporters in Richmond gathered at the Richmond Marriott for the 25th Anniversary Gala. The evening raised $175,000 to help children around the world suffering with facial deformities. Operation Smile volunteers have medically treated more than 100,000 children and young adults worldwide. The gala took place during National Volunteer Week (April 15-21), thanking these volunteers for their dedication and commitment.
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The evening included a cocktail reception, dinner, silent and live auctions and musical performance by Bill Deal’s Original Rhondels. Co-chairs were Dr. W. Baxter Perkinson Jr. and Dr. Terry D. Dickinson, Executive Director of the Virginia Dental Association. Midlothian resident and pediatric dentist Roger E. Wood received the Universal Smile Award for his contributions to help children throughout the Richmond area.
Operation Smile participates in 35th Annual Shamrock SportsfestStudents Run "Kids Miles for Smiles" to Help Children Worldwide Operation Smile partnered with The Shamrock Sportsfest, an event featuring a full marathon, half marathon, 8k race and the Shorebreak Final Mile held March 16-18 in Virginia Beach, Va. Part of the Shorebreak Final Mile Program, designed to teach children the importance of exercise and proper nutrition, was the
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"Kids Miles for Smiles" program, created for students who wanted to raise money for Operation Smile by collecting pledges for their completed miles. Students ages 7-13 who participated in the Shorebreak Final Mile each ran 25.2 miles over a ten week period and ran one final mile on March 17 at the oceanfront event for a total of 26.2 miles, the equivalent of a marathon. More than 2,000 students from more than 30 elementary schools in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk and Suffolk participated in the Shorebreak Final Mile program and more than $40,000 has been raised for Operation Smile. Operation Smile thanks Shamrock Sportsfest Race Directors Amy and Jerry Frostick and Shorebreak Pizza, Sports and Billiards owner Matt Falvey for all of their help with this program.
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Brigette Clifford, daughter of Operation Smile's Co-founders Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee, helped create the "Kids Miles for Smiles" program. Brigette is the mother of three boys who attend Alanton Elementary School in Virginia Beach and participated in the program. She said, "We started the 'Kids Miles for Smiles' program in an effort to help children learn about the world. It has been amazing to watch children as young as five years old show compassion for a child they have never met, with the resolution that they are going to run as many miles as they can so that they can be personally responsible for helping a child living with a facial deformity."
On March 16-17, Operation Smile had a booth at the Shamrock Marathon Expo at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. More than 40 volunteers from high schools in the Hampton Roads area handed out Operation Smile material and answered inquiries about the organization. Additionally, at the booth, volunteers provided runners and their families the opportunity to make "Cheer Cards" to use during the Shorebreak Final Mile, 8K, Half Marathon, and Marathon. During the marathon held March 18, Operation Smile volunteered to host one of the water stops along the race course. More than 40 volunteers, most high school students, helped with the effort by setting up the tables, filling cups, and passing out the water and Gatorade to the marathon runners. "Curling for Smiles" Raises More Than $5,000More than 25 guests took to the ice on March 3, 2007 to benefit Operation Smile. Everyone had fun and learned the basics of curling, the hottest growing winter sport in the world. After two hours of on-ice time, guests enjoyed a wonderful meal donated by Main Street Deli of Rochester. Operation Smile Southeast Michigan Leadership Circle Chairperson and Operation Smile medical volunteer Terri Klimek completed the evening by educating guests about Operation Smile and the medical treatment volunteers provide to children around the world.
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The event, hosted by the Detroit Curling Club and Stacie Pinnavaia, an active curler and member of the Operation Smile Southeast Michigan Leadership Circle. The Detroit Curling Club, a non profit organization, whose member volunteers run the facility and understand the importance of giving back. Without their generous donation of the facility, this event would not have been possible. Thanks to the following generous sponsors: Satish Dharwadkar of Merrill Lynch, Dr. Thomas and Stacie Pinnavaia, Crystal Balloons, US Farathane, and the Cool Chicks Club of Macomb County.
Virginia Beach Spa and Laser Center Hosts Cocktail Party in Celebration of Operation Smile's 25th AnniversaryMore than 50 guests gathered to celebrate Operation Smile's 25th Anniversary with an evening of cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at the Spa and Laser Center at North Shore in Virginia Beach, Va., on Friday, February 2. Dr. Richard Rosenblum, medical director of the Spa and Laser Center at North Shore, along with guests including Ben and Claire Benjack, and Kevin and Melissa Dibona, were among the individuals who graciously made donations to support Operation Smile.
The evening raised more than $17,000 to help treat children around the world suffering with facial deformities. Operation Smile Co-founders Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee were among those who enjoyed the event. They publicly acknowledged Thomas and Le Thi McKeon for providing the funds for an Operation Smile Comprehensive Care Center in Vietnam. Dr. Rosenblum has been involved with Operation Smile since 1982 when, as a high school student, he joined his father on Operation Smile's first mission to the Philippines. From that point on, he fell in love with medicine and wanted to help children through surgery. Following medical school, he completed a Pediatric Plastic and Craniofacial Fellowship with Dr. Magee, which included participation in several Operation Smile international missions as well as visiting fellowships in the United States and Europe. Dr. Rosenblum joined Dr. Magee by establishing the Institute for Craniofacial and Plastic Surgery in Norfolk. Operation Smile 25th Anniversary Gala in Newport News Raises More Than $500,000 for Children Around the WorldOn Saturday, January 27, 2007, more than 500 guests gathered to celebrate a quarter century of helping children around the world at Operation Smile's 25th Anniversary Gala at the Newport News Marriott at City Center. The evening raised more than $500,000 to help Operation Smile treat children around the world suffering with facial deformities. Guests enjoyed premier dining, dancing, and exhilarating gaming. Entertainment included music and performances The Strolling Silver Strings and SLAPWATER.
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President of Great Atlantic Management Aubrey L. Layne served as Event Chair and Honorary Hosts were Jerry and Joann Hill. Operation Smile medical volunteer Kathy Majette presented David and Sherron Ware of Newport News with the Universal Smiles Award for their longtime dedication and support of Operation Smile. Operation Smile supporters Dick and Terri Ashe presented Yorktown residents Gary and Susan Tarpley of Cable Associates with the Corporate Humanitarian Award.
The evening posthumously honored Dr. Ronald E. Godby, a Newport News dentist who served on many Operation Smile medical missions during the 1980s and 1990s, helping hundreds of children around the world. Ray Schmitt of Riverside Health System presented Dr. Godby's widow Martha and daughter Leslie with a sculpture. Attendees included Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, Newport News Councilman Joe Whitaker, Newport News Councilwoman Sharon Scott, Newport News Councilwoman Madeline McMillan, former Mayor of Norfolk Irvine B. Hill, Operation Smile COO/CIO Wayne Zinn and his wife Dorothy, and Operation Smile Board of Governors Chairman Frank Reidy and his wife Juliette. Click on Photo below for caption. Operation Smile Ohio's '70s Party Raises $9,000The Operation Smile Ohio Leadership Circle held "That '70s Party" on February 3, 2007. Nearly 200 people attended the event which took place at Benkin's Florist Hall in Cincinnati, Ohio, and raised $9,000 for Operation Smile. Guests stepped back in time, dressed the era and danced to their favorite '70s hits. Dinner was provided by some of Cincinnati's most acclaimed restaurants including The Pub, Tinks Cafe, Red on the Square, The HoneyBaked Ham Co. and The China Gourmet.
Operation Smile at SundancePark City Film Festival events raise money and awareness for Operation Smile Several events were held during the Sundance Film Festival from January 18-21, 2007 to raise money and awareness for Operation Smile. Celebrities helped use their smiles to make a difference in children's lives at the Philips Sonicare "Smooch or a Smile" photo booth in the Philips Simplicity Lounge at The Village at the Lift. For every photo taken, Philips Sonicare made a donation to fund an Operation Smile surgery. The event raised $15,000 for Operation Smile. On January 20, Todd Brunson hosted a celebrity poker tournament where $10,000 was raised for Operation Smile.
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A charity dinner party, prepared by celebrity chef Rocco Dispirito, was held at the Charity Mansion in Park City, attracting dozens of celebrities including Kate Walsh of television's "Grey's Anatomy," Chris McDonald from movie "Rumor Has It," actress Tara Reid, and Philadelphia Eagles football player Dhani Jones. Television host Billy Bush, an Operation Smile Board of Governor's member, spoke about his involvement and the work of Operation Smile. Bush said, "I was surrounded by people who care about Operation Smile." Celebrities and attendees pitched in to sponsor life-changing surgeries for 10 children.
"An Evening of Smiles" Gala Dinner and Art Auction Unites American-Vietnamese Community in Effort to Benefit Operation SmileOn January 20, 2007, nearly 700 guests celebrated Operation Smile's anniversary with a night of premier dining and dancing at "An Evening of Smiles" gala dinner and art auction held at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Alexandria, Virginia. The evening helped raise more than $100,000 to help Operation Smile treat children around the world suffering with facial deformities, and highlighted Operation Smile's work in Vietnam. Jerry Bouchard conducted the live art auction featuring artwork from renowned Vietnamese artists. Entertainment included live music by Diamond and pianist Dr. John Wulff. Operation Smile Co-founders Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee attended and addressed the crowd. Honored guest Dr. Leslie Gartner, retired University of Maryland College of Dentistry professor, shared his personal experiences being born with a cleft lip and cleft palate. Guests included Viet Nguyen, Operation Smile Director of Programs for Asia; Leo E. Rouse, DDS, FACD, Dean of Howard University College of Dentistry; Vincent Nguyen, M.D., President of the Vietnamese American Medical Society of Northeast America; Charles Nguyen, D.Sc., Dean of Catholic University's School of Engineering; Dr. Garrett Gouldin, President of Northern Virginia Dental Society; Dr. Quan Nguyen, President of Vietnamese American Medical Association; Dr. Magaret Wilson, Associate Dean of University of Maryland Dental School; and Washington, D.C. City Councilmember Tommy Wells. This event was hosted by a committed group of medical and non-medical Operation Smile volunteers led by chairperson Dr. Chuong Phan, from Leesburg, Va. Dr. Phan and his wife Dr. Anna Vu Abel are dentists who have both volunteered on numerous Operation Smile missions to Vietnam.
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