6686 OpSmile.indd - Operation Smile Morocco

JULY 2008
COURTESY OF WADE HOOTON
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U.S. Chapters Raise Funds
and Awareness for Nearly 20 Years
IN THIS ISSUE
Page 2
Message from our Co-founders
Message from our Chairman
Page 3
Physicians’ Training Program
Operation Smile Jordan
Opens Center
Page 4
Message from our CMO
Speech Conference in Colombia
International Mission Report
Page 5
Inaugural Missions to
Haiti & Swaziland
Pages 6 & 7
Volunteers Make a Difference
Around the World
Pages 8 & 9
Fund-raising News
Pages 10 & 11
Events Help Children Around
the World
Back Cover
Operation Smile Final Mile
Helps Patient from Ethiopia
The Utah Chapter Student Programs Executive Committee volunteers (from left) Amber Anderson, Josh Hanson,
Katie Pitts, Margot Nebeker, Dan Blake, Lara Cutler (staff), Wade Hooton (staff), Hillary Lowe and Tom Brinton at a
fund-raiser in a hangar at Million Air
When Operation Smile was founded in 1982 by Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee, they knew that more
funds and volunteers were needed to make their goals a reality. For the past 19 years, Operation
Smile Chapters have offered that key support. Chapters play an instrumental role not only through
fundraising but also in creating awareness throughout the U.S. Today, chapters raise more than $2
million annually and are located in the Carolinas (Greensboro, NC and Charleston, SC), Colorado
(Denver), Iowa (Iowa City), Louisiana (New Orleans), Michigan (Grand Rapids and Detroit), New Jersey
(Morristown), Ohio (Cincinnati), Tennessee (Nashville), Utah (Salt Lake City) and Washington (Seattle).
Since 1989, the Salt Lake City, Utah Chapter prides itself on its dedicated medical volunteers,
including Dr. Greg Kjar and Dr. Dan Sellers, as well as families such as the Watkins, Osterlohs, Nebekers
and Smiths, who provide valuable support to the organization. Student volunteerism is strong with
nearly 30 Operation Smile Student Associations across the state. The Chapter receives additional
support from board members, corporations and foundations. On September 27, the Chapter will thank
more than 700 volunteers with a barbecue at the home of Don and Peggy Watkins in Alpine.
Founded in 1990, the North Carolina Chapter, located in Greensboro, organizes a variety
of fundraising initiatives such as galas, golf tournaments, bowl-a-thons, student club events and
sales of an annual desk calendar. The Chapter benefits from strong corporate fundraising as well as
dedicated volunteers and board members including Chapter founder and director of 18 years Beth
Marshall. Also, the North Carolina Chapter joined forces in 2007 with supporters in Charleston, South
Carolina, to form a partnership called Operation Smile Carolinas Chapter.
The Colorado Chapter in Denver is co-chaired by medical volunteers Dr. Chris WeatherleyWhite and nurse Kristin Neumann. The Chapter hosts the annual Smiles Around the World benefit
at the home Judi Kent Gervasini, which treats guests to international cuisine and a variety of
entertainment. Volunteers Jennifer Laird and Christy Purcell will host a fund-raiser at the Jet Hotel
on September 18.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
OPERATION SMILE
|1
MARC ASCHER
Message from our Co-founders
During a recent flight, we watched the movie “The Bucket List,” in which corporate billionaire
Edward Cole (played by Jack Nicholson) and working class mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan
Freeman) have nothing in common except for their terminal illnesses. While sharing a hospital
room together, they decide to do all the things they have ever wanted to do before they die.
This became their “bucket” list. They travel the globe and in the process, they heal each other
and become unlikely friends. While at the Egyptian pyramids, Carter tells Edward that the ancient
Egyptians believe that when you go to heaven you are asked two things: “Have you ever felt joy
in your life?” and “Have you given joy to someone else?”. Carter later writes Edward a letter and
asks him to “find the joy in your life.”
When high school student volunteer Devan Griner returned home from an Operation Smile medical
mission in Asia, his father asked him about the experience. Devan began to break down in tears as
he tried to explain the two week trip. His father said, “Son, you have just experienced true joy.”
In an operating room in Jamil Al Totanji Hospital in
Jordan, (from left) Dr. Bill Magee, Cameron Burnett,
Roma Downey, Reilly Downey, James Burnett, Mark
Burnett and Kathy Magee
The reality is that we can’t receive joy until we give it. We can’t give it unless we are willing to give it
unconditionally. That is what medicine is at its best and that is what Operation Smile is at its core. It is
unconditional service. Our volunteers give without asking for anything in return, and as a result receive
real joy. It is their selflessness and dedication that has brought hope to thousands of children worldwide.
Throughout this newsletter, you’ll read about amazing volunteers who donate their time and skills with
Operation Smile and are leaving their mark on this planet. The variety of volunteers who share this
commitment to Operation Smile is tremendous—medical volunteers, non-medical volunteers, Board of
Directors members, celebrities, students and so many others. The common goal of helping a child brings
us together and it is amazing what this combined energy can accomplish.
MISSION STATEMENT
Check out our website:
www.operationsmile.org
Editors:
Lisa Jones
Leila Hemaidan
Lisa Jardanhazy
Katherine Taylor
Thanks to the professional
photographers who donated
their time and talent during
Operation Smile events:
Marc Ascher
Justin Bowen
Liz Brown
Paul Fetters
Ken Holt
Stephanie Oberlander
Scarlett Steer
Vasna Wilson
OPERATION SMILE IS A
UNITED NATIONS
AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION
2
| OPERATION SMILE
- Bill and Kathy Magee
Message from our Board Chairman
It hardly seems possible that two-and-a-half years have passed since I became Chairman
of the Board. Now, before I introduce you to our incoming Chairman, I would like
to take a few minutes to highlight some of the significant accomplishments of our
Board of Directors. We recognized that there needed to be an investment into the
organization’s infrastructure to accomplish the mission of providing the same standard
of care anywhere in the world as long as it was under the name of Operation Smile. So
in February 2006, and then again in February 2007, we brought together the leading
medical professionals from Operation Smile’s partner countries to discuss and define
what would become Operation Smile’s “Global Standard of Care.”
Howard J. Unger
Operation Smile Inc.
Board of Directors
Chairman 2006-2008
Collaborations were another investment strategy and in April 2006, Operation Smile
participated in the first meeting with organizations that shared the distinction of being
given the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize. This meeting was the beginning of the
collaboration with Partners In Health, which led to 2008’s inaugural partner mission to
Haiti and also led Operation Smile to collaborate with UNICEF as we work together to
help children in Latin America. Other noteworthy achievements included the incorporation of Operation Smile
Singapore, our newest resource country, with whom Operation Smile signed a Memorandum of Understanding
for future cooperation.
Also in 2006, our Board voted their approval for the funding needed for the organization’s 25th Anniversary
initiative, World Journey of Smiles. This investment set the stage for November 2007, when nearly 2,000
volunteers in 40 sites in 25 countries simultaneously provided surgeries for 4,086 patients. Once again our
Board’s belief in the importance of investing for growth was borne out, as we were able to provide sustainable
infrastructures in our partner countries to support local missions, enhance our medical education programs,
introduce our Global Standard of Care policy and open Comprehensive Care Centers in Colombia, China,
Honduras, India, Jordan, Morocco and Vietnam. We are proud to say that now more than 60% of our patients
receiving surgery do so through local, in-country medical missions.
We have embarked on a long-term strategy of investing in our organization, our
future, and ultimately, our ability to help more children around the world. And now to
carry on this commitment, I am pleased to introduce you to our incoming Chairman,
Jeremy Greenhalgh, who most recently served as Chairman of the Operation Smile U.K.
Board of Directors. Jeremy is a Partner of Charterhouse Capital Partners LLP, one of the
leading private equity houses in Europe, and has participated in numerous Operation
Smile activities, including joining Co-founders Bill and Kathy Magee in Jordan,
Ethiopia and Morocco during World Journey of Smiles. I am confident that Jeremy
shares my passion for Operation Smile and I look forward to seeing the organization
continue to flourish under his leadership. And I am now proud to accept my new role
as Chairman of the Board of Governors.
- Howard J. Unger
IRENE GRAHAM
6435 Tidewater Drive
Norfolk, Virginia 23509
Tel: 757.321.SMILE (7645)
Fax: 757.321.7660
We thank our volunteers and donors who make Operation Smile’s work possible. Now it is time for
you to share the joy you have found in your life with others, so that you can say that because of you,
someone else has experienced joy.
CHRIS STUMP
Throughout the world, Operation
Smile volunteers repair childhood
facial deformities while building
public and private partnerships
that advocate for sustainable
healthcare systems for children
and families. Together, we create
smiles, change lives, heal humanity.
Jeremy Greenhalgh,
Operation Smile Inc.
Board of Directors
Chairman May 2008
Annual Physicians’ Training Program Largest Ever
CHRIS STUMP
Ninety-one healthcare providers from 29 countries traveled
to Norfolk, Va., to participate in Operation Smile’s annual
Physicians’ Training Program (PTP) from May 26-June 6.
Participants included plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists,
pediatricians, nurses, dentists and speech pathologists, new
to this year’s program thanks to a grant from The Boeing
Company. PTP gives healthcare providers from Operation
Smile mission countries the opportunity to learn new surgical
techniques and to expand their knowledge through lectures,
lab rotations, and operation room observation. The goal of PTP
is to train medical professionals to care for children in their
own countries.
Speech pathologist Mathew Karia from Kenya said, “PTP was
an excellent chance to share valuable medical and cultural
knowledge. The training gave me a chance to observe experts
as they treated various speech and language disorders. Beth
Physicians’ Training Program participants at Operation Smile’s Virginia headquarters
Diamonstein and Cathy Snyders, Operation Smile medical
volunteers and speech language pathologists, taught feeding strategies and augmentative speech techniques at Children’s Hospital of The
King’s Daughters. Dr. John Riski, of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, covered various aspects on speech and velopharyngeal function
following cleft repair. Including speech pathologists for PTP offers a holistic approach to cleft lips and cleft palates and provided me with a
great wealth to take back to Kenya. My motto is: surgery gives back the smile; speech therapy gives back the self-esteem.”
Operation Smile Jordan Center Opens
Operation Smile Jordan recently announced the opening of the Operation
Smile Jordan Center. Deputized by her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, The
Minister of Social Development H.E. Ms. Hala Latouf Bseisso inaugurated the
Center on March 25. Jordanian dignitaries, international guests and many
Jordanian supporters attended the ceremony. The Center, located in Amman,
will provide year-round care and consists of two administrative offices, a
screening and post-op clinic, a speech therapy clinic, as well as the Roma
Downey Life Support Training Center.
PHOTOS (2) MARC ASCHER
PTP is a joint effort by Operation Smile, Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Norfolk and Operation Smile partner institutions
across the country. Partner institutions included Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Old Dominion University in Norfolk, University of
Maryland Dental School, George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Duke University in
Durham, N.C. Since 1987, Operation Smile has brought nearly 800 medical professionals to Norfolk, Va., for this program.
The Roma Downey Life Support Training Center will provide local medical
professionals with Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Cardiac
Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) training in accordance with
Operation Smile’s International Training Organization accreditation with the
American Heart Association. Downey, an Operation Smile spokesperson and
Board of Governors member, donated life support program equipment and
books, as well as funds needed to support training programs for one year.
Downey celebrated the
occasion by attending the
opening ceremony with her
Operation Smile Jordan Center in Amman
husband, Operation Smile
supporter Mark Burnett and their children, James, Reilly and Cameron. Also attending
were Operation Smile Co-founders Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee and Operation Smile United
Kingdom Board of Directors Chairman, Jeremy Greenhalgh and his family.
In conjunction with this event, a local medical mission took place at Jamil Al Totanji
Hospital in Sahab providing 111 children and young adults with physical examinations
and free surgery for 39 patients.
The Roma Downey Life Support Training Center
OPERATION SMILE
|3
IRENE GRAHAM
Message from our Chief Medical Officer
With the successful completion of the World Journey of Smiles, we have not only learned a great deal about
ourselves as an organization, but grown to increasingly realize our potential leadership role among the vast number
of charities, academic medical centers, NGOs and government entities (re: United States Navy) in the delivery of
vital healthcare services to the underserved populations around the globe. Historically, international efforts to
address these diseases requiring surgical cures took hold early in the 19th century with small but dedicated groups
succeeding against overwhelming odds. Dr. Thom Rees and others, leading AMREF, otherwise known as the Flying
Doctors of East Africa, created the first modern infrastructure towards a mission-based safe surgery model. Dr. Don
Laub created Interplast, going global with the modern cleft lip repair model across several continents. Operation
Smile has gone to new heights, caring for record numbers of afflicted children, setting uniform global standards of
care and now, opening permanent referral centers in several of our busiest locations. Even still, we must look for
opportunities where we can become more effective, delivering our services in better coordination with all others
who seek to help. Recently, one such magnificent intersection of dedicated professionals and organizations took
place. With winter yet refusing to loosen its grip on Seattle in mid-April, the first gathering of the Global Burden of
Dr. Randy Sherman
Surgical Disease Working Group became downright intense. Led by our own Dr. Kelly McQueen and co-sponsored
by Operation Smile and the University of Washington, the Working Group brought together multiple healthcare specialists as well as healthcare
economists and academicians in health metrics. As much as all participants agreed to the enormity of disease burden in the world requiring surgical
approaches to cure, it became clear that the data available to quantify these problems is sorely lacking. Thus task one, rigorous data collection and
analysis leading to a better understanding of how much of a problem surgical diseases present as a global public health threat. As enormous a
challenge as this may seem, it is only the first step towards building an effective system to coordinate, fund and disseminate appropriate resources
to address these problems on a global scale. Operation Smile is dedicated to not only contributing, but to leading these efforts as we move into
our next quarter century of service. I look forward to bringing you more news about these efforts in the coming months as the Working Group
accelerates its activities. This is an endeavor whose time has surely come and, with our unique experience as one of the most effective international
surgical care delivery teams around, it is essential that we help guide the way.
- Randy Sherman, M.D.
Latin America Conference Brings
27 Speech Therapists Together
On April 20 and 21, twenty-seven speech therapy providers
representing the 11 Operation Smile partner countries in the
region gathered in Bogotá, Colombia. This program sought to
advance the skills and knowledge of the speech providers in
accepted techniques for treating patients with cleft lips and
cleft palates.
Michael Karnell, Ph.D., C.C.C.-S.L.P., an expert in
Videonasendoscopy from the University of Iowa, gave an
overview of the physiology of Velopharyngeal Inadequacy,
which often causes nasal speech in cleft patients. He then
demonstrated how to use videonasendoscopy to evaluate how
the velopharyngeal closure functions during speech to determine
the best way to treat the patient, whether through therapy or
surgery. He also showed a portable Nasendoscopy system, which
Operation Smile hopes to use in its comprehensive care centers
and on some medical missions. Olympus donated an endoscope
and AMD Telemedicine donated a camera and light source for
the conference and future use. Additionally, Michael VanLue,
Ph.D., C.C.C.-S.L.P., a member of the Operation Smile Speech
Council, led the group in discussing various methods of speech
evaluation and treatment for our patients.
International Mission Report
FEBRUARY 2008 - APRIL 2008
Country
Honduras
Tegucigalpa
February
Nicaragua
Chinendega
February
Phillippines
Cavite
Cebu
Silay
February
Haiti
Hinche
March
Cambodia
Phnom Penh
March
Laos
Vientiane
March
Swaziland
Mbabane
March
Bolivia
Santa Cruz
March
China
Quanxi
April
Kenya
Meru
April
Russia
Taganrog
April
Totals
Speech conference participants in Bogotá
4
| OPERATION SMILE
Patients Treated
Physical Examinations
90
171
104
218
139
127
146
191
241
230
64
95
133
284
47
47
31
57
127
218
156
223
113
225
44
125
1,321
2,325
An Operation Smile team of volunteers worked in the city
of Hinche to change the lives of children and young adults
from throughout Haiti. The medical mission team, including
more than 30 medical and non-medical volunteers from
Brazil, Canada, Colombia and the United States, worked with
local Haitian medical volunteers at Saint Theresa Hospital, to
provide 91 patients with physical examinations and surgery
to 64 patients. This was Operation Smile’s first medical
mission in Haiti as part of a collaboration with Partners In
Health (PIH), a non-profit corporation active in the Caribbean,
Latin America, Africa, Russia, and the United States, that
provides a preferential option for the poor in healthcare.
Working in partnership with the Ministry of Health and
Population (MSPP) in Haiti, PIH provides comprehensive
community-based primary care services and treatment for
HIV and tuberculosis at nine sites in the Central Plateau
and Artibonite.
PHOTOS (3) KEN HOLT
Collaboration with Partners In Health Brings Smiles to Haiti
(from left) Operation Smile plastic surgeon Luis Bermudez, plastic surgeon John
Meara, and PIH Liaison/Internist David Walton provide physical examinations to
patients in Hinche, Haiti
“I think this collaboration represents a great success story of
how a community-based health organization, such as PIH, and
a mission-specific tertiary health surgical services organization,
such as Operation Smile, can join forces and truly provide higher
quality and more integrative care for the patients we serve,” said
Ellen Agler, Operation Smile Vice President, Latin America and
Caribbean Region.
During this medical mission, Operation Smile also conducted a series
of medical education and training programs for more than 60 Haitian
medical professionals. PIH identified local medical staff and nurses
from the National Nursing School in Port-au-Prince for the training
and PIH provided Operation Smile with its educational facility, located
on the hospital campus, to host the programs.
10-year-old Jempson Glesile
from Haiti before surgery
Jempson after surgery to repair
his cleft lip
Operation Smile anticipates a long-term relationship with PIH
to help address the needs of people living with clefts in Haiti.
The two organizations also look to provide support services and
education programs to help improve the quality of and access to
surgical care throughout the Central Plateau.
Operation Smile South Africa Conducts Inaugural Swaziland Medical Mission
SCARLETT STEER
Operation Smile South Africa conducted a successful inaugural medical mission to The Kingdom of
Swaziland from March 25-30. Physical examinations were provided to 57 children and young adults and
31 received surgery. The team included more than 30 medical and non-medical volunteers from Holland,
Ireland, Italy, Kenya, South Africa and the United States, who worked along with Swaziland medical
volunteers in Mbabane.
The United States Embassy in Swaziland worked closely with Operation Smile South Africa to conduct
the mission. United States Ambassador Maurice S. Parker and his wife, Connie, met with Queen
Inkhosikati LaMagongo. The Queen thanked the United States people for their help, which she stated
serves as a good example for the Swazi people.
Queen Inkhosikati LaMagongo with an
Operation Smile patient
The support of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics and South African Paper Mills, as well as the financial
support of Operation Smile South Africa’s Diamond and Platinum Smile Sponsors—Amway, Citi, and
Cipla Miles For Smiles—made the mission in Swaziland possible.
OPERATION SMILE
|5
Operation Smile is proud to have one of
the world’s largest volunteer networks —
more than 6,000 medical and non-medical
volunteers ready to share their time and
talent to help children.
CHRIS STUMP
Volunteers Make a Difference
Operation Smile Celebrates National
Volunteer Week
In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 27-May 3),
Operation Smile held a Volunteer Awards Ceremony and reception
on May 1 to honor six exceptional volunteers.
LIFETIME VOLUNTEER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
Cindi Raglin – Virginia Beach, VA
Nurse Cindi Raglin has volunteered on more than 30 Operation Smile
medical missions.
(from left) Sharron Frahm, Melissa Cole, Cindi Raglin and Donna Poe-Davis
(not pictured Dr. D. Michael Gioffre and Dr. Daniel Taub)
LIFETIME VOLUNTEER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
Sharron Frahm – Greensboro, NC
THE MICHAEL REUSING AWARD:
Melissa Cole – Elgin, TX
Non-medical volunteer Sharron Frahm has served as a member and Chair
of the Board of Governors for Operation Smile North Carolina.
2007 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR:
Dr. Daniel Taub – Philadelphia, PA
Dentist Daniel Taub has participated on a medical mission to Romania and
as Team Leader on 11 dental missions to Vietnam.
2007 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR:
Dr. D. Michael Gioffre – Wilmington, DE
Dentist Michael Gioffre has volunteered as Team Leader on 10 Vietnam dental
missions and on medical missions to Bolivia, China and the Philippines.
This award is named after Melissa Cole’s husband Michael Reusing,
an Operation Smile volunteer who passed away in 2007. Melissa has
served as a medical records specialist on more than 10 Operation Smile
medical missions.
THE DONNA POE-DAVIS NURSING AWARD OF EXCELLENCE:
Donna Poe-Davis – the Caribbean
This award will be presented annually to an Operation Smile volunteer nurse
who has served on international medical missions, shown leadership and
made significant contributions to Operation Smile. Donna volunteered with
Operation Smile from 1987-2001, serving on nine medical missions.
TERRY FARMER
Eileen Muldoon Offers Hope and
Acceptance to Children with Clefts
Nurse Eileen Muldoon, who works at Mercy Hospital in Chicago, Illinois,
understands the rejection that children with cleft palates and cleft lips can
face. Eileen had a severe speech impediment as a child due to a cleft palate,
which took three surgeries to repair. In April, Eileen volunteered for the first
time on an Operation Smile medical mission to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, serving
as a pre/post-op nurse. During the mission, the medical team provided 218
free physical examinations and 127 children born with facial deformities
received free reconstructive surgery.
Eileen works in post-op during the mission in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
6
| OPERATION SMILE
After the mission, Eileen said, “It was truly a bittersweet experience for
me. Because of my own experience with a cleft palate, I personally felt the
families’ and patients’ anxiety and hope that I witnessed during the days of
screening. Likewise, I knew full well the relief and joy that was experienced
after surgery. The dedicated Operation Smile team healed many children but
they also helped heal my soul. Shortly after her mission to Bolivia, Eileen
was honored by the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, Illinois, with a
Resolution celebrating her work treating children with cleft palates.
Around the World
Look At Life, a New York based art collective
founded by O.A.R. bassist Benj Gershman,
held a photography exhibition and reception
to honor and benefit Operation Smile in New
York City. The exhibition featured selected
photography from 27 Operation Smile volunteer
professional photographers who participated
in the organization’s 25th Anniversary World
Journey of Smiles. It also showed Operation
Smile’s medical missions through the eyes of
the photographers who donate their time, talent
and resources to the charity.
MARC ASCHER
World Journey of Smiles
Exhibition Recognizes
Volunteer Photographers
The General Federation of Women’s
Clubs (GFWC) - 20 Years of
Volunteerism
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) is one of
the world’s largest women’s volunteer service organizations
with 5,500 clubs in 50 states, and with federations and
affiliates in more than 20 countries. They have been
invaluable supporters of Operation Smile for more than 20
years, raising more than $1 million through their Outreach
for Children program.
Across the United States, approximately 3,000 women’s
clubs volunteer for Operation Smile. They sew childrensized hospital gowns, smile dolls, cloth smile bags and
quilts. Members also donate items for the bags. After surgery, each patient receives a smile
bag, which contains a mirror, toy, washcloth, soap, shampoo, comb, crayons, coloring book,
toothbrush, toothpaste and a stuffed animal. Some GFWC members participate on Operation
Smile medical missions, in team roles such as medical records specialists.
A child in Brazil with a handmade
hospital gown and smile bag
The Oviedo Woman’s Club of Oviedo, Florida, which has 140 members, devotes their weekly
sewing group meetings to Operation Smile. Since 2006, club members have raised more
than $6,600 for Operation Smile, and in the last two years the group made 367 gowns, 211
smile bags and 42 quilts, according to Delaine Eflin who serves as the club’s chairperson of
international affairs.
The exhibition was on display from February 26 to
March 3 with an evening reception on February
28 at Splashlight, a photography services studio
that donated their facilities. Printing of all the
images was donated by Digital Plus. Gershman
and Operation Smile volunteer photographer
Rohanna Mertens curated the exhibit.
Operation Smile Chapters – 23 Years of Dedication
Gershman serves as one of Operation Smile’s
Smile Ambassadors and traveled on an
Operation Smile medical mission to Peru in
May 2007.
Since 1990, Jim and Pat Besselman have led the Louisiana Chapter in New Orleans
which hosts an annual golf tournament. The 16th golf tournament is being planned
for October 20, 2008. In addition to raising money for Operation Smile, the Besselmans
added Jose Bravo, an Operation Smile World Care patient, to their family.
(continued from cover)
LIZ BROWN
The Grand Rapids, Michigan Chapter has been led by its co-founders Dr. Steve
and Andrea Ringler for more than 10 years. They volunteer on medical missions and
host many events including Sailing for Smiles, an evening of boating and dining on Lake
Michigan. The Ringlers have reached out to their friends, colleagues, local corporations
and foundations that have generously sponsored Operation Smile medical missions.
Norrie Oelkers, an operating room nurse from New Jersey plays an integral role in
the New Jersey Chapter. In addition to volunteering as a Clinical Coordinator on
medical missions since 1995, she co-chairs the Chapter with Tracy O’Brien. With help
from Chapter members, they will host the annual Share a Smile Gala on October 24.
Joseph Gora began the New Jersey Chapter in the late 1980s and today, Gora’s son
and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Dr. Jill Gora, volunteer in New Jersey and on medical
missions abroad.
Operation Smile volunteer professional photographers
from left: Rohanna Mertens, Stephanie Oberlander,
Jasmin Shah, Jessica Lifland, Mabel Rodriguez, Chet
Gordon, Pamela Jones, Keith Bedford, Shiho Fukada,
Paul Fetters, Will Kerner, and Liz Brown. Front row: Marc
Ascher and Look At Life founder, Benj Gershman.
Kathy Landing first helped develop a Chapter in Detroit, Michigan, and then spearheaded
a chapter in Charleston, South Carolina, which hosted its first event in 2007. Likewise,
Rose Flaherty was previously involved in the Detroit Chapter, and now serves as the
chair for an auction event at Safeco Field organized by the Seattle Chapter. Along
with Rose, Seattle Board Chairman Bill Cox and volunteers Brandy Lawless, Dr. William
Nichols, Mike Manning, Garret Cook and the board, support the Chapter.
For the past 19 years, Chapter volunteers have worked tirelessly to help Operation Smile
provide new smiles around the world. Thank you, Chapters, for all of your hard work
and dedication!
OPERATION SMILE
|7
FUND-RAISING NEWS
In March, Zenith Dental donated more than 50,000
single dose packages of ClearShield® 5% Sodium
Fluoride Varnish to Operation Smile for the
organization’s 12th Annual Dental Mission in
Vietnam. Zenith Dental has a 25-year tradition of
introducing innovative restorative dental materials
and makes KOLORZ™ Hygiene products, which
help reduce tooth decay in children. An Operation
Smile team of 33 general dentists, pediatric dentists,
orthodontists, oral surgeons, endodontists, dental
hygienists, and dental student volunteers traveled
to Vietnam for the Dental Mission, providing
education and dental treatment to nearly 3,000
children and young adults in the cities of Hanoi
and Hue. “Zenith Dental strives to support and
contribute to organizations that actively address
current and relevant health issues,” remarked
George Wolfe, President of Zenith Dental. “We
feel a great satisfaction serving organizations and
companies, but by supporting initiatives such as
Operation Smile’s dental mission, we feel we’re
touching each individual; and collectively, that
makes the difference.”
MARC ASCHER
Donor Spotlight:
University of Maryland dental student Nancy Ngo examines elementary school children in Vietnam
ABIGAIL POPE
DKNY and InStyle “Picture Yourself”
Event Held at Saks Fifth Avenue
DKNY, InStyle magazine, and Saks Fifth Avenue partnered to help
Operation Smile kick-off its 5th Annual Smile Event. The Smile
Committee for the gala hosted the April 10 cocktail party at Saks Fifth
Avenue in New York, celebrating DKNY’s newest fashion collection and
new partnership with InStyle.
Guests were invited to step into DKNY’s photo booth to have their picture
taken to benefit Operation Smile. Guests who made a purchase during
the event received a DKNY picture frame. VIP attendees at the reception
(from left) DKNY CEO Mark Weber, InStyle Managing Editor
included: DKNY CEO Mark Weber, Saks CEO Steve Sadove, InStyle
Charla Lawhon, Saks CEO Steve Sadove
Managing Editor Charla Lawhon and Smile Committee members and
supporters Byrdie Bell, Kipton Cronkite, Martin Dawson, Jamie Korey, Elizabeth Meigher, Dabney Mercer, Tinsley Mercer Mortimer,
Olivia Palermo, Maggie Rizer, Gillian Hearst Simonds, Luigi Tadini, Liz Walker and Chessy Wilson. The partnership continued with an
afternoon of shopping at Saks the following Saturday. The two events raised more than $8,000.
Abreva’s “Kiss it Forward” Campaign Helps Children Around the World
In February, Abreva, the number one pharmacist-recommended over-thecounter cold sore treatment, teamed up with consumers to send virtual kisses
to benefit Operation Smile. Abreva asked consumers to visit www.abreva.com and
click on the “Kiss it Forward” icon or text message the word “KISS” to 8KISS
to download a mobile kiss for a Valentine. Through the campaign, Abreva
donated $10,000 to Operation Smile. “We were honored to work with Operation Smile on the Valentine’s Day Kiss it Forward
program. It was an excellent opportunity to make a contribution on behalf of Abreva to further the mission of helping
children with facial deformities, and it also helped to educate our Abreva consumers about Operation Smile’s important
work,” stated Dave Van Brunt, Abreva Marketing Director.
8
| OPERATION SMILE
Victoria Jackson Cosmetics
Partners with Operation Smile
Victoria Jackson Cosmetics selected Operation Smile for an exciting
direct-sales partnership. Across the country, Victoria Jackson
representatives set up booths in front of high-traffic stores and
businesses to sell Victoria Jackson Cosmetics. Five percent of the
suggested retail price of all Victoria Jackson Cosmetics sold until
November 2008 will go directly to Operation Smile’s global efforts.
To date, more than $100,000 has been raised. For information on the
partnership and a list of all current participating distributors, visit
www.operationsmile.org/victoriajackson.
Oral-B Satin Floss and
Samantha Harris Help
Operation Smile Share the
Joy of a Smile
New York City socialite Tinsley Mortimer is the first Dior
Beauty Ambassador to create and have a Dior color named
for her. “Tinsley Pink,” the limited-release sparkly bubblegum
shade lip gloss, will be sold nationwide exclusively at Saks
Fifth Avenue from May to October. A donation of 5% or
maximum of $10,000 will be made from the sales of “Tinsley
Pink” to Operation Smile. Mortimer has been involved with
Operation Smile for many years, serving as a New York City
Smile Committee member.
VASNA WILSON
Television
correspondent and
“Dancing with
the Stars” co-host
Samantha Harris
partnered with
Oral-B Satin Floss
to not only show
people how to
make their smile
more brilliant, but
to help Operation
Smile. “I’m thrilled
to be working with
Oral-B Satin Floss
on this campaign benefiting Operation Smile
and to be giving children around the world the
opportunity to share their smiles with others,”
says Harris. “Being in the spotlight at work and
at home as a mom, I have come to realize how
important it is to incorporate good oral care in
our daily routines for a beautiful and healthy
smile.” The campaign, which began in February,
encouraged consumers to trade up and replace
their old fashioned floss with new Oral-B Satin
Floss. Ten-thousand feet of donated Oral-B Satin
Floss was distributed by Operation Smile student
volunteers during medical missions and visits to
schools and orphanages. Additionally, Oral-B made
a monetary donation to help Operation Smile put
smiles on children’s faces worldwide. For more
information visit www.oralb.com/saveasmile.
Dior’s Lip Gloss in “Tinsley Pink”
to Benefit Operation Smile
Trumps
Participate on
Nicaragua
Mission
Smile Ambassadors Vanessa and
Donald Trump Jr. participated in
Operation Smile’s medical mission to
Chinandega, Nicaragua, in February
2008. The Trumps played with
waiting children, visited with families,
observed surgeries and reunited
patients with their parents after
their surgeries, like Osman Garcia
(pictured), an 18-month-old boy who
now has a beautiful new smile.
OPERATION SMILE
|9
Events Help
Children
Around the World
PHOTOS (4) JIMI CELESTE/PATRICK MCMULLAN STUDIO
New York, New York
On May 15, more than 800 Operation Smile supporters gathered for the 5th Annual
Smile Event at Skylight Studio. The event celebrated last November’s World Journey
of Smiles global mission that took place simultaneously around the world and
resulted in life-changing surgeries for more than 4,000 children in one week.
Smile Ambassador Mariah Carey
The event honored its contributors who were instrumental in making the World
Journey of Smiles a reality. During dinner, Hasbro, Inc. and Microsoft Corp. were
presented with awards for their invaluable support. Hasbro, Inc.’s CEO Al Verrachia
accepted the Corporate Humanitarian Award and Bill Veghte, Microsoft Corp.’s
Senior Vice President of Online Services & Window Business Group, accepted
the Universal Smiles Award. Smile Ambassador Carmit Bachar of The Pussy Cat
Dolls inducted supermodel Maggie Rizer into Operation Smile’s growing list of
celebrity Smile Ambassadors. Sotheby’s world-renowned auctioneer, Jamie Niven,
conducted a specialty live auction that raised more than $500,000. The event also
commemorated the bond that developed last February between Vanessa Trump,
Donald Trump Jr., Jennifer Marsico and a young boy named Osman Garcia, who
they met during their participation on an Operation Smile medical mission to
Nicaragua. New photos were displayed of 18-month-old Osman’s bright new smile
for the Trumps, Marsico and event attendees.
(from left) Co-chairs Jennifer
Marsico and Lacey Tisch-Sydney
On May 22, the Jr. Smile Collection was held at Espace. This black-tie fund-raiser,
organized by motivated teens from across Manhattan, included dinner, a runway
show, silent auction and after party. New York City business leaders, members
of the fashion industry and the philanthropically-minded elite lent their support.
The evening was hosted by Amanda Cole and Leven Rambin of television’s “All
My Children.” The evening’s premiere sponsors included Seth Greenberg and the
At the Jr. Smile Collection (from left) Sabrina Hahn, vice-chair;
Danielle Rubin, 2007 co-chair; Jessie Leavitt, co-chair; Mahtab
Moinian, co-chair; Alvin Valley, sponsor and designer; Amanda
Cole, co-chair and host; Nicky Ruth, co-chair; Elexa Ruth, 2007
co-chair; Rebecca Frankel, vice-chair
team of Capitale and Espace; AriZona Beverage Company; Dylan’s Candy Bar;
The Moinian Group, and Tiffany & Co. Seth Greenberg and the team of Capitale and
Espace graciously donated the dinner for the evening’s event and Dylan’s Candy Bar
supplied custom made candy centerpieces.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
COURTESY OF MEMBERS OF BEP CLUB, VIETNAM
MANHATTANSOCIETY.COM BY CHRIS LONDON
(from left) Co-chair Andrew Tisch
with Donald Trump
The gala, hosted by Smile Ambassador and “The Sopranos” actress Jamie-Lynn
Sigler, was made possible by InStyle magazine, 10 Cane Rum, AriZona Beverage
Company, Moet Hennessy, Raul Avila, and Nars. Co-chairs of the event, Vanessa
and Donald Trump Jr., Andrew Tisch, Lacey Tisch-Sydney, Jennifer Marsico, and
Charlotte Moss, also attended. The celebratory occasion raised nearly $2 million and
included cocktails by 10 Cane and AriZona Beverage Company, dinner by celebrity
chef Philippe Chow, and music by actor and DJ Nick Cannon. Smile Ambassador
Sotheby’s auctioneer Jamie Niven
Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon’s new bride, attended the after-event.
and Co-chair Charlotte Moss
On May 17, Operation Smile Vietnam hosted its Seventh Annual Evening of Smiles, an art
auction and gala dinner held at the Park Hyatt Hotel. More than 300 guests attended the event
which raised more than $119,000. Longtime Operation Smile supporter Rob Blain, CEO of
CBRE Asia-Pacific, once again served as auctioneer. Throughout the years, he has donated his
time and talents to this event, as well as Operation Smile Vietnam’s annual art auction held in
Hanoi. A laquer representation titled “Grandmother and Child,” donated by famous artist Pham
Luc, sold for $10,000, the highest bid of the night. Gold Sponsors were Unilever Vietnam and
Theodore Alexander. Silver Sponsors were Phoenix Voyages and Atlas Industries Limited.
Rob Blain auctions off “Grandmother and Child”
10
| OPERATION SMILE
RED EYE
Operation Smile celebrated the grand opening of its
new South Florida office in Miami during a cocktail on
March 13. The reception, in partnership with Ocean Drive
magazine and Joley restaurant and lounge, was hosted
by Vanessa and Donald Trump Jr. who serve as Smile
Ambassadors for Operation Smile. The event raised more
than $30,000 and attracted 300 plus attendees, including
some of South Florida’s most prominent philanthropists,
business leaders, cultural contributors and Operation
Smile volunteers. Satcha Pretto, co-host of Univision’s
daily newsmagazine “Primer Impacto,” was named as a
new addition to Operation Smile’s Smile Amabassdors
at the event. The Miami office will recruit South Florida
volunteers, raise awareness and build relationships with
potential donors.
(from left) Committee Co-chairs Adrian Gonzalez and Melissa Katz
with hosts Vanessa and Donald Trump Jr.
Greensboro, North Carolina
Operation Smile Carolinas Chapter hosted the Second Annual Fore the Kids Golf
Tournament on the championship course of Bryan Park on May 9. The event raised
more than $20,000 thanks to the players and sponsors: NewBridge Bank, Pepsi
Bottling Ventures, Land Rover of Greensboro, Joe and Kathy Landing, Lindbrook
Development, Dr. Anthony Nottage, Compass Financial and Terminix. After a day of
golf, everyone enjoyed a cookout dinner and an awards presentation for the winning
teams. Great raffle prizes were awarded throughout the evening including golf clothing
and gift certificates to a local golf course, spa and restaurants. There was also a silent
auction for a week-long stay at a beautiful beach getaway. The winning foursome was
Tony Nottage, Jim Tanner, Neal Kennedy and Will Larkin. “Longest drive” winners
were George Hoyle and Jason McCord. The event was chaired by Dr. Tony Nottage.
Other volunteers included Kathy Landing, Shirley Nixon, Wendy Rothstein, Rich
Rothstein, Steve Ringrose, Kini Johnson, Anna Seaford, Kate Westmoreland, Thor
Rasmussen, Bob Singer and Sharron Frahm.
PHOTOS (2) STEPHEN RINGROSE
Miami, Florida
NewBridge Bank’s Jerry Beasley
receiving an appreciation plaque
from Kathy Landing, president of the
Operation Smile Carolinas Chapter
Winning team (from left) Will Larkin, Jim Tanner,
Tony Nottage and Neal Kennedy
Salt Lake City, Utah
JUSTIN BOWEN
COURTESY OF CLOSE TO MY HEART
Operation Smile Utah hosted its Second
Annual Breakfast for Smiles on May 7.
More than 150 community and business
leaders attended the event as well as
Operation Smile Co-founders Dr. Bill and
Kathy Magee. The event was emceed by
Carole Mikita of KSL-TV Channel 5 and
Jeanette Lynton, CEO and Founder of
Close To My Heart, served as honorary
chairperson and the keynote speaker.
Jeanette Lynton, CEO and
Lynton witnessed Operation Smile’s
Founder of Close To My
work when she participated on a medical
Heart, served as honorary
mission in Guadalajara, Mexico, in October On May 7, during Operation Smile Utah’s Second Annual Breakfast for Smiles
chairperson and the
2007. Robert Freeze, Vice President of
Melvyn Reeves (left) presents Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee with a $25,000 check
keynote speaker
Public Relations, XanGo, LLC, presented
the company’s commitment of $200,000 for medical missions in Mexico. In addition, Close To My Heart recently contributed
$100,000, with an additional $150,000 commitment announced at the event. And Melvyn Reeves of Bountiful, Utah, presented
a $25,000 grant from the MDRT Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Million Dollar Round Table. Additional donations of
$50,000 from The Sorenson Legacy Foundation and $25,000 from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Foundation were
received. Breakfast attendees were treated to a special performance by entertainers David, Doug and Nathan Osmond. Special thanks
to Utah-based Operation Kids, which has been instrumental in securing donations and providing invaluable support.
OPERATION SMILE
| 11
STEPHANIE OBERLANDER
More Than 2,000 Students Run
to Help Children Around the World
Edelawit from Ethiopia Receives a New Smile
As part of the Virginia Beach Shamrock Sportsfest on March 15, more
than 2,000 elementary school students from 130 schools in Virginia and
the U.S. participated in the Operation Smile Final Mile to get fit and
raise money for the organization. Students ages 7-13 participating in the
Operation Smile Final Mile began running in September to complete 25.2
miles, in order to run their final mile on the boardwalk at the Sportsfest
for a total of 26.2 miles, the equivalent of a marathon. Hundreds of
students collected pledges for their miles, raising nearly $50,000 for
Operation Smile. Brigette Clifford helped create the program and has
three boys who ran in the Operation Smile Final Mile.
LISA JONES
These runners helped children like Edelawit
Shekur, a 15-year-old girl from Ethiopia, who
Edelawit Shekur leads the start of the 2008 Operation Smile Final Mile
arrived in Hampton Roads to have surgery to
accompanied by marathon runners from Ethiopia and Kenya
repair her cleft lip. She was in the front of the
pack of runners who started the Operation Smile Final Mile and she crossed the finish line accompanied by
Ethiopian and Kenyan marathon runners. This was a great opportunity for young students to see the impact they
can have on the life of a child living with a facial deformity. Operation Smile provided Edelawit with surgery and
she stayed with the Budorick family of Virginia Beach. In Ethiopia, her name means “the lucky one,” and she said
she was lucky to have been chosen for surgery. Now she is at home in Ethiopia with a new smile, new friends
and a stronger sense of self.
Edelawit three days
after surgery to repair
her cleft lip
6435 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, Virginia 23509
Tel: 757.321.SMILE • 757.321.7645 • Fax 757.321.7660
www.operationsmile.org
Norfolk, VA
Permit # 580
PAID
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage