Operation Smile held its 30th Anniversary Smile Gala September 28 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. It was an unforgettable evening celebrating the more than 200,000 surgical procedures for children born with facial deformities around the world whose lives Operation Smile has changed forever — and recognizing the thousands more children who desperately need our help.
The 30th Anniversary Smile Gala honored Smile Ambassadors Brooke Burke-Charvet and David Charvet, philanthropist Jill Grey, outdoor eclectic footwear company Sanuk, humanitarians Julia and Stephanie Argyros, Krista Jajonie and Daneia Sanadiki were also honored.
Access Hollywood host Billy Bush served as Master of Ceremonies; singer Chris Mann and violinist Caitlin Moe performed; and Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, Sue Naegle, Jennifer Salke and Dr. Randy Sherman, Chaired. A highlight of the evening included a surprise announcement by honoree Julia Argyros, on behalf of the Argyros Family Foundation, that they will be donating $1 million to Operation Smile. In total, the gala raised more than $2 million to benefit the organization.
Gala Chairs: Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, Sue Naegle, Jennifer Salke, Dr. Randy Sherman
Master of Ceremonies: Billy Bush from Access Hollywood
Honoring: Brooke Burke-Charvet & David Charvet, Universal Smiles Award Jill Grey, Wallis Annenberg Public Service Award Sanuk, Corporate Humanitarian Award Julia & Stephanie Argyros, Krista Jajonie and Daneia Sanadiki, Founders Circle Award
Who: 800+ guests from Los Angeles and around the globe join forces to help children worldwide
What: A premiere dinner, awards and entertainment
When: September 28, 2012
Where: Beverly Hilton Hotel
Why: A surgery can change a child's life forever; you have the power to help transform a child's life.
