Saturday, May 19, 2012 — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce

As medical volunteers provide ongoing comprehensive care at centers worldwide and build sustainable healthcare infrastructure through education programs in partner countries, Operation Smile is positioned to help more children than ever in its 30 years. The 2012 Grin Gala will celebrate the 200,000 life-changing surgeries provided in 60 countries across the globe and support the 20,000 surgical interventions it aspires to deliver this year.

Every three minutes a child is born with a cleft. These children encounter incredible obstacles. Ostracized from a life of everyday normalcy they are ridiculed, unable to properly eat or speak, attend school and are vulnerable to a higher rate of respiratory infection as well as other infectious diseases and malnutrition. One in 10 will not live to see their first birthday. In too many cases, they face uncertain futures because of limited access to healthcare and strained financial resources.

Saturday, May 19, 2012 marks the 5th year of Operation Smile’s Annual Grin Gala. The event was established to raise funds and awareness about the important mission of Operation Smile. Today, the Grin Gala is composed of our closest friends, families and a wealth of Operation Smile volunteers, donors and advocates that come together to celebrate and support our impactful work. Most importantly, the event continues to raise significant funding for missions across the globe.

We are excited for you to join us in this celebration and to help us change the lives of children, one smile at a time!