News

Operation Smile Colorado hosted the second annual Smiles Around the World

Operation Smile Colorado hosted the second annual Smiles Around the World on September 6 at the Denver home of generous Operation Smile supporter Judi Kent Gervasini. The chapter’s committee, co-chaired by Operation Smile medical volunteers Dr. Chris Weatherley-White and Kristin Neumann, planned the evening to include international cuisine from five of Denver's top restaurants. Entertainment was provided by Kara Nomadica, a Middle Eastern band, and Kantorei, a community choir, which included Kristin Neumann.

Jeffrey Neumann, who bid on and won a mission trip during last year’s live auction, gave a moving speech about his mission experience in China. Guests bid on “smiles” for $750 each and other items, raising more than $20,000 during the live auction. At this year’s event, Jeffrey bid on another mission trip, as did Brian and Stacey Callahan of New Belgium Brewery, who donated a bicycle for the auction and beer for the event. With Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee in attendance as the honored guests for the evening, the event raised more than $60,000, all of which will support the construction of the Operation Smile Comprehensive Care Center in Brazil.

Smiles Around the World 2006

On September 14, 2006, 175 patrons gathered at the home of Judi Kent Gervasini in Denver, CO, to attend Smiles Around the World. People enjoyed an evening of international cuisine donated by six of Denver’s top restaurants (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 a local community choir, Kantorei. Mark McIntosh, local TV personality and motivational speaker, emceed the event. The live auction was auctioneered by Mark McIntosh and guest auctioneer, Valeria DeVine, who brought a lot of excitement to the evening. A pug puppy was auctioned off, as well as an Operation Smile medical mission trip! The event was a huge success as it raised nearly $80,000 to support Operation Smile! Stay tuned for Smiles Around the World 2007!

Colorado Medical Volunteers in Vietnam

In May 2006 five medical volunteers from Colorado made their way to Vietnam for an international Operation Smile mission. The team included Dr. Chris Weatherley-White, Dr. Eric Meyer, Dr. Roger Barkin, and nurses, Lauren Dines and Kathy McKinley. This group of five volunteers has been on over 40 mission trips in their combined mission experiences with Operation Smile.

See photos of Roma Downey’s inspirational journey to Vietnam with an Operation Smile volunteer medical team.

Watch the video of Roma Downey's journey to Vietnam with Operation Smile.

See updated photos of children from the 2003 Vietnam medical mission.