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Operation Smile Hosts Second Annual Breakfast for Smiles

The longest running Operation Smile Chapter, established 23 years ago, is in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Utah Chapter hosted its Second Annual Breakfast for Smiles on May 7 raised more than $250,000. 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. Lynton witnessed Operation Smile’s work when she participated on a medical mission in Guadalajara, Mexico, in October 2007. Utah leaders who donated major gifts included Robert Freeze, Vice President of Public Relations, XanGo, LLC, for 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, CLU, Bountiful, Utah, presented a $25,000 grant from the MDRT Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Million Dollar Round Table. Additional donations were received from The Sorenson Legacy Foundation ($50,000) and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Foundation ($25,000). Guests heard from Thayne Shaffer, Vice President/Controller of America First Credit Union, who joined a group of credit union executives from around the USA and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa, in September 2007. This project raised money for children’s charities, including $14,000 for Operation Smile. Breakfast attendees were also 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 assistance to the work and mission of Operation Smile worldwide.

More than 1,000 Students Assemble in Utah to Help Children Around the World

Operation Smile Utah Student Associations Host the "Be Someone-Utah Student Tribute"

More than 1,000 students from more than 30 Utah schools gathered in a hangar at Million Air in Salt Lake City to celebrate and honor volunteerism as part of the second annual "Be Someone - Utah Student Tribute" on April 7. This event marked the culmination of a statewide fundraiser during which these students pledged to raise $200,000 to help Operation Smile treat more children across the world.

The event was the largest student gathering in Operation Smile's history. The group honored Brigette Magee Clifford, daughter of Operation Smile Co-founders Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee, for her efforts in establishing the first Operation Smile Student Association, called "The Happy Club," at her high school in Norfolk, Va., more than 20 years ago. In addition, Operation Smile President and Co-founder Kathy Magee spoke to the large crowd.

"For all who doubt the ability of young people to literally change the world through service, this night stands as powerful evidence that such is not the case," said event producer and student volunteer Matt Weed.

The evening included dinner, prizes, and dancing. Music was provided by rising soloist Benton Paul, The Handsome, and Side Dish. The One Voice Children's Choir performed in accompaniment of a video presentation, featuring pictures of Operation Smile patients and student volunteers.

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.