7th Annual Smile Gala in Los Angeles Helps Children Around the World
Operation Smile held its 7th Annual Smile Gala on September 18, 2008 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, Calif. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and the nearly 600 guests who attended the event, approximately $2 million was raised. “E! News” host Giuliana Rancic emceed and entertainment included special performances by Elliott Yamin of “American Idol,” Jackson Guthy, and James Burnett and Reilly Downey. The event was Co-Chaired by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, Victoria Jackson and Bill Guthy and Kelly and Ron Meyer.
 (from left) James Burnett, Reilly Downey, Mark Burnett, Cameron Burnett, Roma Downey. Vince Bucci Photography |
 (from left) The Mense family. Raphael, daughter Natalie, Vicky and son David. Vince Bucci Photography |
The Universal Smile Award was presented to Mario Lopez by Smile Ambassador and actress Roselyn Sanchez. Mario danced his way into America’s hearts on the hit ABC program “Dancing with the Stars” and was most recently named the new host of the daily syndicated entertainment magazine program, “Extra.”
 Smile Ambassador Roselyn Sanchez with Mario Lopez. Vince Bucci Photography |
 Dr. Labib Samarrai with 10-year-old Paige Atkison and Smile Ambassador Carmit Bachar. Vince Bucci Photography |
The Wallis Annenberg Public Service Award was presented to Vicky Mense by her children, Natalie and Daniel. Vicky was born in Taipei, Taiwan and moved to the United States in 1984 with her husband Raphael Mense. She opened Xi’an restaurant in Beverly Hills in 1996. She currently serves as Chairwoman of the Board of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and is also a member of the Beverly Hills Rotary Club, Maple Counseling Center and Beverly Hills Global Partners. Vicky recently participated on an Operation Smile medical mission to Urumqi, China.
 Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt. Vince Bucci Photography |
 Sony’s Ed Wallace (center) with Operation Smile Co-founders Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee. Vince Bucci Photography |
Gary Carter, Chief Creative Officer, FMX and President, Creative Networks, for FremantleMedia accepted the Corporate Humanitarian Award on behalf of the Idol Gives Back Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by the producers of American Idol and Fox to raise money and awareness for children and families living in poverty and at risk in the United States and Africa.
 The evening ended with songs by Elliott Yamin. Vince Bucci Photography |
Operation Smile Co-founders Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee made a special Founders Circle presentation to the Roma Downey and Mark Burnett family. Roma has served as an Operation Smile spokesperson for five years and currently serves on the Board of Governors. In March 2008, Roma and her husband Mark Burnett and three children Cameron, Reilly and James traveled to Amman, Jordan, to attend an Operation Smile medical mission as well as the opening ceremony of the Roma Downey Life Support Training Center. Roma donated funds to help establish the Center as well as life support program equipment and books and funds needed to support training programs for one year.
A highlight of the evening included an appeal made by Smile Ambassador Carmit Bachar and 10-year-old Paige Atkinson from Bakersfield, Calif. Both were born with cleft lips and cleft palates and were helped by Dr. Labib Samarrai, a long-time Operation Smile medical volunteer and doctor at Kaiser-Permanente in Los Angeles.
A donation of $100,000 was presented by Ed Wallace, VP of Community Affairs & Sony USA Foundation, Sony Electronics, Inc. Sony recently partnered with Operation Smile through its promotion for Sony Cyber-shot cameras featuring Smile Shutter.
Smile Ambassadors Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Eric Winter also attended, joined by John Salley, Niecy Nash, Spencer Pratt, Heidi Montag, Catherine Oxenberg, Casper Van Dien, Mariel Hemingway, Trenyce (recording artist and former American Idol contestant), Simon Quarterman, MyAnna Buring, Matt Cedeno, Erica Franco, Michael Copon, Apl.de.Ap (Black Eyed Peas), Tamlyn Tomita, Janet Yang, Sebastian Seigel (The Family That Preys) and Dr. Anthony Griffin.
