Kissing a Pig to Raise Money for Operation Smile

April 21, 2009

The Central Elementary School students of Pierce City R-VI Schools in Pierce City, MO were given a challenge by one of their teachers: raise enough money for Operation Smile and when the cost of one surgery has been raised, she’d kiss a pig.

Jenifer Graves, MS CCC-SLP, a speech therapist, figured her students would raise $240 easily enough, and they did. In one month, the students collected loose change from their homes and families. But in the end, the promise of one of their teachers kissing a pig for $240 was too great, and they collected $712 for Operation Smile. And for Jenifer, that meant not one, but three kisses, on a pig, which was “donated” for the event by a local alumni member.

But the fundraiser wasn’t just about raising money for Operation Smile. The school tied it to dental hygiene memberships for the students. Each student received a membership card they signed, pledging to brush twice a day and to share their beautiful smiles. The students also each received a new toothbrush and other dental hygiene products, along with a pamphlet about Operation Smile.

“We were really impressed with the low cost of surgery and sheer numbers you have helped,” Jenifer said. “We have about six children in our district with repaired clefts or other facial anomalies. We talked about the fundraiser with our special services director and she loved the idea. Our school uses the Positive Behavior Support framework, which focuses on respect, safety, and responsibility. We wanted to do something to teach them responsibility outside themselves.”
 
The district has created a new club called the Smile Savers Club, with the hopes the fundraiser becomes an annual event. 

“The kids had a wonderful time with the fundraiser. They are all looking forward to doing it again next year and are planning new farm animals for me to kiss,” Jenifer said.