Operation Smile has helped thousands of children around the world born with cleft palates and lips get the operations they need and face the challenges of being ostracized by their families and communities. The organization held a fundraiser at a private home in the Malibu Colony attended by celebrities and philanthropists.
For more information about Operation Smile and to donate, click here.
Hosts of the Malibu event included Brooke Burke, Scott Rigsby, Billy Bush, Roma Downey, Mark Burnett, Jennifer and Bert Salke, Sherrie Rose, Stan Cook and Ali Wise.
Barefoot Dreams and Alphapals presented Operation Smile Malibu Smile Fest.
Members of the community as well as children were on hand to take part in a Silent Auction and Live Auction. The goal was to raise over $600,000. TV host Billy Bush, from Access Hollywood fame, was emcee and the entertainment was provided by Sierra Sky, Joshua and Jaidyn Triplett, Asa Orbison (daughter-in-law of Roy Orbison), Heff, Garrett Brill, and headliner and Grammy Award recipient Macy Gray. All were amazing!
The event also honored model and socialite Lydia Hearst, daughter of Patty Hearst, with the Universal Smile Award for her work with Operation Smile.
A Taste of Malibu offered food and beverage samplings including local brewery and wine tastings. Local vendors were also set up and donated a portion of their sales to Operation Smile.
The enormous field in the back of the mansion was equipped with festival and field games provided by the West Coast Tigers.
Guests were transported by shuttle to the mansion and treated to a red carpet, an open bar, food, shopping, and entertainment. The sky was slightly overcast but that didn’t deter anyone from having fun and contributing to the cause.
Operation Smile put on a puppet show for the kids that explained cleft lip and palate and how some children are bullied and shamed by their peers.
The kids also enjoyed face painting and arts and crafts.
The goal of Operation Smile is to serve 1 million children with cleft issues in the next decade.
Watch my short video of the festival below.
To donate and learn more about Operation Smile, click here.
Thank you to Alphapals for the invitation.
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