This has been a pretty extraordinary week—the founders of Operation Smile, my friends Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee—were in Salt Lake City to accept a donation from the LDS Church. It’s always good to see them, and I so admire their energy and tireless dedication to the children of the world. They are always joyful people, but their smiles were even bigger on Wednesday. At a press event with Church leaders, the Magees accepted a nearly one-million-dollar contribution from the Church’s humanitarian services that will deliver life-changing surgeries to nearly 3,800 children in Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Jordan. Can you imagine? Nearly four thousand kids will know a chance at a better life because of this incredible donation.
As I spent the morning with the Magees as well as leaders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I felt overcome with gratitude. I am so grateful that there are people willing to help others, regardless of where they live, who they are or what they do. They just see a need and respond to it. The Magees are among the most Christian and selfless people I have ever met, focusing their time and talents on others.
This was a sweet followup to Senior Executive Director Sheri Rottler’s Leadershare event, held in Utah last Saturday. Our team reported that attendees had a blast creating adorable projects and getting business insights, but that a highlight of the event was the Operation Smile silent auction. Sheri encouraged anyone who wanted to participate to create and donate projects. The response was amazing! Attendees vied for more than a dozen beautiful pieces, from mini-albums to an advent calendar, to an incredible, complete Christmas tree decorated with ornaments and a “Sparkled” tree skirt. At the end of the day, the group had raised nearly $800, enough for THREE “smile” surgeries for deserving children.
It wasn’t one million dollars, but I couldn’t have been more touched—it came from the heart and makes a HUGE difference. Thank you to all who participated; selfless people who see a need and respond to it. I’m excited to see more Operation Smile events and together, change the face of the world, one smile at a time!
As I spent the morning with the Magees as well as leaders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I felt overcome with gratitude. I am so grateful that there are people willing to help others, regardless of where they live, who they are or what they do. They just see a need and respond to it. The Magees are among the most Christian and selfless people I have ever met, focusing their time and talents on others.
This was a sweet followup to Senior Executive Director Sheri Rottler’s Leadershare event, held in Utah last Saturday. Our team reported that attendees had a blast creating adorable projects and getting business insights, but that a highlight of the event was the Operation Smile silent auction. Sheri encouraged anyone who wanted to participate to create and donate projects. The response was amazing! Attendees vied for more than a dozen beautiful pieces, from mini-albums to an advent calendar, to an incredible, complete Christmas tree decorated with ornaments and a “Sparkled” tree skirt. At the end of the day, the group had raised nearly $800, enough for THREE “smile” surgeries for deserving children.
It wasn’t one million dollars, but I couldn’t have been more touched—it came from the heart and makes a HUGE difference. Thank you to all who participated; selfless people who see a need and respond to it. I’m excited to see more Operation Smile events and together, change the face of the world, one smile at a time!
You are right it wasn't a million but to those three children it will feel like a million.
ReplyDeleteLeadershare was an incredible event and the donations from that event, as well as from the LDS Church, will go a long way to helping children everywhere!
ReplyDeleteYou are right, the Christmas Tree created and donated by Kris Keys was absolutely STUNNING!
ReplyDeleteShe should be asked to create something for the auction at Convention.
What a beautiful experience, Jeanette. I'm thrilled to hear of ALL of the generous donations to this deserving charity. Inspiration all around. Thanks for sharing. xo
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