Already Smiling

Last week, I invited Consultants to write in if they are working to support the Operation Smile Make A Miracle Challenge with a specific event or incentive—I love sharing good news and creating additional awareness for people truly passionate about this worthy endeavor. A few great Consultants took me up on my request (even though I hope there are many, many more of you working to build donations for Operation Smile!), and I wanted to share their stories with you.

First, I heard from Holly Veselenak of Michigan, who writes: "as a mom of four children, I can't imagine what it would be like to have a child who wasn't able to be fed or nourished due to this type of (facial) birth defect… From the moment I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Dr. Magee and his wife, Kathleen, I have felt compelled to do whatever I can to help raise awareness for their efforts in saving the lives of thousands of children around the world."

Holly, I couldn't agree more! Holly and her team will be holding a charity crop and auction on Saturday, March 31 (the last official day of our Make A Miracle Challenge!) at the Candlelight Wedding Chapel and Banquet Hall, located at 2108 Auburn Road, Shelby Township, Michigan. Even though the crop itself is sold out, Holly encourages anyone in the area—or the state!--to swing by that day to see and participate in an amazing silent auction with dozens of donated artwork. All proceeds will benefit Operation Smile. Holly says "It would be a lifelong dream to be a part of an Operation Smile mission. So I'm going for it! And even if I'm not the #1 contributor, I'm thrilled that my team and I could be a part of something so worthy and help as many children as we can." For more information about Holly's event and future charity events, she can be reached at hollymv1@comcast.net.  

Next, Barbra Otten responded. I love her fresh and creative approach to raising funds for Make A Miracle. She has been designing and raffling layouts; she also sells cards for $5-$10 on her blog, Facebook, and Twitter pages. I've included a few samples of Barbra's cards below—aren't they beautiful? 

She notes that even her husband has gotten into the act, offering cards and Operation Smile information to those he works with. Barbra says, "I'd never even heard of Operation Smile until I joined Close To My Heart in 2008.…I was really unaware how a short and inexpensive operation could completely change a child's life. When I heard about the Make A Miracle Challenge, I knew I might have the chance to experience that miracle with my own eyes. I know there are many Consultants trying to win the trip, too, so I have been concentrating on just one $240 operation at a time, knowing that if I don't go, I am still able to make a difference!"

I love Barbra's attitude of service and her creative approach to driving donations. If you'd like to learn more about Barbra's artwork or incentives, you can visit http://barbraotten.com or visit her on Facebook at facebook.com/scrappingwithheart.

Finally, I heard from a pair of Consultants who have teamed up to work together. One of the things I love most about Close To My Heart is the camaraderie and community we share, and I think a spirit of collaboration in Make A Miracle is particularly touching. Elizabeth Mindemann (the blonde in the photo) and Stephenie Zdrojewski are longtime friends but fairly new members to the Close To My Heart family. Elizabeth writes that when she signed up as a Consultant her "initial thought was how can I use this business and my gift of creativity to benefit others." Wow! What an impressive mission!

In the past year, the pair have hosted events to benefit their local food bank and other efforts. Elizabeth says, "Why Operation Smile? We are both mamas of young children and realize that when our children smile it brings a smile to our faces and the faces of those around. I admire the work of Operation Smile and the efforts to give a child confidence."

Stephenie and Elizabeth will be hosting a crop on March 17 in Lancaster County, PA and will also be working on a "smile-a-thon." To find out more about their plans and to support their efforts, you can visit www.ejoym.blogspot.com/2011/12/operation-smile-all-day-crop.html

I wish all of you well—Holly, Barbra, Stephenie, and Elizabeth—and all those of you who are also working consistently to raise funds for Operation Smile, whether the Make A Miracle mission is in your sights or not. Remember that every dollar makes a difference, and every donation is needed no matter how small.


Are you working to Make A Miracle happen too? If you'd like me to share your story, I'll make an effort to do it (space and time permitting, of course). Just e-mail me your details at me@jeanettelynton.com. Together, let's change the world one smile at a time!