World Smile Day Live Fundraiser Reached $54K Goal

Smile Train launched its #540Today campaign timed to World Smile Day and hosted a virtual fundraiser to benefit Smile Train and the 540 babies born with clefts each day — many without proper access to treatment. The World Smile Day Live event was hosted by Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Ciara.

The virtual fundraiser featured celebrity guests and supporters including appearances by Gabrielle Union-Wade, Elle King, Elizabeth Henstridge, Christie Brinkley, Ginger Zee, Kenyan Drake, Kevin Smith, Jake Miller, Prince Royce and Amanda Cerny, who connected with fans while raising awareness and funds for Smile Train's lifesaving work.

"I am proud to be a part of World Smile Day Live with Smile Train, an organization that has made such a difference in the lives of so many children and families globally," said Ciara. "As a mom of three, I admire the bravery and courage of families afflicted by health issues that coincide with being born with a cleft. Now, more than ever, it is so important to help others in whatever way we can."

"With COVID-19 having put more than 37,000 cleft surgeries on hold since January, our work around the globe is more critical than ever as surgeries are able to resume," said Susannah Schaefer, Smile Train President & Chief Executive Officer. "Today and every day, we are grateful for the supporters who make Smile Train's work possible."

World Smile Day Live took place Friday, October 2, at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Smile Train hit its goal of $54,000 in honor of the 540 babies born with a cleft every day around the world. The lifesaving surgery these children need can cost as little as $250 — but for many families this is out of reach.

Smile Train is taking time during the celebration to thank corporate partner, GSK Consumer Healthcare, for their unwavering support since 2018. Working hand-in-hand with Smile Train, GSK Consumer Healthcare has provided valuable funding, awareness building, support, and expertise to help people impacted by clefts worldwide. Jayant Singh, Global Head of Oral Health at GSK Consumer Healthcare, will join the virtual event to share the accomplishments of the partnership.

To learn more about Smile Train's global efforts, please visit smiletrain.org.

Editor's Note: This press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with NonProfit PRO. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of NonProfit PRO and its staff.