Recently Operation Smile held its 26th annual Smile Gala: A Luau for Hope at the Beverly Hilton Hotel! The event was dedicated to expanding access to safe, life-changing surgery for children around the world. Since 1982, Operation Smile has believed that safe surgery is a universal human right. Today, more than 5 billion people — more than two-thirds of the world’s population — lack access to safe, affordable surgical care. In low-and-middle income communities, nine out of 10 people are left without care due to limited infrastructure, long distances to hospitals and a critical shortage of trained specialists.
Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition. Without treatment, children can face serious health complications, including difficulty feeding, breathing, eating and speaking. In many communities, children with cleft conditions also experience social stigma, bullying and social isolation, while limited access to health care and financial resources can lead to uncertain futures.
"Los Angeles is always a powerful reminder of our biggest community of caring," said Kathy Magee, co-founder, president, and CEO of Operation Smile. "With Brooke Burke leading our celebration, we are reminded that our community is the engine of our mission. Together, through Operation 100, we are building hope by expanding access, bringing care closer to home and creating a lasting impact.”
This year’s event brought guests into the spirit of community care while highlighting Operation Smile’s work connecting Los Angeles to children and families across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The evening honored philanthropists Sherrie Rose of Alphapals and Stan Cook of Barefoot Dreams with the Founders Circle Award; artist, activist, filmmaker, musician, and humanitarian Jaime Kailani with the Cotto Changemaker Award; and LAFC Founding Director & Owner Henry Nguyen with the Hope Builder Award.
Attendees included: Perry & Etty Farrell, Tia Carrere (Honored Guest, Lilo & Stitch), Maia Kealoha (Honored Guest, Lilo & Stitch), Megan Lawless (Obsession), Wendi McLendon-Covey (The Goldbergs), Brooke Burke (Host & Operation Smile Global Ambassador), Craig T, Nelson, R’Bonney (Miss Universe 2022), Carmit Bachar (Performer & Pussycat Dolls), Jaime Kailani (Cotto Changemaker Award Honoree), Henry Nguyen (Hope Builder Award), Sherrie Rose & Stan Cook (Founders Circle Award Honorees), Jacki Jing (Emcee), Lindsay Watson (Moana 2), Annie To (The Pit) & Mark Gagliardi (Bood & Treasure), Jay Huguley (Landman), John Savage (Deer Hunter), Kevin Kreider (Bling Empire), and more.
Guests enjoyed sunset cocktails, cultural dance performances by Nonosina, Maia Kealoha (hula), Aleu Moana, Tiara Bella of Hula Halau ‘O Kamuela, fire dancing, and live entertainment by Tia Carrere & Mathew Santos, Carmit Bachar, Zaryan Merchant, Precious Perez, and David Charles, as well as a silent and live auction that included an exclusive backstage concert experience with Bruno Mars! The evening celebrated the selfless supporters whose generosity helps transform lives, strengthen communities, and build sustainable local health systems around the world.
*All photos courtesy of: Michael Simon, Getty Images for Operation Smile
