A MILE OF SMILES
There were smiles all around as celebs, docs, A-listers and others gathered at the Regent in Bev Hills to benefit Operation Smile-that heroic group of global do-gooders which literally changes the face of the world.
Malibu beauty Roma Downey and TV titan Mark Burnett served as the evening’s co-chairs. Roma, dressed in a dazzling black-beaded gown and Bordeaux-colored boa is one of the group’s biggest and best known supporters.
“We did a segment on “Touched by an Angel” that was loosely based on Operation Smile,” the prime time star told Malibu Seen. “When the show ended I had more time to get involved.” Soon Roma found herself joining hardworking volunteers on some of their worldwide missions. “You go to these countries and you see such a gap,” she said. “This is a just great way of giving back.”
The organization provides free reconstructive surgery to more than 100,000 children who have been born with cleft palates, birth defects and other deformities. Dr. Randy Sherman, a top doc at USC, has traveled the world on behalf of Operation Smile. In the past 20 years, he has come to the aid of more children than he can practically count. “I’ve gone on 35 missions, about 30 kids a mission, so I’m closing in on a thousand kids.” The Chair of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is extremely proud of the work he’s performed saying, “It’s a first-class organization and we set up a first-class medical facility.”
The stylish crowd clad in everything from Armani suits to fishtail gowns mingled at the upstairs cocktail reception where servers made the rounds with champagne and canapés. After a few sips of bubbly, it was time to fete the evening’s honoree-Donald Trump Jr. and wife Vanessa who have been actively involved in children’s healthcare issues.
As the crowd tucked in for dinner, they got an update on Op Smile activities from the evening’s emcee. “Think of the dozens of times you smile in a day,” “Access Hollywood” host Billy Bush said. “Now try to imagine the kids who can’t. That’s what this organization is all about. Operation smile is changing lives one smile at a time.”
One of the highlights of the gala was a surprise visit by 2-year-old Madelein Cordova Dubon, who was born with a badly cleft lip and palate. Mark and Roma bonded with the little girl on a trip to Honduras earlier this year. Six months later, her mother made the trip from Tegucigalpa to Rodeo Drive to show the couple her daughter’s beautiful new face.
The evening ended on a high note with a musical performance courtesy of mellow music man Christopher Cross and some fancy footwork by the Debbie Allen Dance Company.
The gala raised more than $1 million for the face saving operation and that’s something to smile about!