Operation Smile has raised big bucks throughout the years thanks to Malibu’s Roma Downey, Mark Burnett and neighbors Brooke Burke-Charvet and David Charvet.
This year was no exception. Beautiful Brooke served as host for the second year in a row and had a flock of kid-friendly fans join her at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
The evening started with a VIP cocktail reception. Guests mixed and mingled until they heard the sound of music. That’s when the “United Voices” gospel choir summoned them to the Grand Ballroom.
Brooke thanked everyone for opening their hearts and their wallets, saying the children’s live-saving mission began with the basic premise “every child in every country deserves to face the day with a smile.”
Operation Smile is active in more than 60 countries with 5,400 medical volunteers.
Since 1982, the organization has provided almost half a million free surgical procedures for children and young adults born with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities.
After Brooke’s welcoming remarks, Operation Smile founders Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee were introduced and thanked everyone for their support.
After a shout out for the cause, the awards presentation followed.
Ken Corday of “Days of our Lives” received the John Connor Humanitarian Award. Operation Smile Ambassador and 2013 Universal Smile Award honoree, actress Kate Walsh, presented this year’s Universal Smile Award to “Access Hollywood” anchor and fellow Smile Ambassador Billy Bush, describing him as the organization’s “big brother.”
BB was humbled by the tribute, saying, “We all have a responsibility to give back. It has been an honor to be involved in healing smiles for the past 12 years, and I will be forever.”
The evening ended on a high note with a performance by Company Men. Next, the evening’s headliner, Judith Hill, took to the stage. The gifted songbird captured hearts in the Oscar-winning documentary, “20 Feet From Stardom.” She has also appeared on Mark Burnett’s smash competition TV hit “The Voice.” Ms. Hill wowed the crowd with a trio of uplifting numbers including “You’ve Got a Friend.”
After an evening of music and inspiration, all seemed to be on the same page with Operation Smile, which says “a smile is a doorway to the soul and no child should have to face the world without it.”