Operation Smile: Making people smile for more than 30 years

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 “We believe that all children deserve to live their lives with dignity. And for those suffering from cleft lip, cleft palate, or other facial deformities, dignity begins with a smile.” – Operation Smile

For children who are born with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other facial deformities, their imperfect smiles are a cause of social stigma and bullying. In addition, such deformities also keep them from living a normal life. Everyday activities such as eating, speaking, and smiling are greatly affected.

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 Knowing a single smile can heal hearts and inspire others, Operation Smile has pledged to bring the gift of smile to children with facial deformities. Founded in 1982, Operation Smile is an international children’s medical charity that “heals children’s smiles, forever changing their lives.” More than a charity and an NGO, Operation Smile is driven by medical professionals and caring hearts with the interests of the children at the top of their list.

In a span of 30 years, Operation Smile has provided more than 3.5 million comprehensive patient evaluations and over 200,000 free surgeries for children and young adults with facial deformities in over 60 countries. To date, the foundation continues its mission, taking one step at a time in bringing the gift of smile.

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 Many big names have been supporting Operation Smile through the years. Celebrities like Jessica Simpson, entrepreneurs like Alex von Furstenberg, and corporations like Johnson & Johnson have been helping Operation Smile bring new life to children around the world.

This website lists the different organizations that Alex von Furstenberg supports.

Building better cities

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It is commonly perceived that there is a wide gap between the rich and poor and that they do not share the same aspirations. But this notion is a far cry from what philanthropists do for the less fortunate. For the few who are blessed, their wealth provides the best avenue to create difference in society and help others who were born unlucky. Blessed as they are, the likes of the Rockefellers and the von Furstenbergs are reaching out their hands to those who need help.

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For the fortunate few, most funnel their wealth and money on improving education, health, communities, and the arts. The Rockefellers, the oil magnates, have been in the field of philanthropy since the 18th century. While oil magnate John Davison Rockefeller, who revolutionized modern philanthropy, has already passed away, his family’s efforts are continually felt through the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.

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The von Furstenbergs are also noted for their philanthropy. Alex von Furstenberg, the director and secretary of The Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation, is one of the fortunate few who share their blessings with others. While he is of royal blood, he has made a name for himself in the field of finance and continues to support various organizations, including Friends of the Highline, City-meals on Wheels, and The Fortune Society.  

Know more about philanthropy here.

Family philanthropy: Binding families together

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Forbes asserts that involving children and grandchildren in philanthropic activities is a great way to prepare the younger generations about responsibility and financial independence in the name of generosity.

More importantly, this is also a way of strengthening the ties among families by learning the lessons and experiences of notable family philanthropists, such as David Rubenstein, Pierre Omidyar, and Alex von Furstenberg. These notable givers, together with their families, have become successful in their endeavor of making a huge impact on others.

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There is no match to the fulfillment of working together as a family and helping others in need. For starters, how do they teach their children about giving? No matter how overwhelming the choices and responsibilities are, they must start somehow, somewhere. Here are a few steps to begin with:

1. Adding fun to giving. All members of the family get to choose their own charities. Generally, children would pick animal- and children-based organizations, and adults will have to respect their children’s choice at all cost.

2. Having a budget. When money is involved, the family has to think of ways on how to earn it and schedule a budget for such purpose. Injecting the sense of commitment plays a major role for success.

3. Giving something that they own. Family members could select even one item that they own or cherish. This makes sense of the concept of giving and puts things in perspective.

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Know how you can help others by visiting this Twitter page.