On August 3, 2010, Operation Smile proudly announced a significant milestone: the organization has given 150,000 smiles to children and young adults around the world who previously suffered from a debilitating cleft lip or cleft palate. More than 150,000 lives are now changed forever.

Since, 2005, when PPA Charities chose Operation Smile to be its charitable beneficiary, PPA members and vendors have donated more than $250,000 to Operation Smile, meaning that photographers who make their livings by bringing smiles to the faces of their clients, are responsible for helping Operation Smile volunteers save 1,041 of these 150,000 smiles. It takes only $240 to fund the gift of surgery to a child by Operation Smile’s volunteer medical and support staff.

In 2010, Operation Smile trustees hope to save 500 more smiles through PPA member-donations, having set a goal of $120,000, which will eclipse 2009’s record-breaking donation of $100,000.

Please stand together with your fellow PPA members to make possible the miracle of surgery for children such as these beautiful twins whose lives were changed forever because caring individuals gave them the life-changing gift of their smiles. To see more examples of Operation’s Smile’s extraordinary work around the world, view videos by clicking here.