This year, Austin Smiles celebrates 38 years of life-changing service!
Austin Smiles - The Austin Plastic Surgery Foundation is hosting its 38th Annual Wish Upon A Smile Gala on November 9th at the stunning Starlight Terrace at the Oasis on Lake Travis for an unforgettable evening. The event begins at 5 pm and is dedicated to raising critical funds to support Austin Smiles' mission of providing surgical and post-surgical care to children born with cleft lip and palate, both in Central Texas and across Latin America. Guests will enjoy the best sunset in town, dinner, an open bar, a live auction and a special performance by Austin’s best, Bob Schneider. This year's Gala Co-chairs are Patty Johns and Michelle Jones. The event will be emceed by Allison Miller from CBS Austin and Victoria Pineda will return as the Auctioneer.
The gala takes on special significance this year, as Austin Smiles awards the 6th Annual Cullington, Fox, Beckham International Service Award to two incredible Medical Volunteers: Dr. Rick Parker & Barbara Powell. Together these two individuals have helped transform the lives of hundreds of children born with cleft lip and palate since the organization's inception. Dr. Parker has been instrumental in Austin Smiles’ growth, volunteering his time both locally and abroad, and playing a pivotal role in the creation of the Central Texas Craniofacial Program. Barbara Powell, a certified surgical technologist and longtime professor, has been a cornerstone of Austin Smiles, helping to mentor and recruit volunteers while continuing to participate in annual mission trips. These two are true change makers in the world, and they have made a difference in the lives of many individuals not only on medical mission trips but through their leadership and passion for healthcare here in Austin.
This year’s gala promises to be a spectacular night filled with fun, philanthropy, and a cause that changes lives. A special luxury raffle with a trip to Mexico and a Diamonds Direct necklace. The online auction features one-of-a-kind items and experiences, from getaways to exclusive local experiences, offering something for everyone. Anyone can participate in the online auction and raffle. Your participation directly supports Austin Smiles' ability to provide life-changing surgical care to children in need. Every bid and every ticket purchased helps the organization get closer to their goal of transforming more lives.
One in 700 children is born with a cleft lip and/or palate, which impacts their ability to communicate intelligibly, receive proper nourishment, and their overall quality of life. Austin Smiles, in collaboration with local and in-country entities, aims to develop a continuum of care to identify and treat children as early as possible. In Central Texas, Austin Smiles provides wraparound support and social and emotional services to over 800 children annually who are undergoing surgery at Dell Children’s and Texas Children’s Medical Center. Each year the team takes 3 medical mission trips to Latin America where they perform over 50 life changing surgeries per trip and provide wraparound support such as dental and speech services – bringing the total number of children served per trip to around 100.
The Gala is not just a celebration of the past 38 years but also a call to action for the future. By attending and supporting this event, you help ensure that more children born with cleft lip and palate receive the life-changing care they deserve. For more details on the online auction, raffle, donations, or to learn more about Austin Smiles, visit www.austinsmiles.org. Your support helps create a brighter, more inclusive future for children in need.
