Record-breaking numbers raised for Wish Upon a Smile Gala 2024 celebrating the countless lives changed over the past 38 years!
Austin Smiles – The Austin Plastic Surgery Foundation proudly hosted its 38th Annual Wish Upon a Smile Gala on November 9th, 2024, at the Starlight Terrace at the Oasis on Lake Travis. This annual event raises essential funds to support Austin Smiles’ mission of providing surgical and post-surgical care to children born with cleft lip and palate in Central Texas and Latin America. This year’s gala welcomed over 350 attendees, a testament to the community’s dedication to Austin Smiles’ life-changing work.
The evening was filled with a gorgeous sunset, philanthropy, camaraderie, awards, auctions, and dancing. Guests enjoyed an exciting raffle and engaged in lively bidding on silent and live auction items. The evening concluded with a special performance by Austin icon, Bob Schneider and his band. CBS Austin’s Allison Miller emceed the event, with Victoria Pineda returning as Auctioneer.
This year’s 6th Annual Cullington, Fox, Beckham International Service Award honored two extraordinary volunteers: Dr. Rick Parker and Barbara Powell. Dr. Parker, a retired Plastic Surgeon and longtime Smiles volunteer - who has spent most of his career as a strong advocate for children with cleft conditions. Dr. Parker has served on countless missions with Austin Smiles, offering his surgical expertise and compassionate care. He also started the organization's annual Shoot for a Smile Charity Clay Shoot which is going on its 28th year in 2025 and has helped raise over $1,000,000 for the organization. Barbara Powell, a retired professor and surgical technologist, has been a dedicated volunteer and mentor, inspiring many through her contributions both on missions and locally in Central Texas. Barbara still volunteers on 1-2 trips annually with the organization each year and helps pack medical supplies for all of Austin Smiles trips, lending her time and talent to change lives. Austin Smiles is deeply grateful for these two awards winners' commitment and lasting impact on children and families they serve.
A moving highlight of the night came when Robert Patterson, a 13-year-old Austin Smiles local client took the stage to share his experiences at Camp Amigo. He spoke about his favorite camp activities—zip lining, face painting, archery, and time at the petting zoo—and how Camp Amigo was filled with unforgettable adventures. More than the fun, though, Robert spoke of the strong connections he formed with others at camp, expressing how impactful it was to be surrounded by peers who shared his experiences. “Camp Amigo was more than just a camp for me—it was a life-changing experience,” Robert said, emphasizing how the supportive environment helped him embrace who he is.
The event was made possible by the dedication of Gala Co-chairs Patty Johns and Michelle Jones and the Wish Upon a Smile Gala planning committee. The two Co-chairs are poised to lead next year’s event back at the Oasis on November 8, 2025.
Every year, Austin Smiles conducts 3 medical mission trips to Latin America, providing over 50 surgeries per trip and offering follow-up support, dental services, and speech therapy to around 150 children with cleft lip and palate. Locally, Austin Smiles serves over 800 patients annually in Central Texas, providing social and emotional programming, nutrition support, parent support groups, speech therapy, advocacy, and preventative dental care.
For those who missed the event, a recording of the live stream is available on Austin Smiles' Facebook & YouTube channels, featuring award presentations and Bob Schneider's performance. To learn more about volunteering or donating, please visit www.austinsmiles.org
All Gala event night photos taken by Charles Quinn Photography
