Philanthropy
Miles for Smiles
Every year we host a philanthropy event to raise money for Operation Smile. Their mission is to repair childhood facial deformities by delivering safe, effective surgery and related medical care directly to patients. They also work to reduce the occurrence of cleft palates and cleft lips by training doctors in partner to treat local populations.
For the past seven years we have hosted a 5K Run/Walk called "Miles for Smiles." The 5K is on the UCSB Lagoon along with a raffle, Kona Ice, and props for pictures.
Every three minutes a child is born with a cleft palate deformity. One in 10 of those children will die before their first birthday. The children who survive are often unable to eat, speak, socialize or smile. In some places, they are shunned and rejected. And in too many cases, their parents can't afford to give them the surgeries they need to live a fulfilling and productive life.
The global partnerships that Operation Smile creates, as well as the knowledge they share, leave a legacy that lives well beyond their medical mission, making a lasting difference in our world.
In addition to this fundraiser, our chapter is also heavily involved with the local community, participating and volunteering at events frequently throughout each quarter. Events include: visits and events with Friendship Manor, the local Senior Home, Adopt-a-Block cleanup in Isla Vista, and Tree Planting with Your Children’s Trees to name a few.
