News / Business
Inspirational Members Project led by American Express and Take Part Chooses Operation Smile as Part of Campaign Designed to Make a Difference
Operation Smile can win $200,000, creating 833 new smiles for children around the world; Operation Smile asks its supporters to please vote!
Every three months, five charities will be chosen to each receive $200,000 in funding from American Express. Operation Smile is one of 49 charities chosen to compete for the initial round of support. For Operation Smile, this partnership is critical. The funding will create 833 new smiles for children around the world suffering from cleft lip and cleft palate. Operation Smile is sending a plea to all its supporters to go online at www.takepart.com/membersproject and vote now - and continue to vote each week. Anyone can vote, whether they are an American Express Cardmember or not.
Each year, more than 200,000 children worldwide are born with a cleft lip and/or cleft palate, and are often unable to eat, speak, socialize or smile. With the help of medical volunteers and generous donations, Operation Smile provides free surgeries for children, healing smiles and bringing hope for a better future. With a presence in more than 50 countries, Operation Smile ensures every patient cared for benefits from the same sophisticated equipment, procedures and highly trained, credentialed staff, no matter where they are.
For updates on Operation Smile’s global efforts, visit the daily blogs on www.operationsmile.org, follow @operationsmile on Twitter, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/operationsmile.
Members Project at www.takepart.com/membersproject is designed to help people make a difference in the lives of others. This program encourages everyone, whether a Cardmember or not, to do their part by providing numerous ways to get involved, share stories and inspire others. Unlike other corporate philanthropic efforts, writing a check is just the beginning for Members Project. Through the Members Project Web site, people can learn more about the issues they care about, volunteer, contribute and drive change through a comprehensive suite of advocacy tools including social networking, viral video, and mobile outreach. TakePart’s creative engagement platform will empower individuals to drive positive change on issues ranging from education and the environment to global emergency relief efforts.
“We are excited that Operation Smile can be a part of such an exciting venture into a new generation of advocacy,” said Kathy Magee, Operation Smile President and Co-Founder. “We hope that our network of supporters will take full advantage of all that TakePart and American Express offer while casting their vote in support of our work.”
About Operation Smile (www.operationsmile.org)
Founded in 1982 by Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee, Operation Smile, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, is a worldwide children’s medical charity whose network of global volunteers are dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children and young adults. Since its founding, Operation Smile has treated more than 145,000 children born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities and the organization has a presence in more than 50 countries. In addition to contributing free medical treatment, Operation Smile trains local medical professionals in its partner countries and leaves behind crucial equipment to lay the groundwork for long-term self-sufficiency.
About American Express
American Express Company is a leading global payments and travel company founded in 1850. For more information, visit http://www.americanexpress.com.
About TakePart
TakePart is a content-driven social action network of people, non-profit organizations, and businesses that are working together to drive positive change on big issues like clean water, education reform, nuclear non-proliferation, and environmental protection. TakePart is driven by the idea that a good story well told can inspire people to take small steps that drive big changes. TakePart is another step in the evolution of its parent company, Participant Media, whose mission is to present entertainment that inspires and compels social change.
